Intel finally perhaps on the right track

swivelguy2 · Post by **swivelguy2** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 7:35 am

I feel kinda dirty for posting a Tom's link, but here it is:

Intel aims to decrease power consumption of desktop processors to 60 watts

San Francisco (CA) - In a recent article, we reported that Intel is pushing the power envelope with its desktop dual-core processors to a new record level of 130 watts, raising concerns of additional cost for users to control heat and acoustics levels of a mainstream PC. As we learned at IDF, Intel's chip development will be turning the corner: The company intends to dramatically decrease power consumption to less than half of the the upcoming Pentium Extreme Edition 840.

I think perhaps Intel's desktop line is going to end up forking into a "performance" line and a "quiet" line. Moving to the model number system opens that option up for them, as they could make a processor called, for example, 1005, which is a blazing performer, then cut the clock speed, remove a die feature or two, and sell the 1001 as a "quiet" version of the 1005 for $50 more. But i'm just being overly pessimistic.

Green Shoes · Post by **Green Shoes** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 9:00 am

It's a possibility. They might just be phasing it out altogether in favor of the much better Pentium M (e.g. Yonah, only one year away). Check out this thread for what's turning into an ongoing discussion of the subject.

Me, I'm holding out for Turion

frostedflakes · Post by **frostedflakes** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 9:52 am

I don't know, I just couldn't see Intel completely abandoning Netburst in favor of the P-M architecture. Definitely not for their server line, because Netburst has always done well with encoding/rendering/office-related tasks.

Last I head, P-M was staying mobile. Maybe they have a 65nm P4 on the horizon?

Mats · Post by **Mats** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 9:29 am

PM is coming to desktop even if you ask Intel. Have you seen their MacMini-sized machine? It's not a P4E inside those...