Intel begins Penryn mass production

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 26 Oct 2007 at 11:44

Intel will start mass production of its Penryn chip this week at a new $3 billion factory in Arizona.

Penryn features circuits just 45nm wide, almost a third smaller than the current 65nm technology. Higher densities usually equate to greater efficiency, meaning higher computing speeds and lower energy consumption.

Chipmakers also see improved productivity because they can squeeze more circuits onto a silicon wafer.

Reports suggest that the Fab 32 facility will be producing around 25,000 to 30,000 wafers a month, which will be rolled out across desktops, laptops and servers on November 12.

The facility should help Intel maintain its manufacturing edge over rival AMD, which isn't expected to move to 45nm technology until next year.