Intel´s CPU and platform roadmap after the IDF
IDF has passed and it´s high time to rearrange the Intel´s CPU and platform roadmap.
First, speaking of the desktop CPU roadmap, the dual-core solution codenamed Smithfield became Pentium D. Other, more significant modifications are improbable.
Besides, some light was shed on the previously unclear roadmap of Extreme Edition processors. The Smithfield core will appear in the this high-end series as well. The new processors series will start from 3.20GHz Pentium Extreme Edition with 840 Processor Number. Frequency and model number will be the same as those of dual-core Pentium D, but the new Pentium EE will also have Hyper-Threading in the form of 4-thread TLP (Thread-Level Parallelism).
Speaking of mid-end, Intel is going to offer the dual-core configurations to this segment as well. The price of Pentium Extreme Edition solutions is not known yet, but considering the high-end character it won´t be that affordable.
Desktop CPU roadmap
Now let´s speak of Intel´s CPU evolution. In H1 2006 the 65nm generation is confirmed to the single-core CedarMill and dual-core Presler, Dempsey solutions. In about a year the new processor based on the mobile Merom are to be dragged into the desktop segment as well.
As for the server market, the 90nm dual-core Paxville processors are confirmed. These will be the "intermediate" novelties, because longer work will be required on the Smithfield that simply has two CPU cores on a single die. When the development is finished, the Paxville will be followed by the 65nm Tulsa.
Furthermore, the multiple core Whitefield will continue the evolution of IA-32 segment in 2007. The source believes the Whitefield to be based on multiple Merom cores.
Speaking of the IA-64 servers, the multi-core Tukwila, which is to bear the new architecture, is still confirmed for the late 2007. There was some time period when Tukwila was considered to be temporarily cancelled, but now it´s OK. In addition, this time it was made clear the Poulson core will follow the Tukwila as its 45nm modification.
CPU evolution
Let´s finish with Intel´s platform roadmap. For customers the company plans to promote platforms as a single whole, trying not to separate CPUs from chipsets. But as we all know, there´s usually a time gap between processor and chipset announcements. Because of this a platform is to be considered ready, when all components are officially released.
For example, the Presler/Cedarmill are expected in Q1 2006 and the Broadwater chipset is to be released about Q2 2006 only. Therefore the Averill and the Bridge Creek platforms are only expected in Q2 2006.
Platform evolution
Source: Hiroshige Goto at PC Watch
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