Mike

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While computer enthusiasts looking for the latest technology from Intel are no doubt frothing at the mouth about the recent Ivy Bridge developments, the successor to the Ivy Bridge is ambitious in scope. With most laptops now being shipped with Sandy Bridge architecture (native USB3 compatibility and eSATA, as well as support for 6 core Intel i7, i5, and i3 processors), Intel will soon begin rolling out Ivy Bridge. But reports indicate it has already begun work on its next-generation processing architecture: code-name Haswell.

For those who already have high performance computing rigs, servers, and workstations, the difference may seem negligible, and may appear, on the surface, to be yet another change of the motherboard architecture design that requires a new chipset and processor socket. However, there is more to the development in Haswell than meets the eye.

It has become apparent that Intel is attempting to compete directly with Britain's ARM Holdings Semiconductor. ARM is the company responsible for the highly miniaturized use of ARM-architecture central processing units (CPUs) and motherboards on modern smart phones and pads. Nearly every iPhone and Android smart phone is using ARM, and Windows 8 will reportedly be rolled out for ARM on smart devices in 2013.

However, if Intel's plans take off, ARM may be making a run for its money. For example, while the difference between programming design for the Intel x64 and x86 architecture may be extreme compared to ARM, developers are likely to be far more ready to program for Intel-based processors again than they are for ARM.

Like Ivy Bridge, the Haswell successor is likely to be based on a 22 nanometer (nm) manufacturing process, and will use 3D trigate transistors. The 3D trigate transistors designed by Intel use 50% less power and up to a 30-40% performance increase in processing power. The transistors will also reportedly be used in newer Intel Atom processors on netbooks and other miniature devices.

However, the one area where Haswell is said to compete in a major way is battery life. According to a report by BBC News and Intel's Kirk Skaugen, the goal of Haswell will be to give you 20x more battery life in standby mode and up to 10 days of battery life in constant operation. If these statements ring true, prepare for this technology to begin to appear in 2013 with Ivy Bridge, and become more apparent with the release of the Haswell architecture at a later time.

However, anyone who has used modern cell phones knows that battery life is a big deal. Here in the states, and likely throughout Europe, phones that have promised 20 hours of battery life have become big sellers. One example is the Verizon 4G Razr MAXX smart phone from Motorola, scheduled to be upgraded with Android's Ice Cream Sandwich OS in coming weeks.

According to these indications from Intel, 10-20 days of battery life would not be out of the question using 22nm processors. Such a proposition could shift the balance of power in the marketplace once again away from ARM and towards Intel and AMD, as a rift now exists between traditional desktop and notebook computers and smart devices.

Source: BBC News and Intel Corporation

 

Intel's Haswell: A Leap in Processor Technology In the vibrant landscape of computing technology, Intel's shift towards the Haswell architecture marks a significant milestone, especially as we reflect on its journey from the early Ivy Bridge processors introduced over a decade ago. While enthusiasts were initially captivated by the advancements Ivy Bridge brought—such as impressive energy efficiency courtesy of 22nm tri-gate transistors—Haswell is poised to make an even more substantial impact as it targets improvements in battery life and overall performance.

The Evolution of Processor Design​

Ivy Bridge was a critical step for Intel, featuring groundbreaking tri-gate transistors that reduced power consumption by approximately 50% and offered a 30-40% increase in performance. But Intel didn't stop there; developments with Haswell aim to take these innovations further. Reportedly maintaining this 22nm fabricating process, Haswell targets an impressive goal of 20 times better battery life during standby and up to 10 days of active use. The emphasis on battery life responds to a growing urgency in the tech world, particularly as it competes with ARM architecture, prevalent in smartphones and tablets. ARM's success is attributed to its energy efficiency—a feature Haswell intends to rival significantly.

Energy Efficiency: Winning the Battery Life Battle​

The prospect of a processor maintaining functionality with such an extended battery life could not only attract more users to Intel's offerings but also reshape market dynamics. Microsoft’s upcoming release of Windows 8, which was expected to support ARM architecture, underscores the competitive landscape. Still, if Haswell delivers as promised, it could not only slow ARM's momentum but potentially reclaim market segments previously dominated by it.

Future Implications​

As per Intel's strategy, Haswell signifies a commitment to securing its position against AMD and ARM through innovations that improve user experience and lower power consumption. The success of this processor design will likely determine Intel's ability to innovate continuously in a demanding market that increasingly favors mobile and ultra-portable devices.

Your Thoughts?​

What are your predictions for the impact of Haswell on the computing industry? Are you more excited about advancements in battery life or processing power? Let's discuss in the comments below! In related tech discussions, feel free to check out threads on the latest Windows updates that optimize these newer architectures or other performance-enhancing hardware recommendations that could complement a Haswell setup.​

For further insights into Intel's architectural developments and their implications for users and manufacturers alike, be sure to follow our ongoing coverage in the Water Cooler section!
 

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