Intel Corp. may unveil its first microprocessors featuring integrated graphics cores code-named Arrandale, Clarkdale and Pineview at the Consumer Electronics Show 2010, which will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, in early January.

At present Intel plans to unveil its Arrandale and Clarkdale processors sometimes between the 2^nd of January and the 6^th of February, 2010. The launch window for the next-generation Intel Atom code-named Pineview is between the 1^st and 31^st of January, 2010, according to sources with knowledge of the matter. Considering the fact that Intel’s chief executive officer Paul Otellini will hold a keynote at the opening of the Consumer Electronics Show, it is highly likely that Intel will disclose details regarding its chips that feature integrated graphics cores, whereas its partners will demonstrate actual products powered by such chips at the show.

Intel Clarkdale are dual-core microprocessors based on Westmere micro-architecture with 4MB of cache, Hyper-Threading, dual-channel DDR3 memory controllers and integrated graphics cores. Arrandale are similar chips aimed at mobile computers. Both Arrandale and Clarkdale are essentially multi-chip modules featuring one dual-core processor made using 32nm fabrication process and graphics and other system logic core produced at 45nm node.

The desktop-oriented Clarkdale chips, which will be sold under Core i5, Core i3 and Pentium brands, will work at up to 3.46GHz, will sport Hyper-Threading technology and will consume just about 73W, with the exception of Core i5 661, which will feature 900MHz graphics core. The chips will be compatible with LGA1156 infrastructure.

Specifications of mobile Arrandale microprocessors are unclear, but it is known that they will be sold under Intel Core i5 and Core i7 monikers. In total, there will be seven different processor models introduced during the currently planned launch window:

• Intel Core i7: 620M, 640LM, 620LM, 640UM, 620UM
• Intel Core i5: 540M and i5-520M

While no specifications are clear, it is highly likely that the chips will differ by power consumption, performance and certain capabilities. 

Since Arrandale/Clarkdale central processing units (CPUs) have integrated memory controller, graphics core as well as PCI Express interconnection inside, there will be no need for GMCH (or North Bridge) on the mainboard. Instead, the new processors will connect directly to Intel 5-series core-logic (code-named Ibexpeak platform) controller hub (PCH) that will carry hard drive controller, wired and wireless network controllers, monitor physical interfaces, PCI controller and other input/output as well as platform-related capabilities.

Consumer Electronics Show will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from the 7^th to the 10^th of January, 2010.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: Intel, Arrandale, Clarkdale, Pineview, Westmere, 32nm