Intel Debuts 32-NM Westmere Desktop Processors

Intel on Thursday introduced a couple of dozen processors, wireless adapters, and chipsets built with its latest 32-nanometer manufacturing process, which produces faster and more energy-efficient products.

Intel unveiled the new products, along with pricing, at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nev. The 25 products include Core i7, i5, and i3 processors for desktops, laptops, and embedded systems, 5 Series chipsets, and Centrino Wi-Fi and WiMax adapters.

Intel announced in December that the new products were coming. On Thursday, Intel released more details, namely pricing.

"For the first time, there's a new family of Intel processors with the industry's most advanced technology available immediately at virtually every PC price point," Sean Maloney, executive VP and general manager of the Intel Architecture Group, said in a statement.

Intel's full line up of 32-nm, dual-core laptop chips, including previously announced processors, now numbers 11. Clock speeds range from 1.06 GHz to 2.66 GHz and pricing, based on orders of 1,000 units, ranges from $241 to $332. For desktops, Intel now has a total of six dual-core chips with clock speeds ranging from 2.93 GHz to 3.46 GHz and prices from $113 to $284.

In addition, Intel now has four wireless adapters and a dozen processors for embedded systems. The processors have clock speeds ranging from 2.4 GHz to 2.66 GHz, thermal design power from 35 watts to 95 watts, and pricing from $189 to $332.

The new products are based on Intel's current Nehalem microarchitecture and include several new features. The Core i7 and i5 processors feature "turbo-boost" technology, which automatically accelerates performance to meet sudden increases in workload. Some of the desktop and laptop chips also include graphics processors integrated with the CPU on the same piece of silicon for better performance.

The wireless adapters debuting at CES support Intel's My WiFi technology, which allows users to turn their laptops into hotspots and directly connect wireless devices.

Computer makers are expected to release more than 400 laptop and desktop designs using the latest products, according to Intel. A total of 200 embedded devices are also expected.