Sandy Bridge is the name of Intel’s new processor architecture using the established 32 nanometer node but sporting a fully integrated graphics circuit. Both product names and specifications have been revealed, and they will come earlier than expected.
According to VP Paul Ottellini, Sandy Bridge will be the most exciting product from Intel in many years, and after praise from partners Intel is gearing up to get a good start when the new architecture starts rolling out.
“Due to the very strong reception of Sandy Bridge, we have accelerated our 32-nanometer factory ramp and have raised our capex guidance to enable us to meet the anticipated demand.”
This doesn’t mean it will be making more circuits than before, but it will do it quicker than expected. Sandy Bridge will be shown at IDF in September and will be earning Intel money before the end of the year. Thanks to Italian site Notebook Italia we also have, what is claimed to be, the first model specifications of Sandy Bridge.
| Processor | Node | Core | Clock frequency | HT | L3 cache | Platform |
| Core i7 2600 | 32nm | 4 | 3,2 GHz | Yes | 8 MB | LGA1155 |
| Core i5 2500 | 32nm | 4 | 3,3 GHz | No | 6 MB | LGA1155 |
| Core i5 2400 | 32nm | 4 | 3,1 GHz | No | 6 MB | LGA1155 |
| Core i3 2120 | 32nm | 2 | 3,3 GHz | Yes | 3 MB | LGA1155 |
| Core i3 2100 | 32nm | 2 | 3,1 GHz | Yes | 3 MB | LGA1155 |
Inte’ls new 2000 series will be housed in the new LGA1155 socket and even if it is understandable they are stocking before a new platform it leaves a bitter after taste since it was only a year ago it launched a whole new platform that is physically different, with just 1 pin, LGA 1156.
The new LGA 1155 platform will be built around the new 6 series chipsets where both Intel P67 and H67 were spotted at Computex.
Biostar T series TH67X with video outputs
Even if this should be considered with a pinch of salt, it does seem like Intel, despite its dominance, is going all in with Sandy Bridge this year already. Hopefully this means we will be seeing the 2000 series in stores before the end of the year.
