FanlessTech revealed some slides from an Intel presentation that give the low-down on the new “Skylake” chips. They will be available in four versions: S, Y, U and H. S is destined for desktop computers while Y, U and H will go to mobile devices such as laptops, tablets and phones.
The slides reveal some interesting details about the new processors. Although Intel is still using the 14nm manufacturing process of the current Broadwell line, the slides show that the refined architecture leads to 10-20 percent improved performance.
The large increase in processor performance hasn’t been detrimental to battery life. The slides show that laptops and tablets using Skylake processors could last for as much as 30 percent longer than current Broadwell-based ones.
When work has ended, the remaining battery can be repurposed for a different use. It appears as though graphics performance has also seen a very noticeable boost, opening up new gaming opportunities even on mobile devices.
Broadwell stumbles when confronted with anything beyond minor 2D games but FanlessTech notes that graphics on the Skylake Y-series are as much as 41% better. The U-series sees a similar improvement at 34 percent.
Some had thought the reuse of the 14nm architecture would result in Skylake not bringing much more to the table over its predecessor but it appears as though those fears would be allayed. Skylake processors look set to have more raw power, better gaming performance and greatly increased battery life.
Intel will formally unveil the line on August 5 and they should be making their way into new Windows 10 devices shortly afterwards. If rumours are to be believed, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 tablet may be one of the first Skylake products to hit the market.
