Intel’s (News - Alert) silicon schedule continues to leak out, with the latest showing that its fifth-generation Broadwell processors should launch for the desktop market in mid-2015, targeting mini-PCs and all-in-ones.
The chief reporter of HKEPC, Lam Chi-Kui, showed the information in a slide deck, according to reports. Given the June 2015 timeframe for release, it looks like they will first show up in the current LGA 1150 boards.
The desktop launch will include two series, Broadwell-R which will be the soldered BGA chips and the C-Series (Unlocked), which will be launching as the socketed chips.
“Intel recently introduced our 5th Generation Intel Core processors, resulting in a wave of products built on Intel’s industry-leading 14nm process technology,” Intel said in a statement. “In a new disclosure at GDC, Intel showed the first fifth-generation Core LGA-socketed CPU with Intel Iris Pro graphics. This 65 watt unlocked desktop processor, available mid-2015, will bring new levels of performance and power efficiency to Mini PCs and desktop all-in-ones.”
The silicon-maker noted that since 2006, the 3D performance of Intel Graphics has increased nearly 100 fold.
“This all benefits game developers who will have new ways to create immersive games building on new technologies with multi-user multi-touch, virtual and augmented reality, and RealSense,” Intel said. “Intel is also helping define and support new programming models like DirectX 12 (DX12) and Vulkan (the evolution of the OpenGL API), as well as delivering improved, world-class developer tools.”
In February it was revealed that Intel’s roadmap was coalescing around twin pieces of development: The Broadwell line, and the higher-performing Skylake portfolio. Broadwell is set to dominate the latter part of 2015, but Skywell may now be pushed further out from the previous fourth quarter date.
Pentium and Celeron processors based on Broadwell were introduced in the first quarter. And according to Fudzilla, Skylake processors will start showing up in Q4 2015, including Celeron, Pentium, Core M, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 products.
Meanwhile, in about 18 months, Intel 10nm processors, codenamed Cannonlake, will start to make their appearance.
Silicon replacement cycles are beholden to the launches of devices that use the processors, and between Broadwell and Skylake, consumer electronics manufacturers will have a range of processor upgrade choices (and price ranges). But WCCFtech.com reported that the difference between Broadwell and Skylake in terms of performance will be a big jump, which could dictate device development as well.
“The uArch jump from Broadwell to Skylake will be as significant as the jump from the Pentium 4 (Precott) to the Core 2 (Conroe),” the tech outlet explained. “I must say anticipation for Skylake is at an all-time high, so let’s hope Intel doesn’t concentrate primarily on the mobile platform and forget the actual audience of high end CPUs: the desktop users.”
That’s unlikely. Taking a look across the development plans, including the mid-June launch of Broadwell for desktops, high-end, all-in-one desktops will remain a primary focus for the chipmaker, through at least the first quarter of 2016. But, Ultrabooks and ultra-portable and mobile devices will be at the forefront as well.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson