Intel will ship its second-generation dual-core processors for desktop and mobile applications in Q3, 2006. Both desktop and mobile versions will be known as “Core 2 Duo” chips, and both will share a common microarchitecture, to simplify software optimization across a variety of target hardware platforms, Intel says.

The desktop Core 2 Duo processor, codenamed Conroe, is expected to ship in July, followed in August by the mobile version, codenamed Merom. Intel has previously offered embedded lifecycle assurance for its dual-core mobile parts.

Both Core 2 Duo chips will be built on 65nm process technology, and will feature “Intel Advanced Smart Caches,” claimed to be the industry's largest integrated memory caches. Their microarchitecture appears to be based largely on the Pentium M architecture; however, the chips will also suport “enhanced security, virtualization, and manageability built right into the processors,” Intel says.

Intel has not yet announced specific Core 2 Duo model numbers, or other naming for individual CPU products. The company did say it will offer a special “Extreme Edition” Core 2 Duo model targeting gamers, and that the Core 2 Duo chips will be used in its hardware/software reference designs, including its Centrino Duo wireless computing design, Viiv in-home entertainment design, and Vpro business productivity design.

CMO Eric Kim stated, “With this unified PC and notebook brand and microarchitecture, developers will be able to more easily write optimized software just once for a variety of computing segments.”

Additional details are available in a PC Magazine story, here.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.