hardware
Report a problem

Intel demonstrates 22nm chips scheduled for 2011 release

Sam Symons   on 22 September 2009 - 21:27 · 12 comments & 3905 views

Advertisement (Why?)
Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, stated in a 1965 research paper that the number of transistors on a CPU will double approximately every two years; this belief became very famous, and is now known as 'Moore's Law'. Intel is still very determined on keeping to that law, as Paul Otellini, President and CEO of Intel, has just demonstrated the world's first CPU constructed with a 22nm manufacturing process. This means that, according to Intel's press release, a massive 2.9 billion transistors are squeezed onto a wafer in about the same area as the average fingernail.

Otellini stated, "At Intel, Moore's Law is alive and thriving. We've begun production of the world's first 32nm microprocessor, which is also the first high-performance processor to integrate graphics with the CPU. At the same time, we're already moving ahead with development of our 22nm manufacturing technology and have built working chips that will pave the way for production of still more powerful and more capable processors." This is fantastic news for the technology industry, and even other non-related industries.

The 22nm wafer that Otellini demonstrated has a rather hefty 364 million bits of SRAM memory, as well as packing the smallest ever SRAM cell used in working circuits (.092 square microns). To add to this, the technology isn't too far on the horizon, either; according to Engadget, the chips are said to be heading for a release in the second half of 2011.

Post a comment · Send to friend Comments · There are 12 additional comments
(1 reply) #1 cabron on 22 Sep 2009 - 21:43
Can't wait the day that computers will be able to control all human beings
#1.1 EVANK on 22 Sep 2009 - 21:54
cabron said,
Can't wait the day that computers will be able to control all human beings


That remarks made my day

I: ROBOT here we come.
#2 yxz on 22 Sep 2009 - 21:50
small smaller intel
AAV is one of the smallest viruses with a non-enveloped icosahedral capsid of approximately 22 nm

http://www.virologyj.com/content/2/1/43
(2 replies) #3 EVANK on 22 Sep 2009 - 22:02
OMG that is amazing, just think about it for a moment...? the next step down from this will be 12nm which is just amazing, although we are going to get to the point where the next step forward will be crystallised glass as the next concept of processing because after 12nm where else or what else can you put a processor on?

Something to think about.
#3.1 poundsmack on 22 Sep 2009 - 22:51
think carbon nano tubes
#3.2 m.keeley on 22 Sep 2009 - 22:57
Apparently it's currently difficult to create carbon nano tubes < 20nm, so not much smaller, however there's plenty of research going on.
(2 replies) #4 emzino on 22 Sep 2009 - 23:53
So what are the benefits of a small processor? What's the big deal?
#4.1 Thunderbuck on 23 Sep 2009 - 00:15
Two quick ones:

Lower energy requirement (longer battery life and LESS HEAT)

Higher performance, because signals have a shorter distance to travel.
#4.2 cdupree on 23 Sep 2009 - 00:46
More transistors = more logic = more built in functionality.

"We've begun production of the world's first 32nm microprocessor, which is also the first high-performance processor to integrate graphics with the CPU."
#5 emzino on 23 Sep 2009 - 01:18
Aha gotcha. Many thanks Thunderbuck & cdupree =)
(1 reply) #6 tuxplorer on 23 Sep 2009 - 07:55
I'm waiting to purchase the Core i9 (32 nm) in Jan. Why can't Intel bring it out around November-December when prices are low?
#6.1 Ci7 on 23 Sep 2009 - 12:21
tuxplorer said,
I'm waiting to purchase the Core i9 (32 nm) in Jan. Why can't Intel bring it out around November-December when prices are low?


are you ready to burn 1100$+ ??

Core i9 would be EE edtion , at least at first

Commenting has either been disabled on this article or you are not logged in. Click here to login or register, its free!

Note: Anonymous commenting is disabled in order to keep the quality of responses to a high standard.

Advertisement (Why?)