Intel claims its Broadwell processors are the most efficient
Intel's growth strategy and offerings in the PC market (Part 3 of 17)
New systems with Broadwell will launch soon
In 1Q15, Intel (INTC) stated that its fifth-generation Core i3, i5, and i7 processors will be used in notebooks, 2-in-1s, Ultrabooks, Google (GOOG) (GOOGL) Chromebooks, and PCs.
Unconfirmed rumors state that Apple (AAPL) is waiting for Intel to ship Broadwell to start the production of a new and redesigned MacBook Air.
These core chips will support Intel’s RealSense 3D technology. We discussed RealSense earlier in this series. The technology allows manufacturers to provide gesture control, 3D capture, and editing capabilities.
You can consider investing in the Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) or the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) to gain exposure to Intel. Intel makes up about 19% and 3.55% of these ETFs, respectively.
Broadwell’s improvement over its predecessors
Intel’s latest fifth-generation Broadwell Core processor has a die size that’s 37% smaller compared to its fourth-generation predecessor—Haswell.
Due to the new 14nm technology, Intel can fit in 35% more transistors in the processors. It has 1.9 billion transistors in the processors. This translates to 22% better 3D graphics performance, 50% faster video conversion, and 4% better productivity.
Intel claims that a system with a Broadwell chip can run up to 1.5 hours longer on the battery than one powered with the Haswell chip. This makes it ideal for mobile devices. Intel claims that Broadwell chips will allow OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to make devices that are less than 9mm thick.
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