Intel launches 45nm processor range

Intel has unveiled its Penryn range of processors, which has been built on a 45nm process using high k transistors. The launch features 15 processors aimed at server applications – 12 quad core chips with clock speeds ranging from 2GHz to 3.2GHz, front side bus speeds (FSB) of up to 1600MHz, and cache sizes of 12Mbyte; and three dual core processors with clock speeds of up to 3.40GHz, an FSB of up to 1600MHz and 6Mbyte caches – and the QX9650, a quad core chip targeted at high end desk top use. This boasts a 3GHz clock, a 1.33MHz FSB and a 12Mbyte L2 cache. According to Intel cofounder Gordon Moore, the processors feature the ‘biggest transistor advancements in 40 years’. The combination of high k and 45nm is said to have brought products that are 25% smaller than previous versions. “The intellects, physics and designs that went into solving one of the industry’s most daunting challenges are awe inspiring and I congratulate the Intel teams for this breakthrough achievement,” said Paul Otellini, Intel president and ceo. “Best yet, this feat, coupled with our industry leading architectures, means faster and sleeker computers, longer battery life and better energy efficiency. Our objective is to bring consumers a new class of computers delivering a full Internet experience in ever smaller, more portable form factors.”