New Intel Chipset Integrates GPU, CPU on Single Die

• by Bill Lindner on 20100922 @ 10:28PM EST | google it | send to friends
• Filed under Business | Intel | (related terms: intel, chipset, sandy bridge, nvidia, amd)

World's largest chip maker Intel Corporation has reportedly unveiled what it believes is the chipset of the future. Code-named "Sandy Bridge," the new chipset integrates the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) onto a single silicon chip and is designed to cut the time it takes to process images.

Intel recently cut its sales forecasts due to weaker than expected PC demand, but hopes that the new technology will wow both PC vendors and consumers.

Chipset Integration Removes Bottleneck

Paul Otellini, Intel's chief executive believes that Sandy Bridge is a very important step for Intel. The chipset, targeted for low-end desktops and laptops, should be ready for customers by early next year.

Merging the two processors into one will reduce the time it takes to produce images, since it removes bottlenecks between the graphics process and memory, thereby vastly improving upon battery life and power consumption. (Source: bbc.co.uk)

New Intel Chipset to Rival NVidia, AMD

In addition to revolutionizing the PC industry, Intel's new chipset is expected to cause headaches for rival chipset manufacturers Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD).

Nvidia, manufacturer of stand-alone graphics chips, isn't worried about Intel's Sandy Bridge chipset. In a recent statement, Nvidia said "Intel's been proclaiming the death of discrete graphics for years, but real GPUs (graphics processing units) just keep getting more important." (Source: bbc.co.uk)

AMD, who has been working on a similar hybrid chip for a while, should feel some heat from Sandy Bridge. AMD's accelerated processing units are expected to begin appearing in desktops and notebooks in early 2011.

Intel Chips to Incorporate Security Software by 2011

On August 19th, 2010, Intel purchased McAfee for $7.68 billion USD. (Source: intel.com)

The acquisition, which is still in process, reflects the industry-wide belief that security is becoming a fundamental component of online computing.

Ortellini told thousands of developers that the new chipset marked an opportunity to "offer secure capabilities across all Intel connected products." Intel's security approach did not fully address the billions of new Internet-ready devices, but Intel is trying to change how platforms are secured. (Source: bbc.co.uk)

McAfee and Intel have collaborated for the last 18-24 months on and the first chipsets incorporating new security software. These new security-based chips are expected to appear in stores next year. (Source: geek.com)

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