Intel shows off a new 3D transistor
Intel has taken a huge leap forward in processor technology by unveiling its latest two accomplishments, a new 22nm manufacturing process plus a new "Tri-Gate", or 3D transistor.
Intel has been working on the 3D transistor for about 8 years now, and it demonstrated its first microprocessor called "Ivy Bridge".
The Tri-Gate transistor uses 50% less power and offers "unprecedented" performance gains, according to Intel. The company says that the 22nm Tri-Gate provides up to a 37 per cent performance increase at a low voltage compared to its 32nm planar transistor.
Quote:
The new transistor is "ideal" for use in small handheld devices. Naturally, Apple was not mentioned. But the company did say it intends to use the new process with its mobile-centric Atom chips. The cost of building the chips with the new transistors, Bohr said, is two to three per cent higher per wafer.
Ivy Bridge processors are scheduled for release in PCs, notebooks, and servers early next year.
