- Feb 6, 2010
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This is SB-E at 32nm, an 8-core die, 2,27B transistors at 435mm2
From this die we have the Core i7 39xx series 6-core CPUs.
And this is SB-E at 22nm, an 8-core die, 2,27B transistors at 220-240mm2
Just for reference, SB die is 216mm2 and Quad core SB-E (Core i7 3820) is at 294mm2.
I dont believe anyone should have any doubt that Intel cant release a 6 core IV-E at $300 and 8-core at $500 and up and make tons of profit both in High End desktop and Server.
This is not a question IF they can do it, this is a question If they want to do it
Very good post!
So, basically already with existing 22 nm processing technology Intel could release 6C/8C mainstream CPUs. But that is of course under the assumption that it does not contain any iGPU (at least none of any reasonable size). And currently Intel does seem to want to sell mainstream CPUs without iGPU.
But looking forward just one node shrink (Broadwell), Intel could double both the iGPU and the number of CPU cores (and associated caches) compared to IB, and still stay within the same die size as current IB CPUs! Pretty amazing when you think of it.
Looking forward yet one more node shrink (Skymont), they could double that again.
I know there is a problem with just adding more cores, since it from a SW perspective can be hard to utilize then efficiently. That is likely why Intel over the last 4-5 years instead has spent the advancements in processing technology (i.e. node shrinks) on adding other stuff on the die, such as iGPU / VRM / Integrated Memory controller, and lately also to reduce the die size to produce chips with lower TDP (important for e.g. Ultrabooks).
But we are reaching a point where most "stuff" has been integrated on the die, and the iGPU is fast enough for most people. So now the question arises what to do with future advancements in processing technology? Here I have to agree with BenchPress that the fact that Intel has decided to add TSX on Haswell likely is a sign of what to come...
But of course you never know until details about the coming CPU generations start to appear. So based on previous experiences, does anyone know when we can expect Intel to present more details on Broadwell (and later CPU generations)? Can it be already on the next Intel Developer Forum in September? When did details about Haswell start to appear?
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