The next jump in CPU technology from Intel will happen with Sandy Bridge, the biggest overhaul since the introduction of Nehalem.
Originally Sandy Bridge was set to launch in 2011, but Intel CEO Paul Otellini said yesterday that strong demand for the chip will mean that desktop parts start production late this year.
"Due to the very strong reception of Sandy Bridge, we have accelerated our 32-nanometer factory ramp and have raised our capex (capital expenditure) guidance to enable us to meet the anticipated demand," said Otellini, quoted by Cnet. "I am more excited about Sandy Bridge than I have been about any product that the company has launched in a number of years."
According to Electronista's report, the first Sandy Bridge desktop CPUs will run at 3.1GHz. The notebook chips will arrive when the Huron River platform launches in 2011.
Given how young the Core i brand is at the moment, it's likely that Intel will continue on with its current i3, i5, and i7 naming system even with this new generation.
Update We received the following clarification from Intel regarding this story:
During earnings we talked about accelerating the Sandy Bridge RAMP, not the launch date. By ramp we mean increasing the number of parts we produce after we start production. As Otellini said, the start of production is still scheduled for the end of the year, no change.
