Intel plans to preview its new Core i processors

Intel plans to preview its new Core i processors for laptops, among other chip technologies on December 17.

Intel is supposed to preview the first Core i3 processors, some including the 2.93GHz i3 530, have appeared on retail sites already, as well as updates to the Core i5 series.

This preview is to become Intel's first chance to show off its ready-to-ship, commercially viable next-generation 32-nanometer technology.

Currently, the majority of Intel’s processors are built on a 45-nanometer process. Generally, the smaller the geometry, the faster and more power efficient the processor is.

Company’s Core i processors will be the focus of the San Francisco event that will serve as a venue to preview and demonstrate products to be rolled out at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

The "Nehalem" microarchitecture that powers the Core i chips was introduced in last November and is considered a major step up in performance over previous architectures. Currently, Intel has shipped the high-end Core i7 for gaming machines and mid-range Core i5 processors.

One of the most anticipated processor technologies is "Arrandale", that’s expected be the first mainstream Intel laptop processor to put two processor cores and a graphics function together in one chip package, resulting in better overall power efficiency.

Arrandale will eventually come under the Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 brands, though initial versions are expected to appear as the Core i3 and i5.

Intel is also anticipated to make a push to get its Turbo Boost technology into more Core i5 and i7 processors, including Arrandale i5 models. Turbo Boost speeds up and slows down individual cores to meet processing and power-efficiency needs.

Besides, Intel is expected to deploy new Atom chip technology later in December for Netbooks, commonly referred to as "Pine Trail."