ComputerBase has released some more leaked slides providing further details on the upcoming Ivy Bridge/Maho Bay platform coming in 2012. Codename Maho Bay is the term for the full desktop platform based on the new Ivy Bridge processors and the matching Panther Point chipsets. The new Maho Bay platform will mark the first true introduction of PCI-Express 3.0 and integration of the USB 3.0 controller on the chipset. Integrated graphics will support DirectX 11. The Ivy Bridge processor will be based on 22nm, with 3-D transistor design called Tri-Gate fabrication, which will support Intel's Smart Response Technology, Smart Connect Technology and Rapid Start Technology 11.
Intel is set to make the Maho Bay platform backwards compatible with current generation Sandy Bridge processors. As discussed here, there will be restrictions on the how the backwards and forwards compatibility will work. The Q67, Q65 and B65 chipsets will not support Ivy Bridge, even with a motherboard firmware update, but the Z68, P67, H67 and H61 chipsets look to all be compatible with a required UEFI update. Through the information provided, the complete feature list of the six planned chipsets B75, Q75, Q77, H77, Z75 and Z77 is known.
The leaked information confirms the TDP-classifications of 77-watts for the upcoming Ivy Bridge release. The high-end Ivy Bridge Core i7-37xx CPUs will have four cores (eight threads), unlocked multiplier and fully-developed new graphics unit. The Core i7s will have a maximum TDP of 77 watts, which compares well to current generation's 95 watts. The Core i5 series will range from 77 watts down to 45 watts on Intel's "Lifestyle" segment, which will carry the Core i5 35xx, 34xx and 33xx tags with four cores in tow. The Core i3 31xx CPUs will feature two cores and have TDP of 55 watts down to 35 watts.
The Ivy Bridge looks to be on target for a late Q4 "qualification for sale", which means the first Ivy Bridge systems should become available around Spring 2012 to end users.
