Performance of Intel Corp.’s latest Core i-series “Sandy Bridge” and improvements it brings over predecessors is rather impressive, which is why the company managed to sell over eight million of appropriate microprocessors in just several months of revenue shipments. The next-generation central processing units (CPUs) will bring further 20% - 30% of speed boost, according to a media report.

In general-purpose applications Ivy Bridge micro-architecture-based chips will boost performance by around 20% compared to Core i-series “Sandy Bridge” products; performance of integrated graphics core of Ivy Bridge will get 30% higher compared to the graphics engine of the latest microprocessors by Intel, according to VR-Zone web-site, which claims that it had seen documents with Intel’s internal performance estimates. 

The Intel HD Graphics core of Ivy Bridge will not only feature higher performance (according to some sources, it will have 16 stream processing elements (up from 12 of SNB), some claim that it will have 24 stream processors), but will also support DirectX 11, HDMI 1.4 output and probably some other improvements.

It is expected that Ivy Bridge CPUs, which will be made using 22nm process technology, will have certain micro-architecture level enhancements along with clock-speed and some other methods to boost performance.

The first Ivy Bridge family chips are projected to use LGA1155 form-factor. Nonetheless, Intel is preparing code-named Panther Point chipset for the new microprocessors. It is unclear whether Ivy Bridge CPUs will be able to work on current mainboards for latest-generation chips.

For Intel, Ivy Bridge is not just a new microprocessor, but is the first step to the completely new approach to manufacturing. The company intends to upgrade four of its fabs to its leading-edge 22nm process technology, which will require additional investments along with improved demand towards high-performance central processing units.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: Intel, Ivy Bridge, 22nm