Today Intel unveiled what will be the next big step in processor performance with its “Hi-k” processors, which are promised to be cooler, faster, more efficient, and eco-friendly.

The new Hi-k processors are Hafnium-based, and are made using the company’s 45-nanometer system, which is said to increase processor efficiency and performance. Intel co-founder Gordon Moore said he felt these new chips mark the greatest advancement in transistor technology in over 40 years.

What is supposedly so innovating is that the new processors, both in their materials and the way they are created, could pave the way for processors 25% smaller, which would reflect greater efficiency and economy. Smaller doesn’t just mean more efficient for the user. It means more cost-effective for the manufacturer, which should reflect lower prices when the processors hit the market.

President and CEO of Intel Paul Otellini said, “…this feat, coupled with our industry-leading architectures, means faster and sleeker computers, longer battery life and better energy efficiency. Our objective is to bring consumers a new class of computers delivering a full Internet experience in ever-smaller, more portable form factors.”

One such group of consumers that should be thrilled with these new processors is the gaming community; along with other 45-nm Hi-k processors, Intel unveiled the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 quad core processor, which promises to deliver the ultimate in desktop performance for gaming and media lovers world-wide.

One game that is a hot topic of conversation is the visually stunning Crysis. Game research and development manager Dr. Douglas Binks said, ““With the new 45nm Hi-k Intel Core 2 Extreme processors, we use multi-core technology to enable physics, particle effects and audio on separate cores, helping Crysis to create an astounding gaming experience.”

In addition to the obvious move from 65nm to 45nm, the new processors bring:

Streaming SIMD Extensions 4 (SSE4)
Enhanced Intel® Virtualization Technology
Unique Super Shuffle Engine

The new quad-core processors Intel unveiled deliver 38% better performance-per-watt than its previous quad core units, and all the new processors were optimized for greater L2 cache.

Don’t immediately discredit the PR-speak; the new processors broke HPC (high-performance computing) records and others in multiple categories.

If you are looking for the latest and greatest to throw in your rig, these very well might be your answer; who wouldn’t want to run Crysis in all of its beautifully-rendered glory?

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Entry was posted on Monday, November 12th, 2007 at 7:16 am under Intel, Technology.

Read more entries by Triston McIntyre.
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