After Tablet PCs, the computer platform which is gaining momentum among people is the Ultrabook. The reason for its popularity is solid performance in a lightweight, ultrathin design. As of now, most Ultrabooks run on Intel’s second generation of Core Processors (Sandy Bridge) but Ultrabooks are expected to be fast Intel is working on building a new generation of processor micro-architecture which is codenamed Haswell.
Haswell was introduced by Paul Otellini, Intel’s CEO at IDF (Intel Developer Forum) 2011. This new processor micro-architecture has couple of new characteristics over Ivy Bridge (next-generation of Intel core processors; expected to release in 2012) including a 22 nm manufacturing process, 3D tri-gate transistors and 14 stage pipeline (first came to existence with Intel’s Core processor family).
Processor built on Haswell micro-architecture would designed with Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2) instruction set including gather, bit manipulation, Floating Point Multiply Accumulate, and FMA3 support. This processor family would not only improve the ability to process data but would also minimize heat production (up to a factor of 20) thus enabling Ultrabooks to work without damage for long durations. Ultrabooks are expected to offer a minimum battery life of 8 hours which would be one of its important selling points.
Expected Features in Haswell micro-architecture:-
- New Cache design, 1 MB L2 cache per core and up to 32 MB L3 cache for high-end server models including Extreme Edition & Xeon which would provide a snappier web hosting experience for consumers
- 15W Thermal Design Power (TDP), multi-chip packaging esp. for Ultrabooks
- Up 2-4 cores for personal computers and up to 8 cores servers
- Power-saving System
- Thunderbolt Technology and more
Haswell microarchitecture-based processors are expected to launch by 2013.
Any thoughts on this?
