Intel launches 3rd Gen ‘Ivy Bridge’ processors, succesor to Sandy Bridge

Intel Corporation today introduced the quad-core 3rd generation Intel Core processor family, delivering dramatic visual and performance computing gains for gamers, media enthusiasts and mainstream users alike. Available now in powerful, high-end desktop, laptop and all-in-one (AIO) designs, the new processors are the first chips in the world made using Intel’s 22-nanometer (nm) 3-D tri-Gate transistor technology. The combination of Intel’s cutting-edge 3-D tri-gate transistor technology and architectural enhancements help make possible up to double the 3-D graphics and HD media processing performance compared with Intel’s previous generation of chips. As a result, all the things people love to do on their PCs—from creating and editing videos and photos; surfing the Web, watching HD movies or playing mainstream games— are quicker and better. In the coming months, additional versions of the 3rd generation Intel Core processors will be available to power a new wave of systems ranging from Ultrabook devices, to servers and intelligent systems in retail, healthcare and other industries.

The performance gains found in the new processors are due in part to the three-dimensional structure of the new Intel transistors. Until today, computers, servers and other devices have used only two-dimensional planar transistors. Adding a third dimension to transistors allows Intel to increase transistor density and put more capabilities into every square millimetre of these new processors. Intel has once again re-invented the transistor and delivered a combination of performance and energy efficiency, thus sustaining the pace of technology advancement and fuelling Moore’s Law for years to come. The 3rd generation Intel Core processor with Intel HD Graphics 4000 delivers up to two times better 3-D graphics performance compared to the previous-generation processor, bringing more gaming fun with richer detail at higher resolutions. Intel HD Graphics 4000 supports Microsoft DirectX11, OpenGL 3.1 and OpenCL 1.1. The 3rd generation Intel Core processor also adds security features, including Intel Secure Key and Intel OS Guard to safeguard personal data and identity. Intel Secure Key consists of a digital random number generator that creates truly random numbers to strengthen encryption algorithms. Intel OS Guard helps defend against privilege escalation attacks where a hacker remotely takes over another person's system. Systems based on quad-core 3rd generation Intel Core processor products will be available beginning this month from leading system makers.

We’ve already had a chance to review the desktop counterpart of Ivy Bridge, the Core i7-3770K which will eventually replace the Core i7-2700K Sandy Bridge CPU. Read our full review right here