Intel to introduce Centrino 3 platform at IDF

Posted on Thursday, August 26 2004 @ 14:51 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
While Intel's second generation of its Centrino mobile platform named Sonoma isn't even available yet, it is possible that the company will introduce its third-generation Centrino platform at the Intel Developer Forum next month.

The Centrino 3 is codenamed Napa, and slated for launch in Q1 2006. This platform will be the successor of the upcoming Centrino 2 'Sonoma' from Intel. It is said that the Centrino 3 will feature support for dual-core Pentium M processors called Yonah, a new chipset named Calligstoga and Intel's next-gen wireless solution Gaston.
Yonah is essentially two 'Dothan' cores plus a whole heap of shared L2 cache. Callistoga appears to be a beefed up version of 'Alviso', the 'Grantsdale'-like mobile chipset that's due to appear in Q1 2005. Callistoga is said to provide Alviso's 533MHz frontside bus, PCI Express support, Hi-Def audio and 667MHz DDR 2, but with Serial ATA II.

A year on from Napa, Intel is apparently lining up 'Santa Rosa', with a new dual-core Pentium M, 'Merom'; chipset, 'Crestine'; and wireless component, 'Gaston 2'. Merom may introduce HyperThreading to Pentium M line, but will at least represent the next generation of core beyond Dothan.

It is also thought to form the basis for a new line of dual-core, Pentium M-based desktop chips, though the arrival of 'Smithfield', a dual-core 'Prescott' may have changed that. Possibly Smithfield is a stop-gap until Merom's desktop sibling - perhaps codenamed 'Conroe' - ships. Either way, DigiTimes' sources claim Smithfield will make its first public appearance at IDF.
Source: The Register


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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