Intel Corp. has been releasing new microprocessors exactly on schedule for many years now. Every year sometimes in the fourth quarter the world’s largest maker of chips starts to ship its new-generation chips for revenue and officially launches them early in the first quarter several months later. However, this is not something that may happen to the next-generation Ivy Bridge processors.

According to slides published by Zol.com.cn, which resemble slides from Intel’s roadmap, Intel will release its code-named Ivy Bridge central processing units (CPUs) for desktops in March or April, 2012, which is a couple of months later than expected. Previously Intel said that it would start revenue shipments of its future chips made using 22nm process technology in late 2011; the company’s documents said that the Ivy Bridge are scheduled to be available in Q1 2012, which typically means January or February.

Ivy Bridge will generally inherit Sandy Bridge micro-architecture and will sport a rather significant number of improvements. Firstly, it will have certain improvements that will boost its performance in general applications by around 20% compared to Core i "Sandy Bridge" chips (e.g., enhanced AVX acceleration). Secondly, the forthcoming chip will have a new graphics core with DirectX 11 and OpenCL 1.1 support as well as 30% higher performance compared to the predecessor. Thirdly, Ivy Bridge will feature PCI Express 3.0 x16 interconnection as well as PCIe 2.0 x4 controller.

Chipsets – Z77, Z75 and H75 code-named Panther Point– that will support the new microprocessors will also be released sometimes in March or April. The new core-logic sets will enable new functionality like USB 3.0, next-generation manageability and security, support for three independent displays and other.

The authenticity of the slide could not be verified, but the information not related to Ivy Bridge is correct, based on documents seen by X-bit labs. Earlier rumours about the possible delay transpired across the Internet. Intel said that it does not comment on “rumor, speculation, or nebulous ‘reports’”.

Tags: Ivy Bridge, Intel, 22nm, Panther Point