Intel Penryn in Q3'07, Core-3 by '08

Pratima Harigunani

PUNE: Intel’s new core 2 architecture, code-named ‘Penryn’, which is based on 45 nm is likely to be introduced in the third quarter of 2007.

This will be followed by a brand new architecture code-named ‘Nehalaem.’

“Unlike our competition, our launches are actual and not paper-based,” said Rajesh Gupta, director, sales and marketing group, Intel. “We are now sample ready, and ready for Penryn in Q3 of 2007. This shows that our product leadership will continue even after the rival releases the quad-core.”

A confident Gupta added: “Well, we are still waiting for that launch. But whenever it happens, it will only help them in closing the earlier gap that Intel created by launching the core architecture first. But with 45 nm, we will create a new gap. In 2008, we will again increase the lead by introducing a brand new architecture, which is code-named ‘Nehalaem’ and can possibly be branded as Core 3. In 2009, we will further shrink this core the way we are doing it now by shrinking Core 2 from 65 nm to 45 nm. The rivals are still working on 65 nm.”

He further said that while AMD is still on old architecture, Core 2 duo will represent the third generation of Intel’s new core architecture.

Interestingly, this can coincide with AMD’s launch of its quad-core offering, code-named ‘Barcelona,’ which is also slated for a release in mid-2007.

Earlier in January 2007, Intel demonstrated Penryn and it was reported that by 2008 Intel might have three plants for 45 nm processors and three for 65 nm products.