Intel's Sandy Bridge for Providers

February 25, 2011

On January 3, 2011 Intel formally announced its next set of processors called Sandy Bridge. These processors are the second generation Intel Core Family processors. Sandy Bridge processors have the graphics and memory controller integrated directly onto the chip. This aims to lower the power consumption while granting better integrated graphics performance.

As with the previous Core processors, Sandy Bridge utilizes Intel's Turbo Boost technology. Turbo Boost dynamically adjusts each processor core according to the workload need and temperature limits. This technology is now also used on the chip's integrated graphics, allowing for the processor to adapt better to different workload situations. Along with Turbo Boost, the Sandy Bridge processors still perform hyper-threading, allowing each core to multitask and process two threads per core.

Mobile Sandy Bridge processors combined with a compatible Intel wireless card enable the use of Intel Wireless Display. This uses the integrated graphics of the processor to stream video to a compatible device without any cables. Sandy Bridge supports resolutions of 1080p, an upgrade from the previous 720p limit.

Sandy Bridge systems also transition from HD integrated graphics to HD 2000 or HD 3000 integrated graphics. Previous generations of Intel integrated graphics have been substandard in performance, but early testing results with HD 3000 graphics at the University show that the HD 3000, at minimum, should suffice for most users.

Recommended Hardware With Sandy Bridge

Apple released Sandy Bridge in their MacBook Pro line on February 24, 2011. Along with the move to Sandy Bridge, Apple is introducing Thunderbolt, a new transfer protocol that allows extremely fast data transfers (theoretically up to 10 Gbps). There are the usual 13-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch offerings in the aluminum unibody style.

Dell plans to release Sandy Bridge notebooks across their Latitude E-series product line. Along with the move to Sandy Bridge, Dell is also revising their enclosures and design. For the initial round of releases, Dell has announced:

• Latitude E6220 12-inch
• Latitude E6320 13-inch
• Latitude E6420 14-inch
• Latitude E6520 15-inch
• Latitude E5420 14-inch
• Latitude E5520 15-inch
• Latitude E6420 ATG hardened 14-inch

Lenovo plans to release Sandy Bridge notebooks across much of their ThinkPad product line. For the initial round of releases, Lenovo has announced:

• ThinkPad T420 14-inch
• ThinkPad T420s 14-inch
• ThinkPad T520 15-inch

Intel Core graphic courtesy of Intel

--John Mulhern III and Andrew Romond, ISC Technology Support Services (February 25, 2011)