Intel launches the long awaited first set of 22-nanometer Ivy Bridge processors, with 13 varieties of quad-core chip for desktop and full-size laptop use.
Smaller devices will have to wait though-- dual-core and low-power processors for ultrabook-style PCs (and tablets) will only be available "later this spring."
"This is the world's first 22-nanometre product and we'll be delivering about 20% more processor performance using 20% less average power," Intel claims.
The company hopes the Ivy Bridge launch will bring momentum to a currently turgid PC market. Intel says there are around 300 mobile products and over 270 different desktop PCs (including all-in-one designs) using Ivy Bridge in development.
11 years in the making, Ivy Bridge uses "3D" Tri-Gate transistors, adding vertical silicon fins to reduce energy leakage. The chips handle 4K video resolutions with faster transcoding rates and carry USB 3.0 capability and hardware-based security options.
