The first "8th generation" Intel Core processors roll out today: a quartet of 15W U-series mobile processors. Prior generation U-series parts have had two cores, four threads; these new chips double that to four cores and eight threads. They also bump up the maximum clock speed to as much as 4.2GHz, though the base clock speed is sharply down at 1.9GHz for the top end part (compared to the 7th generation's 2.8GHz). But beyond those changes, there's little to say about the new chips, because in a lot of ways, the new chips aren't really new.
Although Intel is calling these parts "8th generation," their architecture, both for their CPU and their integrated GPU, is the same as "7th generation" Kaby Lake. In fact, Intel calls the architecture of these chips "Kaby Lake refresh." Kaby Lake was itself a minor update on Skylake, adding an improved GPU (with, for example, hardware-accelerated support for 4K H.265 video) and a clock speed bump. The new chips continue to be built on Intel's "14nm+" manufacturing process, albeit a somewhat refined one.
Source: Ars Technica
takyon: Also at AnandTech. Where's 14nm++ Coffee Lake?
In the past we are used to a new numbered generation to come with a new core microarchitecture design. But this time Intel is improving a core design, calling it a refresh, and only releasing a few processors for the mobile family. We expect that Intel's 8th Generation will eventually contain three core designs of product on three different process design nodes: the launch today is Kaby Lake Refresh on 14+, and in the future we will see Coffee Lake on 14++ become part of the 8th Gen, as well as Cannon Lake on 10nm.
[...] So when is Coffee Lake on 14++ (or Cannon Lake) coming? Intel only stated that other members of the 8th Generation family (which contains Kaby Lake Refresh, Coffee Lake and Cannon Lake) are coming later this year. Desktop will come in the autumn, and additional products for enterprise, workstation and enthusiast notebooks will also happen. As for today's 8th Generation U-series announcement, Intel tells us that we should start seeing laptops using the new CPUs hit the market in September.
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Intel will announce its Coffee Lake processors on August 21. They will be the last generation of 14nm(++) Core processors before 10nm Cannon Lake and Ice Lake, which is described as using a "10nm+" process:
In an unusual move for Intel, the chip giant has ever so slightly taken the wraps off of one of their future generation Core architectures. Basic information on the Ice Lake architecture has been published over on Intel's codename decoder, officially confirming for the first time the existence of the architecture and that it will be made on Intel's 10nm+ process.
The Ice Lake processor family is a successor to the 8th generation Intel® Core™ processor family. These processors utilize Intel's industry-leading 10 nm+ process technology.
This is an unexpected development as the company has yet to formally detail (let alone launch) the first 10nm Core architecture – Cannon Lake – and it's rare these days for Intel to talk more than a generation ahead in CPU architectures. Equally as interesting is the fact that Intel is calling Ice Lake the successor to their upcoming 8th generation Coffee Lake processors, which codename bingo aside, throws some confusion on where the 14nm Coffee Lake and 10nm Cannon Lake will eventually stand.
[...] Working purely on lithographic nomenclature, Intel has three processes on 14nm: 14, 14+, and 14++. As shown to everyone at Intel's Technology Manufacturing Day a couple of months ago, these will be followed by a trio of 10nm processes: 10nm, 10nm+ (10+), and 10++.
Tick Tock has given way to plus signs everywhere.
Coffee Lake will include the first mainstream 6-core chips from Intel, including the Intel Core i5-8600K and i7-8700K.
Also at Tom's Hardware.
https://www.anandtech.com/show/11859/the-anandtech-coffee-lake-review-8700k-and-8400-initial-numbers
At the top of the stack are two Core i7 Coffee Lake processors. In previous generations 'Core i7' meant that we were discussing quad-core parts with hyperthreading, but for this generation it moves up to a six-core part with hyperthreading. The Core i7-8700K starts at a 3.7 GHz base frequency and is designed to turbo to 4.7 GHz in single threaded workloads, with a thermal design power (TDP) of 95W.
[...] In the middle of the stack are the Core i5 processors, with the new generation matching the 'same configuration without hyperthreading' philosophy that followed in the previous generation. The two Core i5 parts operate at lower clockspeeds compared to the Core i7, and perhaps more so than we are previously used to, especially with the Core i5-8400 having a base frequency of 2.8 GHz. Intel sampled us the Core i5-8400 for our review, because it hits an important metric: six cores for under $200.
[...] It is interesting to note that in the last generation, Intel had processors with two cores and two threads (2C/2T), two cores with hyperthreading (2C/4T), quad cores with four threads (4C/4T) and quad cores with hyperthreading (4C/8T). This layout had staggered, regular steps. With the move to 6C/12T on the high-end Core i7, and 6C/6T on the mid-range Core i5, Intel completely skips the 4C/8T parts and moves straight to 4C/4T on the Core i3. This is likely because a 4C/8T processor might overtake a 6C/6T part in some multi-threaded tests (it would also explain why moving from a previous 4C/8T Core i7 processor to a 6C/6T Core i5 8th generation is not always an increase in performance).
However at the bottom of the stack are the 4C/4T Core i3 processors, where Intel is pushing out an overclockable Core i3 processor again. This is a little bit of a surprise: in our testing of the previous generation overclockable Core i3, the fact that it was dual core was a setback in a lot of testing. With the Core i3-K now being quad-core, and overclocking it to try and beat a six-core chip for less money, for certain things like gaming we might see less of a difference between the two.
Also at Ars Technica. Intel press release.
Previously: AMD's Ryzen Could be Forcing Intel to Release "Coffee Lake" CPUs Sooner
Intel's First 8th Generation Processors Are Just Updated 7th Generation Chips
Intel Launches 8th-Gen Core Desktop Chips; Claims New Core i7-8700K is its Best Gaming Chip Ever
Intel Tock-Ticks Chipsets Back to 22nm
We've confirmed through multiple sources that Intel is fabbing its new H310C chipset on its 22nm process. That means the chip-making giant has taken a step back to an older process for the H310C chipset as it struggles with its ongoing shortage of 14nm processors. Contrary to recent reports, our sources confirmed Intel manufactures these chips and not TSMC (which has been reported in recent weeks), though that could be subject to change in the future.
The shift in Intel's strategy comes as the company struggles with the fallout from its chronically delayed 10nm process. Now the company is dealing with an increasingly loud chorus of reports that Intel's 14nm shortage is now impacting its server, desktop and mobile chips.
[...] Intel typically produces chipsets on a larger node than its current-gen processors, but the delayed 10nm production has found both chipsets and chips on the same 14nm node, creating a manufacturing bottleneck as the company experiences record demand for 14nm processors.
Related: Intel's "Tick-Tock" Strategy Stalls, 10nm Chips Delayed
Intel's First 8th Generation Processors Are Just Updated 7th Generation Chips
Intel Delays Mass Production Of 10 nm CPUs To 2019
Intel Issues Update on 14nm Shortage, Invests $1B Into Fab Sites (Update)
Intel's CFO and interim CEO Bob Swan penned an open letter to its customers and partners today outlining the steps it is taking to address a persistent and worsening shortage of 14nm processors.
[...] The shortage impacts nearly every aspect of Intel's business, from desktops to laptops, servers and even chipsets, so Intel is making the sound business decision to prioritize high-margin products. The firm has also expanded its testing capacity by diverting some work to a facility in Vietnam.
[...] Intel's statement also assures us that processors built on its 10nm fabrication will arrive in volume in 2019. Intel had previously stated that 10nm processors would be available in 2019, but hadn't made the distinction that they would arrive in volume. That's a positive sign, as the oft-delayed 10nm production is surely a contributing factor to the shortage. Intel also cites the booming desktop PC market, which has outstripped the company's original estimates earlier this year, as a catalyst.
In either case, Intel concedes that "supply is undoubtedly tight, particularly in the entry-level of the PC market" but doesn't provide a firm timeline for when the processors will become fully available. Intel's letter also touts its $1 billion investment in 14nm fabs this year, but half of that capital expenditure was scheduled prior to its first public acknowledgement of the shortage. Given Intel's foresight into the production challenges, the prior $500 million investment was likely in response to the increases in demand and looming production shortfall.
Previously: Intel Migrates New Chipsets to "22nm" Node From "14nm"
Related: Intel's "Tick-Tock" Strategy Stalls, 10nm Chips Delayed
Intel's First 8th Generation Processors Are Just Updated 7th Generation Chips
Intel Delays Mass Production Of 10 nm CPUs To 2019
Report: Intel is cancelling its 10nm process. Intel: No, we're not
Earlier today, it was reported that Intel is cancelling its troublesome 10nm manufacturing process. In an unusual response, the company has tweeted an official denial of the claims.
[...] The company's most recent estimate is that 10nm will go into volume production in the second half of 2019. The report from SemiAccurate cites internal sources saying that this isn't going to happen: while there may be a few 10nm chips, for the most part Intel is going to skip to its 7nm process.
Typically, Intel doesn't respond to rumors, but this one appears to be an exception. The company is tweeting that it's making "good progress" on 10nm and that yields are improving consistent with the guidance the company provided on its last earnings report. Intel's next earnings report is on Thursday, and we're likely to hear more about 10nm's progress then.
Also at Tom's Hardware and The Verge.
Related: Intel's "Tick-Tock" Strategy Stalls, 10nm Chips Delayed (it has been over 3 years since this article was posted)
Moore's Law: Not Dead? Intel Says its 10nm Chips Will Beat Samsung's
Intel's First 8th Generation Processors Are Just Updated 7th Generation Chips
Intel Releases Open Letter in Attempt to Address Shortage of "14nm" Processors and "10nm" Delays
(Score: 4, Interesting) by Azuma Hazuki on Monday August 21 2017, @04:30PM (12 children)
Have you *seen* the review of the 8550U on Notebookcheck? It's a 15W chip with 4 core and 8 threads that manages to stay neck and neck with last generation's 45W i5-6300HQ quad-core, or the Ivybridge i7-3610QM! The uarch may be old, but that also means it's mature and well-optimized. Coming from the forum's resident AMD fangirl, I really want to get my hands on a machine with that kind of firepower.
I am "that girl" your mother warned you about...
(Score: 3, Funny) by bob_super on Monday August 21 2017, @04:38PM (5 children)
I demand that Intel delivers a new process, a 50% speed gain, and a cheap flying car.
Just a second... why are you bugging me now?
...And a pony! With a pink bridle.
(Score: 2) by c0lo on Monday August 21 2017, @04:54PM
A periwinkle blue saddle or nothing. I'm terrible partial about it. Have I made myself clear? **
---
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFiw2jMy-0 https://soylentnews.org/~MichaelDavidCrawford
(Score: 1, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 21 2017, @05:52PM (3 children)
║ Year ║ Model ║ Price ║ Transistors ║ Node ║ Bench ║
╠══════╬══════════╬══════════════════╬═════════════╬══════╬═══════╣
║ 2007 ║ Q6600 ║ $851->$530->$266 ║ 582 million ║ 65nm ║ X ║
╠══════╬══════════╬══════════════════╬═════════════╬══════╬═══════╣
║ 2017 ║ i7-7740X ║ $999->$340 ║ 1.5 billion ║ 14nm ║ 2.75X ║
╚══════╩══════════╩══════════════════╩═════════════╩══════╩═══════╝
http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core2-Quad-Q6600-vs-Intel-Core-i7-7740X/1980vsm304932
You can jerk off to Intel all you want, but it took them 10 years to double performance-per-dollar. A shame they didn't stick a magnet in Moore's ass and rolled a coil around his coffin. Would have saved them millions in utility bills.
(Score: 3, Touché) by bob_super on Monday August 21 2017, @06:05PM (1 child)
He's already bought his own coffin? I guess you may do things like that when you're a billionaire and 88...
Not sure how your proposed setup would produce power, unless he's into bumping uglies in a coffin.
(Score: 1, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 21 2017, @06:18PM
Clearly, we're dealing with a silicon sucking vampire. No doubt another victim of an 80s cocaine addled suckle-frenzy on the breasts of 1000$ AIDS infected prostitute.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 21 2017, @09:02PM
People simply stopped buying desktops. Oh some people still snag them. But most of the business world went to laptops and low power devices. The datacenters also said 'cant buy any more topped out on power'. ARM is decimating Intel. They know it. Then AMD tripped on their face about 20 times during that time. So Intel basically being the only game did nothing. AMD got its crap together and suddenly 'interesting' chips flow from the Intel group again.
Most CPUs have a out to memory and back of 200+ cycles. You can increase the speed all you like on the CPU. Memory/heat is the bottleneck.
The CPU I am looking at is about 15%-30% better IPC than what I bought 5 years ago at a slightly lower TDP. As I am a laptop guy now I am looking more for the GPU/screen upgrade. Probably a pascal nVidia 1070 chipset. Plus the extra speed in memory will not hurt either from 1800 to 2400.
Skip the X line they basically a marketing speed bin of some select chips. Not worth the money.
You can jerk off to Intel all you want, but it took them 10 years to double performance-per-dollar
You can argue it too AMD even longer. The last time they were competitive with Intel was 2003.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 21 2017, @05:15PM
No reason not to just buy Intel this generation either. me_cleaner can excise some of the worst features on the Intel side, but the GPUs are FUBAR'd on both sides now.
Since the hardware is going to spy on you either way, and unless you're running unlocked (non-TrustZone or unsigned TrustZone capability) ARM chips there aren't any alternatives in the notebook or desktop realms at consumer reasonable prices other than Intel/AMD.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 21 2017, @05:43PM (4 children)
there are no girls on the internet
(Score: 2) by bob_super on Monday August 21 2017, @05:47PM (1 child)
If every 12-yr old girl on the internet is an FBI agent, what could Azuma's gender-angry character's target possibly be?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday August 21 2017, @06:20PM
Azuma is a [b]woman[/b]! But our patriarchal society values youth in females, so it's "girl" at times.
From "churl" - you know, Bob, that word that might describe [b]you![/b]
(Score: 2) by Azuma Hazuki on Monday August 21 2017, @06:59PM (1 child)
There are girls on the internet but at age 32, I have not been a girl for 14 years and a bit, thank you *very* much. And where are you getting "gender-angry" from? Yes, there is a lot of privilege I miss out on by not having a Y chromosome, but I'm dealing with it.
I am "that girl" your mother warned you about...
(Score: 2) by unauthorized on Monday August 21 2017, @07:49PM
The word girl can also be used to refer to adult women depending on context. Language is silly like that.