Intel Goes 3D with Tri-Gate Processors
Intel has taken the wrapper off its latest processor, named Tri-Gate, which has the accolade of being the world’s first 3D transistor. The new chip is a significant one, not just for Intel but the entire computing industry, as it’s the first time in 50 years that transistors using a three-dimensional structure will be manufactured in volume.
The new design means that the transistors can be packed into a smaller space and reduce power consumption by around 50 per cent compared to plain old planar transistors. Not only does the Tri-Gate design lower the power consumption, it speeds up processing power by 37 per cent. As it can get packed into a smaller space, it will mean that chips will become cheaper in the long run.
The first batch of chips that are set to use this 3D tech will be Intel’s Ivy Bridge CPUs. These will be taking over the current Sandy Bridge chipset and should arrive before 2011 is out. Intel is hoping to eventually put the Tri-Gate technology into its whole family of chips, including the Atom processor.
Intel has taken the wrapper off its latest processor, named Tri-Gate, which has the accolade of being the world’s first 3D transistor. The new chip is a significant one, not just for Intel but the entire computing industry, as it’s the first time in 50 years that transistors using a three-dimensional structure will be manufactured in volume.
The new design means that the transistors can be packed into a smaller space and reduce power consumption by around 50 per cent compared to plain old planar transistors. Not only does the Tri-Gate design lower the power consumption, it speeds up processing power by 37 per cent. As it can get packed into a smaller space, it will mean that chips will become cheaper in the long run.
The first batch of chips that are set to use this 3D tech will be Intel’s Ivy Bridge CPUs. These will be taking over the current Sandy Bridge chipset and should arrive before 2011 is out. Intel is hoping to eventually put the Tri-Gate technology into its whole family of chips, including the Atom processor.
