Next-generation Intel products to be launched in January; Include first 32-nm Core i3, i5 processors

(PhysOrg.com) -- Intel has announced it will launch over two dozen new products next month, including new processors, chipsets, and a number of wireless components.

Among the products Intel will be launching are new Core i7 chips and dual-core processors, and the first of its Core i3 and i5 CPUs for desktop computers and notebooks. The Core i3 is the entry-level CPU, the Core i5 is mid-range, and the Core i7 is the high-end CPU intended primarily for game-players.

The Core i3 and Core i5 CPUs will include Intel HD graphics, marking the first time Intel has integrated graphics on the processor, as graphics were previously on a separate chip. The integrated graphics will be able to decode two high definition streams in hardware, while the GMCH chipset will be able to decode DTS-HD sounds and Dolby True HD, and will support the 7.1 surround sound of Blu-ray discs.

Vice President of Intel, Stephen Smith, said at a press conference yesterday that the high definition video and audio capabilities in the chipsets have superior graphics capabilities that would be suitable for use in high-end home theater systems.

The Core i5 will support turbo boost to increase performance when required, provided the processor can be cooled adequately, and there will also be a turbo boost application that puts an indicator on screen to show the core power levels. Both the Core i3 and Core i5 support hyper-threading and are able to run two threads per core.

Intel has invested over seven billion dollars in the U.S. this year on four factories used to manufacture its 32-nm products. According to Intel's Director of Consumer Client Marketing, Karen Regis, 2009 has been a flat year, but the PC market is likely to grow again next year, at least partly because of the new Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. Regis said the growing trend is for the PC market to be driven more by personal users than business demands.

Intel will launch the new products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which runs from January 7 to 10 next year in Las Vegas. Prices and details such as chip frequencies are expected to be released at either a press briefing on January 7, or at the keynote address to be given by Intel's CEO Paul Otellini.