Leaked Intel roadmap pegs Broadwell for 2H 2014

A leaked Intel roadmap has revealed the company's next line of processors, codenamed 'Broadwell', are scheduled for release in the second half of 2014. Broadwell is the 14 nm shrink of the current 'Haswell' fourth-generation Core processors, however according to this roadmap Intel will be focusing on mobile parts at the expense of desktop.

VR-Zone obtained the roadmap, which shows Intel's H (all-in-one), U (Ultrabook) and Y (tablet) chips receiving a refresh to Broadwell in 2H 2014. Regular M-series mobile parts will stay using the Haswell microarchitecture during the same period, and desktop parts will see a Haswell refresh (Haswell-E) but no Broadwell. Intel is also expected to launch Ivy Bridge-E processors in September of this year, with a number of new Haswell parts also seen on the roadmap.

Throughout both 2013 and 2014, Intel is expected to continue using the LGA 1150 for their desktop parts, with DDR4 support expected for their Haswell-E processors. Intel's upcoming U and Y series mobile chips will include SATA 6 Gbps and USB 3.0 support, according to VR-Zone.

If the roadmap does accurately reflect Intel's plans for the upcoming year, it shows how focused the processor giant is on the low-powered mobile market. With Broadwell shrinking the design process to 14 nm it should help Intel lower the TPD of their chips, although the increased pressure from ARM manufacturers will keep the battle for low-powered chips interesting. Of course Intel also has their Atom line for lower-end devices, with Silvermont-based Bay Trail-powered machines expected towards the end of this year.