Intel to launch Nehalem chips in Thai market

Intel Core i7

To provide a new architecture that leverages Intel's Core Micro-

architecture performance advantage and improves power efficiency, Intel will introduce a microprocessor code-named Nehalem, or Intel Core i7, to the Thai market in the fourth quarter of this year.

Intel Microelectronics (Thailand) country manager Accharas Ouys-inprasert said the Nehalem chips will be marketed under the Intel Core i7 brand.

Core i7 will be available in two editions - the entry-level edition and the extreme edition. The Nehalem architecture will be the first Intel processor to use the QuickPath Interconnect system architecture.

QuickPath utilises integrated-memory controller technology and improved communication links between system components to significantly improve overall system

performance.

The Intel Core i7 will focus on high-end desktop and dual-processor platforms for content creators, 3D animators and gaming professionals. In the first step, the company will launch a processor for desktops by the fourth quarter, for servers by early next year and for notebook computers after that.

Accharas said that according to Intel's technology roadmap, it will debut the microprocessor based on the 32 nm logic technology next year and its successor, code-named "Sandy Bridge", in 2011.

Meanwhile, the company plans to expand its customer base by introducing Intel Core 2 Extreme processors in about 30,000 Internet cafés across Thailand.

Accharas said the Internet cafés currently use computers based on the Pentium Duo Core technology.

The company anticipates the Intel Core 2 processors will rapidly replace existing microprocessors in Internet cafés within the next couple years because their prices are expected to fall.

 "The Intel Core 2 Extreme processors provide manageability functions that assist IT administrators in maintaining clean and stable systems. It also offers a graphically-intense gaming experience to cater to the demand of today's hardcore gamers and media enthusiasts," Accharas said.

He also believes the current political situation will affect the economy as a whole.

As a result, consumers, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporates will probably delay decisions to invest in new information technology infrastructure.

He expects the SME and corporate markets to decline about 10 to 15 per cent in the fourth quarter. Therefore, the company will review its revenue-generation strategies to drive market growth.