Intel Corp. is working on a new Atom system-on-chip that will feature graphics core inherited from code-named “Ivy Bridge” microprocessor and thus supporting DirectX 11 capabilities. The new chips are already listed in Intel’s drivers and will likely be released in foreseeable future.
Intel Atom “ValleyView” (VLV) processor will have two current-generation Atom cores, will have integrated memory controller “Pondicherry” memory arbiter as well as Intel generation 7 graphics core (Ivy Bridge) found inside Core i-series “Ivy Bridge” chip, according to findings made by Phoronix web-site. The chip will support output to two DisplayPort monitors as well as to one HDMI panel in addition to other outputs.
The chip will be made using 32nm fabrication process, which may mean that it will be releases in 2012 and as it is essentially an upgraded CedarView processor with improved memory sub-system, much more powerful graphics core with DirectX 11 and OpenCL support and other improvements. Some sources isniste that the chip is to be made at 22nm node and will be available in 2013. The new Atom SoC is projected to be paired with code-named Balboa Park chipset, which suggests that the VLV is the heart of Intel’s future-generation low-power/low-cost platform. Intel has confirmed existence of Valleyview chip in plans.
“ValleyView is a CedarView-like chip but with an Ivy Bridge graphics core,” Jesse Barnes of Intel’s open-source technology center is reported to have said.
Intel has already started adding support for next-generation microprocessors, including Valleyview and Haswell into its drivers for Linux operating system. Adding support to drivers does not reflect availability of hardware shortly, but rather represents major features of future products