Intel’s Nehalem

By JohnB | March 14, 2008

In news from xbit labs, Intel announced a move up in the introduction timeframe for the upcoming microprocessor code-named Nehalem. Originally planned for release in Q1 2009, the new planned release is Q3 2008. This new microarchitecture eschews the forever held to standard of the front bus/northbridge/southbridge architecture, in favor of a processor integrated memory controller. Also new is a new bus type from Intel dubbed Quick Path Interconnect (QPI). There are also changes in a new multi-threading technology which will allow Intel to double the number of cores on die. These new cpu’s will feature a triple-channel memory controller and use Intel’s new LGA1366 form factor. By design, Intel made it possible to include a graphics core in the cpu and have made it very customizable.

The first version of the Nehalem processor family will be the code-named Bloomfield chip aimed at extreme desktops and workstations, high-end desktops and servers as well as on some systems from boutique OEM’s such as VooDoo and Falcon Northwest just to name a few.

All in all, I can’t wait. The sad thing is that while I can upgrade to a Penryn Wolfdale chip with a BIOS update, a Nehhalem/Bloomfield chip will require the purchase of an entirely new motherboard due to the new socket form factor. I myself have at least another’s year use out of the motherboard I currently own (eVGA 680i SLI), eventually I’ll have to build another system just so I can stay current. Such is the life of the pc building enthusiast.

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