Intel develops Haswell processors for ultrabooks at 10W TDP

Intel puts all weight on the ultraboks concept and with Haswell the company claims it will reinvent tthe notebooks. Besides launching Haswell at 15 watt TDP, the company will develop Haswell processors with ratings as low as 10 watt.

Between 11 and 13 September, IDF (Intel Developers Forum) will be held, where the nextcoming architecture Haswell will be in the center of attention. We have earlier reported about an energy efficient model with integrated southbridge at only 15 watt TDP (Thermal Design Power), which can be compared to the current ultrabook platform at 21.7 watt TDP when counting both processor and southbridge. An even more efficient model at only 10 watt TDP is in development, which means a maximal energy consumption at less than half of the current platform.

TDP is guidance mark in the semiconductor industry to inform system builders how much heat the cooling has to be able to manage at worst case scenarios. A processor with high TDP requires bigger and better cooling, while processors with lower TDP ratings require less. The rating does not speak the whole truth about the energy consumption, but it gives us an idea of where it will be at.

Thinner and lighter computer with longer battery times with next generation processors

We should not expect the same performance from the coming Haswell processors at 10 watt as with current Ivy Bridge processors at 17 watt, an Intel representative told The Verge. We presume the 10 watt models will have only one memory channel and Intel’s GT2 graphics, but the new model should help making even thinner notebooks with better battery times, which should also make it attractive to tablets and hybrids. Those who prioritize mobility and battery time before performance should keep an eye out for these.