Apple has been holding off on any major updates to its MacBook lineup of laptops, because it has been waiting for the release of Intel’s upcoming Broadwell chip. The Broadwell is small, fanless, and is expected to be the most energy efficient Intel processor yet.
Today, Intel shared some information about the upcoming Core M Broadwell processor:
- The combination of the new microarchitecture and manufacturing process will usher in a wave of innovation in new form factors, experiences and systems that are thinner and run silent and cool.
- Intel architects and chip designers have achieved greater than two times reduction in the thermal design point when compared to a previous generation of processor while providing similar performance and improved battery life.
- The new microarchitecture was optimized to take advantage of the new capabilities of the 14nm manufacturing process.
- Intel has delivered the world’s first 14nm technology in volume production. It uses second-generation Tri-gate (FinFET) transistors with industry-leading performance, power, density and cost per transistor.
- Intel’s 14nm technology will be used to manufacture a wide range of high-performance to low-power products including servers, personal computing devices and Internet of Things.
- The first systems based on the Intel® Core™ M processor will be on shelves for the holiday selling season followed by broader OEM availability in the first half of 2015.
- Additional products based on the Broadwell microarchitecture and 14nm process technology will be introduced in the coming months.
Intel is on track to ship chips in time for new products for the holiday season, this is likely to allow Apple to ship its highly-anticipate 12-inch MacBook with the new processor. As Intel believes increased availability for the Broadwell processor will occur in 2015, it isn’t out of line to expect other MacBooks to appear using the new fanless processor during that timeframe.
(Via 9to5Mac)
