Intel is likely to accelerate transition to dual-core desktop chips by designing next-generation Pentium M processors code-named Jonah to fit not only into mobile, but also into desktop computers.

Quite some sources earlier indicated Intel’s intention to introduce a processor architecture that would be used in mobile and desktop processors. Nowadays Intel offers Pentium 4 chips and derivatives for desktops and Pentium M microprocessors for notebooks because the Pentium 4 consumes too lot of energy and dissipates more heat for mobile computers.

However, earlier it was said that the unified architecture for different processors is to be introduced in 2006 or 2007. It was expected that the first similar CPUs from Intel for desktop and notebook computer will be Merom and Conroe, but DigiTimes web-site reported today that Intel’s next year’s Jonah processor will fit both in desktop and laptop PCs. Nevertheless, the timeframes for the Jonah are now said to be the 2H 2005 or the 1H 2006.

The code-named Jonah chip is projected to contain two Dothan cores and to be made using 65nm fabrication technology. The central processing unit is said to disable the second core when functioning on battery power and will enable both cores once the computer is plugged to power outlet. Thermal Design Power of Jonah is likely to be about 45W, while die size is expected to be 100 – 120 square millimeters.

The successors of Jonah are Merom, Conroe (2006) and Gilo (2007) processors, all featuring brand-new architecture with 64-bit extension technology. Conroe might become Intel’s first dual-core IA32e processor for desktop computers. Intel’s code-named Merom microprocessor, which is also going to have a breed designed for desktop computers, will support all the latest techniques from Intel, including Intel Extended Memory 64 technology (IA32e), La Grande technology, Hyper-Threading technology, Vanderpool technology and some other features aimed to improve CPU performance and extend usage patterns of PC. The Merom microprocessor is expected to contain two or more processing cores and 4MB of built-in on-die cache, which is unbelievable size for desktop chips.

It is not clear which advantages the Jonah chip will have in terms of functionality over Banias and Dothan microprocessors.