In order to boost its competitive positions on the market of servers, Intel Corp. reportedly plans to slowdown the ramp of microprocessors with code-named Nehalem micro-architecture on the market of desktop computers. Moreover, the code-named Lynnfield and Havendale processors, which are aimed at mainstream and performance markets, are now only scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2009.

Apparently, Intel’s digital enterprise group led the development of Nehalem micro-architecture and design, which is why servers will be the first to take advantage of Nehalem/Bloomfield microprocessors in Q4 (or even Q3) 2008, high-end desktops and workstations will be the second in late 2008, but not on large quantities, whereas only in Q3 2009 Intel plans to introduce quad-core Lynnfield/Clarksfield and dual-core Havendale/Auburndale chips designed for mainstream and performance-mainstream desktops/notebooks, reports PC Watch web-site citing market rumours.

Intel’s Lynnfield processor is a Nehalem micro-architecture-based monolith quad-core microprocessor in LGA1160 form-factor with dual-channel DDR3 memory controller as well as PCI Express 2.0 x16 interface to connect add-on graphics cards. Intel’s Havendale processor is multi-chip module (MCM) in LGA1160 form-factor containing Nehalem micro-architecture-based dual-core CPU as well as graphics and memory controller hub (GMCH) that features dual-channel DDR3 memory controller, PCI Express 2.0 x16 interface to connect add-on graphics cards as well as integrated graphics core. It is projected that both chips on the MCM are made using 45nm process technology.

Earlier it was believed that central processing units powered by Nehalem micro-architecture for mainstream desktop computers will become available already in the first half of next year, which would indicate a pretty rapid, but not speedy, transition to a new breed of chips for Intel Corp. For example, the world’s largest x86 processor maker released a breed of Intel Core 2 Duo processors, which included models in $183 - $999 price-range, a month after it launched its first Core 2-based server chips. A more than half a year gap between release of a server chip and a mainstream desktop chip indicates a relatively sluggish ramp or Nehalem micro-architecture.

Nevertheless, the comparatively slow adoption rate of a new microprocessor design may be easily explained by the fact that Nehalem chips require a completely new infrastructure: new core-logic sets, new mainboards, new sockets, cooling systems and so on, which is why system integrators might not demand rapid transition.

Officials from Intel did not comment on the news-story.