Intel Brings Nehalem Class Processors to Mainstream PCs

Based on the 32-nanometer Nehalem-class processor technology that Intel uses in its Xeon-class servers, the new processors outperform previous generations of Intel processors, while also including a new Turbo Boost Technology that allows the processor to dynamically increase speed to deal with more complex processing tasks as required.

The Core Series consists of an i3 offering aimed at embedded systems, and i5 system aimed at traditional PC systems and an i7 that is aimed at traditional workstation-class systems. According to Intel, i5 processor systems will be about twice as fast as existing system using the previous generation of Intel processors.

Given the fact that both consumers and business customers are holding on to systems for longer periods of time, Intel officials at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) said they are encouraging partners to “sell up” these systems under the premise the customers will need machines that can run future generations of software.

This message, however, may not be getting through as of yet because most PC manufactures are now offering a plethora of systems based on the new dual and quad-core Core Series and previous generations of Intel processors that differ in price by only a couple of hundred dollars.

Intel also expects that new Core Series systems will prove to be popular with energy-conscious customers because the systems will now consume power relative to the needs of the application, versus always running at the same rate of power consumption. That technology may also help mitigate some intial criticism of i7 class notebooks that have battery life of about one hour due to the demands of the processor.