Despite confusing the masses with its revamped branding, Intel's keeping quiet when it comes to availability of its upcoming Nehalem revisions - but that hasn't stopped the rumour mill from turning.
Today, rumours suggest that Intel is ahead of schedule and on the fast track to 32nm. According to Chinese newspaper DigiTimes, motherboard manufacturers have confirmed that mass production of Intel's 32nm Clarkdale processors - which we believe will be productised as Core i5 - will begin in Q4 2009.
Intel's yet to comment, but it looks as though we'll see the semiconductor giant's first 32nm parts in a few months time. Next step, 22nm in 2011 - or sooner, perhaps?
Confused by all the codenames? Here's what you need to know - Clarkdale, now rumoured to be on track for Q4 '09, is a desktop processor derived from the Westmere (32nm Nehalem) architecture. Clarkdale parts will utilise socket LGA 1156 - supported by chipsets P57, H57 and Q57 - and will feature a 45nm integrated graphics processor (IGP).
Exactly how potent Clarkdale's IGP will be remains unknown, but Intel has stated that the chip will offer a "full set of media capabilities for a rich, colourful HD experience".
