Intel to Detail New Chip Architecture

In today's computing world, everything must be being smaller, faster and better. Chipmaker Intel plans to address those factors in a new processor design to be unveiled later this month at a conference for developers in San Francisco.

According to documents released and statements by Intel, the shift is expected to be the biggest change in chip architecture since 2000, when the company introduced its Pentium 4 line.

At that time, the only major change from previous chip designs was an increase in internal operating frequency, or clock speed. However, the new architecture will likely include changes to the chip's internal structure, which will make it run cooler and more energy efficient.

This means the new processors could be used to create smaller desktop machines than those currently available.

Much of the technology behind running chips cooler and making them more energy efficient comes from Intel's research into creating the Pentium M laptop processor, released in 2003. Analysts have said that the chip would likely be a successor to the current Pentium 4, which manufacturers claim uses too much power.

It's not clear whether the new architecture will focus on single or multiple core, as the chipmaker remained mum on many of the specifics. However, a multi-core chip could be likely, as Intel has moved in that direction in recent months. CEO Paul Otellini has referred to multi-core processors as the future of the company.

Intel's competitors, such as Sun and AMD, are rolling out power-saving multi-core chips of their own, putting pressure on the market leader to follow suit. A switch by the chipmaker would affect a large majority of computer users, considering Intel controls nearly 80 percent of the market.

According to analysts, the first chips from this line could begin appearing as soon as 2007. The Intel Developer Forum, where the announcement is expected, starts on August 23.