At the Intel Developer Forum (IDF), Intel formally announced the 2013 release of the 4th generation Core processor, dubbed Haswell. Haswell is intended to improve performance while at the same time significantly reducing power consumption. Intel is focusing on producing state-of-the-art processors for highly responsive ultrabooks and tablets.However, Haswell’s technology is also built to benefit a variety of products, including non-mobile devices such as all in one computers and servers.
Much like Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors, Haswell’s architecture features Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost. CPU improvements may be modest, but optimizations will certainly make it faster than the Ivy Bridge. The boost in speed is mostly attributed to tweaks in existing technology. Additionally, the graphics performance on the Haswell is expected to be twice as fast as the Intel HD 4000 of Ivy Bridge due to addition of new hardware on the GPU. This translates to better graphics and gaming experience for all devices having gaming capabilities. Aside from a higher frame rate for games, the GPU likewise supports resolutions of up to 4k, making it an ideal configuration for the high-density displays of tablets and other mobile computing devices. Moreover, the GPU in Haswell offers a dedicated Video Quality Engine and can support three monitors (at least one output should be a display port).
The biggest innovation to Haswell is power management. It is expected to reduce power consumption by as much as 40 percent, with a rating of only 10 watts. Ivy Bridge chips utilized on ultrabooks are currently rated at 17 watts. A lower wattage not only means more efficient power consumption, but it also means longer battery life and a thinner gadget. With the introduction of Haswell, gadgets by 2013 are expected to be lighter, thinner, and more power efficient. In particular, all in one computers will continue to innovate, and with the introduction of Windows 8 on these large-screen computers will be able to double as extra-large tablets, with enhanced touchscreen capabilities. This hybrid all in one computer with its multi-touch screen is intended to be the ideal device for graphic artists and gamers. It is also seen as an ideal tool to enjoy collaborative projects and family games.
While the actual capabilities of Haswell will be evident by next year, there is no denying that Intel is bent on building its next generation processors to work across different platforms to reap the benefits of CPU and graphics performance, power efficiency, and portability. At this level of technology, it is targeted to meet the requirements of both personal users as well as enterprises.
