Intel has started to produce samples of a quad-core processor called Penryn that offers faster clock speeds and larger cache sizes, according to Rob Willoner, a company’s technology analyst. Based on the same microarchitecture as the Core 2 Duo CPU, Penryn is the first Intel processor to be made using a 45-nanometer process. The processor will be available in versions for laptops, desktops and servers.
Currently, most Intel chips are made using a 65-nanometer process. Also, AMD, which currently makes CPUs using 90 nanometer technology, is expected to release its first 65-nm processor soon.
Moving to the more advanced process means that the size of each transistor shrinks, allowing more of them to fit onto a piece of silicon. In addition, smaller transistors require less power and are generally faster, the reports say.
