Intel introduces low power 3rd generation Core processors

Posted on 8 Jan 2013 at 07:03, by Tom Morgan at IFA in Berlin

Intel has used its CES press conference to announce its ultra-low voltage processors, designed for the newest lines of Ultrabooks, convertibles and tablets, will be launching a lot sooner than expected.

Originally expected to launch as part of Intel’s 4th generation Core processor line-up, otherwise known as Haswell, the company has instead exceeded its targets and has already begun volume shipping processors to manufacturers.

Despite reducing the power consumption to a measly seven watts, Intel claims these latest Ivy Bridge processors will be capable of five times the performance of an Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset. Although few specifics were mentioned at the press conference, Intel says there are already more than a dozen designs in development based on this new low-power chip, with the expectation they will deliver a full PC experience in smaller form factors than ever.

The one example given was Lenovo’s Yoga 11S Ultrabook - the 11.6in ultra-portable was previously expected to ship with Windows RT, but now Intel’s low-power processors are available, the manufacturer has been able to upgrade it to the full Windows 8 operating system. Detachable Ultrabooks from Acer will also be coming by the summer.

We’ll be taking a closer look at both Intel’s reference hardware and Lenovo’s Ultra-low voltage Yoga 11S tomorrow when the CES show floor opens to the press.

For all the latest news from the CES show, read CES 2013: In-depth, hands-on coverage from our team in Las Vegas