The microprocessor industry is tracking a “performance-per-Watt” course, according to Intel CEO Paul S. Otellini. Otellini announced a power-efficient micro-architecture due in Q2, 2006, demonstrated three power-efficient multi-core chips built on 65-nanometer process technology, and alluded to “handtop PCs” in his… opening keynote at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) this week in San Francisco.

According to Otellini, a new multi-core Intel micro-architecture due in Q2, 2006 will deliver “factor of 10” improvements in either energy consumption, or performance, depending on the desired application. The micro-architecture will be based on Pentium M and NetBurst micro-architectures, while adding new features.

Otellini drew back the curtain on three new multi-core Intel processors built on 65-nanometer process technology. The new chips, codenamed Merom, Conroe, and Woodcrest, target notebook, desktop, and server platforms, respectively. Intel is currently working on “more than 10” chips with four or more processor cores, Otellini stated.

Otellini said Intel's forthcoming lower-power products would help create a new category of ultra energy-efficient “handtop PC” devices. The handtop PCs will weigh less than a pound, and draw less than one Watt, while delivering a converged communication and PC experience, he said.

Otellini said that significant decreases in computer energy requirements could save billions, as global energy use and cost increase. As many as 200 million computers may be sold in the current year, he suggested.

Otellini said, “You're going to see Intel combine its R&D innovation, manufacturing and technology leadership with energy-efficient micro-architectures and powerful multicore processors. We will deliver 'factor of 10' breakthroughs to a variety of platforms that can reduce energy consumption tenfold or bring 10 times the performance of today's products. At the same time, Intel innovation will continue to deliver unique digital enterprise, home, office, and mobile features, such as greater manageability, security, and virtualization, along with an increasing capability to manage and view digital content.”

Otellini additionally demonstrated a concept “community computer” via video from a remote village in India. The device was designed to run from a car battery, and withstand temperatures above 100 degrees.

By targeting low-powered chips, and third-world computers, Intel appears to be taking aim at x86-compatible chipmaker Via, which has long championed low power, small form-factor chips. Via announced it's low-power C7-M processor in May, and last week began sampling its VN800 northbridge, which supports both the C7-M and Intel's Pentium M chips. Via is rumored to be working on a “Terra PC” project aimed at developing nations such as India.

 
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