Intel chips to use silicon dioxide alternative

Intel has launched a new range of processors, codenamed Penryn, which will incorporate new 45nm technology, made possible with the use of a new ingredient - hafnium.

The material, a replacement to the traditional silicon dioxide, has allowed Intel to shrink the size of its transistors without any decrease in efficiency, leading to faster speeds and lower power consumption, says the company.

The 45nm hafnium-based high-k metal gate transistors will feature in a new range of products, including the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 quad core processor, endorsed by Crytek's research and development manager Dr Douglas Binks.

"One of our goals was to optimize Crysis in order to deliver the ultimate quality, bringing mind-blowing game play to the latest hardware.

"With the new processors, we use multi-core technology to enable physics, particle effects and audio on separate cores, helping Crysis to create an astounding gaming experience."

The Penryn chips are available now, with the Extreme quad core processor priced at USD 999 per chip in quantities of 1000. It will go up against AMD's Barcelona design, set for release shortly.