Intel to unveil improved new generation chips

Intel is set to unveil a new generation of computer chips in the next one month with a 40 per cent improved performance over its current chips. The company will also introduce new chips for tablets and phones in six months, according to its year-end review.

The firm, which unveiled its 'Core i' series of chips in January, said, Indian computer sales in 2010 have exceeded the industry expectations of 20-per cent growth by ''a few percentage points'' at the beginning of the year.

"We have revamped core components of our chips for the new line-up," said Rajesh Gupta, director for the firm's sales and marketing.

The current chip architecture, which is nearly two years old is called 'Neelahem' while the new one that will be rolled out would be called 'Sandy Bridge'.

Following the introduction of the 'Core i' series added high-definition playback to the company's processors early this year, the 'Sandy Bridge' chips will build on this to deliver 3D playback capacity. With the current architecture users have to install special 'graphics processors' for 3D playback required for films and games as Intel chips do not support that functionality at present.

With the move Intel will be better able to take on its smaller arch-rival AMD, which acquired graphics processor firm ATI to launch a chip that integrates both the core processor as also a powerful graphics unit.