Intel's Big Play with Its New Skylake Core Processors in the Upcoming PC Revival
(Continued from Prior Part)
Intel launched chips for diverse computing devices
Previously in this series, we discussed Intel Corporation’s (INTC) launch of Skylake, its sixth generation core processor. On September 1, 2015, Intel further announced 48 new Skylake chips at the 2015 IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin) consumer electronics exhibition for various computing devices, including:
- Core Y-series chips for tablets
- U-series chips for thin and light notebooks
- H-series chips for performance, mobile workstations, and “ultimate mobile”
- S-series chips for performance, as well as value desktops, all-in-ones, and mini-PCs
Intel’s Skylake the broadest rollout to date
Referring to the Skylake core processor launch, Kirk Skaugen, Senior VP and GM of Intel’s Client Computing Group, stated that “The combination of sixth generation Intel Core processors, Windows 10 and beautiful new systems from PC manufacturers makes this the best time ever to buy a new computer.”
Skaugen further emphasized that Intel’s Skylake sixth generation core processor is the company’s largest rollout to date. Owing to the improved features that Skylake offers—namely, up to 2.5 times better performance, three times longer battery life, and 30 times better graphics performance, compared to PCs only five years old—Skaugen stated that “There has never been a more exciting time to buy a PC.”
Intel’s third 14-nm product, Kaby Lake, will hit the market after Skylake, as the table above shows. Kaby Lake is built on the same foundation as Skylake, “with key performance enhancements.” Intel’s 10-nm model, Cannon Lake, is expected to hit the scene during the second half of 2017.
While the company is still working on its 10 nm model, IBM (IBM), in collaboration with Samsung Electronics (SSNLF) and GlobalFoundries, unveiled the world’s smallest computer chip in July 2015, thus surpassing Intel.
To gain exposure to Intel, you can consider investing in the Market Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) or the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK). Intel makes up about 19% and 3.55% of SMH and XLK, respectively.
In the next part of this series, we’ll look at Intel’s and Microsoft’s hopes for a PC market revival.
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