Intel Broadwell Processors Will Be Available in LGA Packaging

From X-bit Labs: Intel Corp. has, apparently, once again revised its plans when it comes to desktop microprocessors. Instead of leaping directly to Skylake microprocessors from chips currently known as Haswell Refresh (due in 2014), Intel decided to introduce code-named Broadwell chips for desktops as well. But while Broadwell and Haswell Refresh chips will be compatible with Intel 9-series chipsets, the latter will not support existing Haswell offerings.

Roadmaps of both leading makers of x86 microprocessors seem to change quickly these days. Late last year it transpired that Intel Corp. had no plans to release its next-generation code-named Broadwell microprocessors in LGA packaging for mainstream desktop personal computers. The latest documents that emerged on the Internet suggest that the chipmaker has reversed its plans and there will be Broadwell chips in LGA form-factor. But there is a catch: Intel’s 9-series chipsets will support both Broadwell LGA and Haswell Refresh microprocessors, but will lack support of current-generation Core i-series 4000-family “Haswell” central processing units.

Intel plans to introduce its next-generation mainstream desktop platform currently known as Haswell Refresh – which will rely on 9-series core-logic set and improved Core i “Haswell” chips – sometimes in the second half of 2014. At present it is unclear when exactly the world’s largest chipmaker intends to release Broadwell LGA chips, but this could happen sometimes in 2015. What is important is that HSW-R and BRW products will need different 1.05V power source and dissimilar power supply requirements, which directly affect backwards compatibility, reports VR-Zone web-site, which also has published excerpts from Intel documents.

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