Intel Introduces Fourth-Generation Core Processors In anticipation of next week's Computex trade show in Taiwan, Intel today introduced its new 4th-generation Core processors for desktop and laptop PCs. These 4th-generation Core processors (formerly known as Haswell) will gradually replace last year's 3rd-generation Core processors (formerly known as Ivy Bridge) in many of the same system setups and configurations. In addition to existing form factors and chassis, the new 4th-generation processors are expected to find their way into new and innovative systems announced at Computex. Intel's 4th-generation processors are being built on a new 22nm manufacturing process, which was introduced with the 3rd-generation Core processor. If you're counting, this is the "tock" to Ivy Bridge's "tick" on Intel's tick-tock marketing strategy. "Tock" refers to a new microarchitecture and "Tick" means a die (manufacturing) shrink. Computex 2013 Photo Blog VIEW ALL PHOTOS IN GALLERY Like previous Ivy Bridge (i3/i5/i7-3xxx) processors, the new Haswell processors will come with an i3, i5, or i7 brand number followed by a four to five digit model number starting with the number 4. For example, the new quad-core desktop processors will include the Core i7-4470K high-end processor and the i5-4570T midrange processor. The new desktop processors will fit into motherboards with the new LGA-1150 socket. Mobile processors will likewise use a similar naming scheme with the i3/i5/i7 brand followed by a five- to six-digit model number. The new processors feature new Intel HD Graphics, Iris Graphics, and Iris Pro Graphics. Iris Graphics and Iris Pro Graphics will give users increased levels of performance on 3D apps like games and professional workstation programs. Fourth-gen mobile and desktop processors will be energy efficient, allowing system manufacturers to expand and refine their designs for new product categories like portable All-in-One desktops and hybrid ultrabooks that can detach their screens from the keyboard base so the ultrabook acts like a tablet. Energy-efficient Haswell processors will allow for thinner, lighter laptops without the performance hit associated with moving to a lower-powered Atom platform. Likewise, oltrabooks and other laptops that stay the same size are anticipated to feature significantly increased battery life while using 4th-generation Intel Core processors. Look for reviews of the new Intel Core i7-4770k processor as well as desktop and mobile PCs with 4th-gen Intel Core processors on PCMag.com in the coming weeks.