Intel is set to replace the current Core architecture with Nehalem in the first half of 2009, as part of it's "tick-tock" strategy.
Today more details have emerged, detailing three different CPUs and two platforms.
The Bloomfield is a quad-core, has a triple-channel DDR3 embedded in the CPU and the chipset supports two PCIe 2.0 x16 slots. It uses QuickPath Interconnect, similar to HyperTransport, to connect to the chipset and runs on socket LGA 1366. The platform is complemented by the ICH10 to provide SATA, USB and possibly other PCIe 2.0 slots.
The other platform can take Lynnfield and Havendale CPUs, uses socket LGA 1160 and a single-chip chipset called the Ibexpeak PCH.
The interesting stuff about this platform is the CPU provides one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot, moving it away from the chipset as it does with the memory controller. Both CPUs have the same dual-channel DDR3 memory controller but the similarities end there. Lynnfield is a quad-core CPU and Havendale is a dual-core with an integrated graphics core. The integrated graphics core so soon is a surprise for me, but Intel had to do something to fight AMD's Fusion, which is expected to debut around the same time.
Looking at it, it seems that the Bloomfield core is targeted at the server market while laptops and desktop should share the LGA1160 platform, with dual-cores aimed mainly at desktop and the dual-cores with the integrated graphics at the laptop market. There is going to be an Auburndale core, resembling the Havendale, targeted specifically at laptops.
Other good news, already previously known, is that the new architecture will support HyperThreading, bringing more performance to the table.
More details are to be unveiled during 2008.
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