On September 1st, Intel launched the new and improved 6th generation Intel Core processors. A total of 48 processors have been presented at the press conference. They all run on the new Skylark 14nm architecture and exhibit an impressive range of applications, from computer sticks, tablets, two-in-ones, slim ultrabooks to full size notebooks, workstations or gaming rigs.
This update is set to better differentiate the more energy efficient models designed for ultra portable devices from those high performance processors aimed at working professionals and serious gamers. No matter the model, every highlighted processor is more powerful and less power hungry than the previous generation.
The new series of Intel processors has been designed and engineered from the ground up, taking full advantage of the increased density that 3D transistor technology offers, making them both more powerful and more efficient. For example, the i5 series saw an increase in computing power by 60% compared to the previous’ generation models.
Battery life improvement is a new direction in which the m series is headed quickly. These processors are designed for tablets and small ultra portable devices, where on screen time is king. And surprisingly, the compromises aren’t that bad: a dual core Intel Core m5 with a cache of 4MB will sport a thermal design power of just 4.5 Watts. Due to these advancements, we’ll probably see some ultrabooks and high end convertibles get an impressive processing power / battery life duo.
Also, the newly introduced Intel 500 Series integrated graphics will significantly improve the playback rates of 4K videos due to dedicated hardware support, a feature lacking in many devices today. We can say that today’s processors are finally catching up with yesterday’s high end technology.
The new 6th generation Intel processor line-up looks like this:
- Intel Core m3 / m5/ m5 vPro / m7 / m7 vPro
- Intel Core i3 / i5 / i5 vPro / i7 / i7 vPro
- Intel Xeon E3-1500M v5
It’s still early to decide whether the new processors will handle real life scenarios as promised, but we are excited to see an increasing diversification of processing units based specifically on the devices they will be used in.
You can find out more about the new Intel processors by going to ARK and searching for a specific model.