IDF 2010: Sandy Bridge

Sandy Bridge is the first processor architecture in which GPU and CPU cores are integrated into a single die. It will be made according to the 32nm process technology. Volume shipments are slated for early 2011.

GPU and CPU interaction is handled by Ring, a new internal interface that succeeds QPI.

Thanks to modular nature, Sandy Bridge can easily be modified into a cheaper dual-core processor. GPU capabilities can also be modified flexibly.

Naturally, Sandy Bridge utilizes a new version of Turbo Boost. Now all four CPU cores or the GPU can be overclocked according to application needs, even with temporarily going beyond the TDP scope.

A few tests were run on both the new and old architecture to demonstrate the advantages of the new one. A number of photos was processed by an HDR filter, an HD movie was converted for iPod, and a 3D scene was rendered. Obviously, Sandy Bridge was faster in every test.

Thanks to new capabilities, Sandy Bridge can be used for real-time object recognition and analysis, e.g. in security systems.

Now some photos of the new processor.

Click to enlarge.


Click to enlarge.

Source: iXBT.com

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