Abstract: Intel is launching the 4th generation Intel® Core™ processor, code-named Haswell. Its
capabilities build on the 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processor graphics. This introductory article
provides a glimpse into the 4th gen processor, with an overview of highlights like the Intel® Iris™
graphics, performance enhancements, low power options, face recognition capabilities, and more.
Microsoft Windows* 8 developers will also learn about capabilities available to both Desktop and the
Modern UI environments and how to take advantage of the 4th generation processor capabilities.
Key 4th generation processor features:
The new processor builds on the processor graphics architecture first introduced in 2nd gen Intel®
Core™ processors. While they were built with the 32 nm manufacturing process, both 3rd and 4th
generation processors are based on the 22 nm technology. The following paragraphs describe the key
differences between the 3rd and 4th gen processors.
First ever System on Chip (SoC) for a PC:
The 4th gen Intel® Core™ processor is the first ever SoC for a PC. System on Chip, or SoC, integrates all
the major building blocks for a system onto a single chip. With CPU, Graphics, Memory, and connectivity
in one package, this innovative modular design provides the flexibility to package a compelling processor
graphics solution for multiple form factors.
Enhanced battery life:
The 4th gen processor provides up to 9.1 hours of HD video viewing compared to 6 hours on the 3rd gen
one. The latest processor also provides 10-13 days of standby power (with refreshed email and social
media notifications) compared to 4.5 days of standby power on 3rd generation processors.
Intel® Iris™ Graphics
Intel Iris Graphics allows you to play the most graphic intensive games without the need for an
additional graphics card. The graphics performance on the 4th gen processor nearly doubles the
performance relative to the previous generation of Intel® HD Graphics.
4th Generation Intel® Core™ processor variants
Multiple packages of the 4th generation processor are available to cater to the needs of the growing
types of systems: Workstations, Desktops, Ultrabook systems, All-In-Ones, Laptops, and Tablets. While
the higher end variants targeted for Workstations and Desktops provide higher performance, they also
consume higher power compared to the more power optimal mobile variants. The table 2 below
provides a comparison of the variants for different form factors and usages.
capabilities build on the 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processor graphics. This introductory article
provides a glimpse into the 4th gen processor, with an overview of highlights like the Intel® Iris™
graphics, performance enhancements, low power options, face recognition capabilities, and more.
Microsoft Windows* 8 developers will also learn about capabilities available to both Desktop and the
Modern UI environments and how to take advantage of the 4th generation processor capabilities.
Key 4th generation processor features:
The new processor builds on the processor graphics architecture first introduced in 2nd gen Intel®
Core™ processors. While they were built with the 32 nm manufacturing process, both 3rd and 4th
generation processors are based on the 22 nm technology. The following paragraphs describe the key
differences between the 3rd and 4th gen processors.
First ever System on Chip (SoC) for a PC:
The 4th gen Intel® Core™ processor is the first ever SoC for a PC. System on Chip, or SoC, integrates all
the major building blocks for a system onto a single chip. With CPU, Graphics, Memory, and connectivity
in one package, this innovative modular design provides the flexibility to package a compelling processor
graphics solution for multiple form factors.
Enhanced battery life:
The 4th gen processor provides up to 9.1 hours of HD video viewing compared to 6 hours on the 3rd gen
one. The latest processor also provides 10-13 days of standby power (with refreshed email and social
media notifications) compared to 4.5 days of standby power on 3rd generation processors.
Intel® Iris™ Graphics
Intel Iris Graphics allows you to play the most graphic intensive games without the need for an
additional graphics card. The graphics performance on the 4th gen processor nearly doubles the
performance relative to the previous generation of Intel® HD Graphics.
4th Generation Intel® Core™ processor variants
Multiple packages of the 4th generation processor are available to cater to the needs of the growing
types of systems: Workstations, Desktops, Ultrabook systems, All-In-Ones, Laptops, and Tablets. While
the higher end variants targeted for Workstations and Desktops provide higher performance, they also
consume higher power compared to the more power optimal mobile variants. The table 2 below
provides a comparison of the variants for different form factors and usages.
Intel Iris Graphics Extensions to DirectX API
An added feature with 4th generation processor graphics is the API set for DirectX extensions. Two APIs
are available that provide for pixel synchronization and instant access. Pixel synchronization lets you
effectively read/modify/write per-pixel data, which makes the tasks of programmable blending and
order independent transparency (OIT) more efficient. Instant access lets both CPU and GPU access the
same memory for mapping and rendering. These APIs work on DirectX 11 and above.
