Intel launches next-gen Ivy Bridge processors
Intel has officially launched the first wave of its Ivy Bridge processors with a new tri-gate transistor technology, touting the new chips as the "world's first 22 nanometer product."
The chipmaker released 13 quad-core processors on Sunday and promised that new dual-core processors will arrive later in the spring. MacNN reports that the first batch of chips are from the Core i5 and i7 families.
CEO Paul Otellini said earlier this month that the "bulk" of the initial Ivy Bridge lineup would arrive in desktop PCs. However, Apple is expected to use the new quad-core chips in an update to its MacBook Pro line. After moving to a 22nm process for Ivy Bridge, Intel boasts 20 percent more performance while using 20 percent less power. Intel PC business chief Kirk Skaugen told the BBC that the launch will be Intel's "fastest ramp ever."