Intel Next-Generation “Conroe” Processors May Hit the Market in Mid-2006

by Anton Shilov
12/21/2005 | 05:54 AM

Intel’s next generation processor micro-architecture development seems to proceed ahead of track. Based on claims of certain Asian-based media, the world’s largest chipmaker will release its highly-anticipated <%BANNER[article]%>Conroe processors in July, 2006. The commercial introduction of a product that can potentially offer improved performance and some other features may significantly affect the market of microprocessors.

Citing sources among mainboard makers, Taiwanese web-site DigiTimes reports that Intel will push up the launch of its desktop code-named Conroe central processing unit (CPU) and delay the debut of its Intel 965-series chipset so that both hit the market at the same time in July, 2006. Earlier it was expected that the Conroe chips will be launched in the fourth quarter, 2006, while the new breed of chipsets was expected to be released in the second quarter of the year.

Earlier than expected commercial launch of any product may indicate that its development is proceeding smoothly and its yield rate is expected to be mature enough when production starts about a quarter before the commercial launch.

According to the publication, the acceleration of Conroe roadmap was performed in a bid to boost demand for desktop computers manufactured by Intel Corp. The commercial launch in July may indicate that actual products are likely to be displayed at Computex Taipei 2006 show in early June. Given that release of the chipset was planned at an earlier date, mainboard makers are unlikely to face any difficulties with designing infrastructure for the new Conroe chip.

Intel Conroe processor will feature two processing engines with 4MB cache in total, as well as Intel’s next-generation micro-architecture, which combines high-performance and energy-efficiency. The chip will be produced using 65nm process technology.

Intel Corp. did not comment on the news-story.