Cloverfield: Intel's Next-Next Tablet Processor
Intel has another tablet processor cooking in its labs.
At its IDF Spring in Beijing, the company disclosed that the 32 nm Cloverfield CPU will follow the 32 nm Cedar Trail, which will replace the 45 nm Oak Trail CPU, which was released just this week, in H2 2011. Intel did not disclose much information and simply stated that Cloverfield will consume less power.
That, of course, is to be expected, but we wonder if Intel will actually be moving to more cores with Cloverfield. I recently criticized Oak Trail as being not competitive enough as far as performance is concerned and as too expensive. However, Intel sources promised that Oak Trail will be very competitive with ARM's current product lineup. We are promised to get to see extensive presentations and demonstrations at Computex in a few weeks.
Intel is a bit late to the party, which can be an advantage or disadvantage. It could use the effect of surprise, but it will need a very compelling product. A single core with 1.5 GHz for $75 is not very likely to succeed. But I may be too pessimistic here - and I will wait until Computex for a final judgment on Oak Trail. That said, the price needs to come down in any case.
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Douglas Perry was a freelance writer for Tom's Hardware covering semiconductors, storage technology, quantum computing, and processor power delivery. He has authored several books and is currently an editor for The Oregonian/OregonLive.
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jdamon113 Given the nature of how many different sources are in arm and only intel in its atom, I have to admit they have come far fast. But Qualcomm is not going to sit down and let intel have this... Intel has its work cut out for them. But when the last device is standing I assume in a few years, nodoughtly it will say intel inside. They have a huge advantage in fabrication, and a high QC.. If intel hits the phone market, that could spell dome for samsung. Time will tell.Reply -
huron I think that Intel was surprised by how quickly the mobile market exploded and didn't have an answer. With their money and R&D, I don't doubt they can become competitive in the mobile space if they make a serious push.Reply
Should be interesting...competition is always a good thing, right? -
bustapr considering how awesome intel has always been(in cpu market), I have no doubt that theyll blow ARM out of the water. However I dont think there will be alot of room for lots of competition in the mobile market. 2 is fine, 3 is pushing it. I dont know how AMD is gonna take this.Reply -
Supertrek32 I'm surprised I wasn't beaten to the punch on jokes...Reply
Will this processor destroy New York? -
mobrocket supertrek32I'm surprised I wasn't beaten to the punch on jokes...Will this processor destroy New York?Reply
and look like a giant flea-bat -
azcoyote bustaprconsidering how awesome intel has always been(in cpu market), I have no doubt that theyll blow ARM out of the water. However I dont think there will be alot of room for lots of competition in the mobile market. 2 is fine, 3 is pushing it. I dont know how AMD is gonna take this.Reply
Doubtful. x86 has some limitations when compared to ARM strictly speaking on target usage and market. ARM license pricing is aggressive and implementation is flexible. Google is to market with tablet and phone optimized software. Windows is behind of phone and tablet software. Intel has an uphill battle here...