Intel Broadwell CPUs For Notebook Launched in CES 2015
The ground breaking Broadwell CPUs launched in CES 2015. Intel introduced their 5th generation of Intel u processor lineup. Based on brand new Broadwell U micro-architecture, the new CPU U lineup chips are available for Celeron, Pentium, Core-i3, Core-i5 and Core-i7. These new chips are categorized as under u-processor line. The original die map released by Intel indicates that they have only launched two-core chips in January 2015. Quad-core and eight-thread processors will be launched in Computex June 2015. Computer tech gurus anticipate that the 4 and 8-core flagship Broadwell microprocessors might be released along with the first batch of Intel 6th generation Skylake processors. These will definitely be great news for desktop gamers as the graphics capabilities of both Broadwell and Skylake line of microprocessors is quite promising. The newly released 5th gen u-processors are basically for notebooks. Due to smaller die size, these CPUs will surely help further downsizing the laptop size. Broadwell u-processors for desktop PCs are expected to released in June this year.
5th Generation Broadwell U-Processor Architecture
Broadwell U series is follow up of previous Haswell U lineup which is further developed into a more power saving architecture. Broadwell U microprocessors consumes between 15-Watt and 28-watt power with its dual-core CPU chips. Low wattage numbers makes it obvious that new Intel processors consumes less power than their predecessors. Low power consumption will ensure better battery life. So you can have extra battery power available for enjoying more computing tasks.
The latest Intel Broadwell die map presentation (above image) reveals how much serious dedication Intel is giving to boost overall computer graphics capabilities. That’s why more than 60% of the microprocessor area has been allocated to graphics processor only. The rest of the space is used by two-cores, system agent display engine, memory controller, L3 Cache and Input Output memory controls.
Some of the key characteristics of 5th Gen Intel dual core processors that die map showcase are following:
- Intel HD Graphics 5500-6000 OR Intel Iris Graphics 6100.
- 22% higher 3d graphics performance than 4th generation U-processors.
- 14nm 2nd gen tri-gate 3-d transistors are used causing a die shrink from last generation.
- 1.9 billion transistors previous generation score was 1.3 Billion.
- 133mm2 die dimension previous generation was made on 181mm2 size.
We still need to wait until Skylake and Broadwell desktop processors are released (expected to be in mid-2015). Only then we can compare performance of gaming computer without a GPU present in the PC build.
Intel 5th and 6th Gen Chips Focusing on Gaming Audience
The introduction of AMD’s accelerated processing units aka APU has led processor manufacturers concentrate on developing single chip with quality graphics rendering. Since the innovation of AMD’s APUs, Intel has been working hard in increasing graphics functionality in new processors. Intel HD and IRIS graphics 4000, 5000 and now 6000 series clearly shows how determined they are in delivering good graphics within the processor chip. Broadwell and Skylake processors will definitely be suitable for playing modern games at good settings. We can consider them AMD equivalent APUs because running a desktop or laptop without need of dedicated video card will help in saving money. The launch of Broadwell, Skylake processors will result in new low-cost budget gaming builds possible. Intel is targeting beginner to mid-level gamers and in near future we can expect a good competition between upcoming AMD APU’s and Intel new line of computer processing units.
4th Generation Vs 5th Generation Intel Core Processors
In order to compare the generational improvement from 4th to 5th generation of Intel microprocessors. we have selected one CPU from each generation for this challenge. This will give us precise measurement on the performance gains by the new generation Intel processors.
Intel Broadwell CPU: 5th Generation Core i7-5600U with HD Graphics 5500
VS
Intel Haswell CPU: 4th Generation Core i7-4600U with HD Graphics 4400
A simple performance comparison between Intel core i7-5600U and Intel i7-4600U reveals the results in favor of fifth generation dual core processors.
5th generation Intel Broadwell CPU has technological edge over 4th generation counterpart with the following parameters:
- Overall chip size Shrink into 37% smaller die size
- Accommodating 35% more transistors in new shrieked area.
- 3d graphics rendering is 22% better (Improved HD Graphics and IRIS)
- video conversion is 50% faster
- productivity is 4% better
- Up-to 1.5 hour of longer battery life
Since Intel says Skylake technology is worth the wait, so we anticipate these will be mammoth processing chips enrich with high-end 3-dimensional graphical computation. These new microprocessors under Broadwell and Skylake architecture, actually we can call them “Intel APUs” will aid new gamers to build best config gaming computers within a limited budget.
