

Intel's bold claims of a 20X improvement in standby power with Haswell processor in 2013 - IDF 2011

Intel's bold claims of a 20X improvement in standby power with Haswell processor in 2013 - IDF 2011

Intel's got a bright future, and if you're planning to buy an Intel-based notebook in 2013 or beyond, that bright future will include you. Of course, Intel's been talking the talk with regard to power savings for years, but it's always a challenge to integrate more functionality and increase performance, while keep power in check. Intel's Atom line-up was successful, but not stellar, and we're still waiting on a commercial Intel-based smartphone. ARM -based systems have been eating Intel's lunch in the low power arena but Haswell, according to Intel, could be a game-changer.Intel is currently developing their 2013 line of Haswell CPU products for Ultrabooks. That's in addition to the Ivy Bridge 22nm technology, which will launch next year, with the help of the company's revolutionary 3-D Tri-gate transistors. Haswell is predicted to reduce idle platform power by more than 20 times over current designs, without compromising computing performance.Intel CEO, Paul Otellini expects that this design advancement, combined with industry collaboration, will lead to more than 10 days of connected standby battery life by 2013. Bold words, but we're looking forward to it.The advancements will aid in delivery of what Intel calls always-on-always-connected computing where Ultrabooks stay connected when in standby mode, keeping your e-mail, social media and digital content up-to-date. Looking further into the future, Otellini predicted that platform power innovation will reach levels that are difficult to imagine today. Intel's researchers have created a prototype chip that could allow a computer to power up on a solar cell the size of a postage stamp. Referred to as a "Near Threshold Voltage Core," this Intel architecture research chip pushes the limits of transistor technology to tune power use to extremely low levels.More from IDF2011 as our coverage continues.