Intel has unveiled the fifth Generation Intel Core processor family. Named “Broadwell,” the long-expected chip technology is introduced in 14 new processors for consumers and businesses, including ten new 15W processors with Intel HD Graphics and four new 28W products with Intel Iris Graphics. Alongside the release is the “Cherry Trail” mobile processor, offering 64-bit computing, and improved graphics for the mobile user.
Key benefits of Broadwell include Intel’s new 14nm process technology to improve upon the previous generation with 35 percent more transistors on a 37 percent smaller die. The new process, combined with architectural enhancements, enables the fifth generation Intel Core processors to deliver up to 24 percent better graphics performance, up to 50 percent faster video conversion and battery life that is up to 1.5 hours longer, according to Intel.
Broadwell also includes graphics options including Intel HD Graphics 5500, HD Graphics 6000 and Iris Graphics 6100. Additional platform features include enhanced new codec decode support for VP8, VP9 and HEVC, as well as support for the latest graphics APIs (DX 11.2, DX 12 Ready) and graphics programmability features, including OpenCL 2.0 and OpenGL 4.3.
The new processor family includes the Core i3, i5, i5 vPro, i7, i7 vPro processors. New entry-level Pentium and Intel Celeron processors, also based on the 14nm process, are now available. Systems based on the new architecture from a variety of manufacturers are expected to arrive in January. Devices based on the “Cherry Trail” platform are expected in the first half of 2015.
Prices range from $107 for the Celeron 320SU, to $426 for one of three i7 processors in the line. As of yet, no true quad-core processors have been announced in the Broadwell line.
