- Four weeks after providing technical details for its Core M notebook/tablet CPUs, Intel (NASDAQ:INTC +0.5%) has officially launched them.
- Initial systems based on Core M, the first CPU line to leverage Intel's 14nm Broadwell architecture, are due in October. Dell, H-P, Lenovo, and Asus are among the OEMs launching systems this year.
- Intel asserts Core M "enables up to 50 percent faster compute performance and 40 percent faster graphics performance" than comparable 22nm Haswell CPUs. Core M parts are also said to be 50% smaller, and to require 60% less thermal power.
- Intel, which is looking to enable converged devices that deliver PC-like performance in tablet-like form factors, has already promised certain Core M CPUs will enable fanless ~10" devices that are only 8mm-10mm thick. A slide picked up by AnandTech shows Intel estimates a CPU running a 10.1" tablet that's only 8mm thick should have a max power draw of less than ~4W. For a 13.3" tablet, the figure rises to ~5W.
- The launch of Core M/Broadwell extends Intel's manufacturing process lead over AMD (AMD +0.1%), which has been trying to lower its PC dependence. While Broadwell lines use a 14nm process, AMD's Kaveri (desktop), Kabini (notebook), and Beema/Mullins (notebook/tablet) lines use 28nm processes from TSMC and Globalfoundries.