Intel's 65nm desktop CPU to ship Q1 2006

Intel's first 65nm desktop chip will ship in Q1 2006 alongside its 65nm Pentium M, it has been claimed.

According to Taiwanese motherboard-maker sources cited by DigiTimes, the desktop chip is codenamed 'Presler', and will launch at 3.6GHz.

There's many a slip twixt cup and lip, of course, so we expect that roadmapped launch window to be tentative at this stage. However, Intel has claimed on a number of occasions that it's 65nm process is on schedule. That process will result limited numbers of 'Yonah', the first dual-core Pentium M and the chip giant's first 65nm processor, ship late this year, Intel has pledged, ahead of commercial volumes some time in Q1 2006.

Whether Presler will appear in limited quantities in that timeframe or in volume isn't yet known. Much depends on the success of the 65nm process, and of Intel's ability to get its dual-core design right.

Presler won't be Intel's first dual-core desktop part, of course - that honour will be taken by the 90nm 'Smithfield' this summer. But with that chip believed to be little more than two single-core 'Prescott' dies wired together in one package - certainly Intel won't say one way or the other - Presler will be the chip giant's first genuine 'two cores, one die' desktop processor.

Presler's die is expected to measure 140mm², compared to an estimated Smithfield die size of 215mm² ®

Related stories

Intel speeds 'multiple OS' desktop CPU schedule
Intel 'Smithfield' to run 130W hot
Intel Smithfield chipsets said to support SATA 2
Intel invests in three digital home firms
Intel confirms dual-core desktop 'Smithfield'
Intel demos 65nm dual-core mobile CPU

2004 in review: processors and semiconductors