Intel Ivy Bridge far beyond the usual die shrink

Ok, the title is very cryptic (or very "nerdy", some would say with good reason), why try to explain better. Since 2006, Intel has launched a special presentation of alternate architectures for CPUs and their steps to the finest manufacturing processes, giving it the name of “tick-tock.” For each presentation of the new architecture is associated with the "tock", as it is to introduce major changes from the previous generation, while about one year after the coming phase "tick", where the very same architecture undergoes a crash diet, switching to a production process more or a little more refined.

A simple yet effective, since it allows developers to separate the issues related to the creation of a new architecture than for a new production process. One year you think of the new architecture, the next one to achieve a more refined production process, avoiding making the two things together with the possible problems exist.

Until now, this rule is spun smooth as oil, with the introduction of Intel Ivy Bridge the same staff is there to define the new generation as a simple "tick". Ivy Bridge not only introduces 22nm manufacturing process, but also brings with 3D tri-gate transistor, a true revolution in home after decades of linear transistors.

We talk, IDF 2011, will a "tick +" and, according to the findings in the present day, it is clear that Ivy Bridge is not limited to a CPU crash diet. Intel says the staff is aware that the graphics processors require performance improvements beyond those of normal computational units, taking into consideration the same period of time. Hence Ivy Bridge has undergone a complete renovation in the design of the part dedicated to graphics, which can now rely on third-level cache, support for Microsoft DirectX11 API, can control up to 3 screens, better performance in 3D and decoding .

The data reported show that extra work, since it comes to performance gains of 20% in the previous generation CPUs, Sandy Bridge, while the graphics go up to as much as 60% . If we add the new security features Deep Safe, you understand why, in fact, "tick" go a bit 'close to the fathers of Ivy Bridge.


Posted by: Wasim Javed