Intel Corp. said it had started volume shipments of its next-generation Core i 3000-series central processing units (CPUs) code-named Ivy Bridge. The world's largest maker of chips expects very rapid ramp of its microprocessors produced using 22nm process technology; despite of delay of Ivy Bridge and slow roll-out of the whole line, the share of new chips among Intel's shipments will be very high already in Q2 2012.

"We have begun high-volume shipments of Ivy Bridge products, and you will soon see system availability. Ivy Bridge will be our fastest ramping product ever, comprising nearly 25% of our microprocessor volume in Q2 alone and crossing over 50% of our microprocessor shipments this fall," said Paul Otellini, chief executive officer of Intel, during quarterly conference call with financial analysts.

The launch of the new Core i 3000-series "Ivy Bridge" microprocessors will further strengthen Intel's positions on the market of high-end and mainstream desktops and notebooks since the new chips are not only faster in general applications, but also feature higher-performing graphics core and a number of other improvements.

Intel recently announced availability delay of its highly-anticipated code-named Ivy Bridge microprocessors by up to eight to ten weeks than originally anticipated due to issues with the company's next-generation manufacturing process technology. Apparently, the delay will not affect volume availability and the pace of ramp, at least, according to official statements. Immediate high-volume availability is a direct result of numerous 22nm fabs going online in Q2 2012.

"As we move into the second quarter, we will be ramping up our Ivy Bridge production in three new 22nm factories," said Stacy Smith, chief financial officer of Intel.

Earlier this year X-bit labs reported that Intel would start to sell the first high-end Core i7 "Ivy Bridge" products on April 29, 2012. Mass availability of dual-core Core i5/i7 as well as desktop quad-core Core i5 central processing units will start from June 3, 2012. The remaining 22nm chips, such as mobile dual-core as well as desktop Core i3, will be launched in summer and fall, respectively. Intel may adjust its plans.

Tags: Intel, 22nm, Ivy Bridge, Core, Sandy Bridge