Intel Huron River CPUs coming Q1 2011 with integrated WiMAX

Early details of Intel’s next-generation mobile processor platform, codenamed Huron River, have emerged well ahead of its expected launch in Q1 2011. Huron River will be based around the 32nm Sandy Bridge process silicon, and be made up of dual- and quad-core processors supporting Intel Turbo Boost.

In addition to the main cores, the Huron River chips will integrate various forms of wireless connectivity too. Bluetooth is one such technology, as well as WiFi and even WiMAX on certain models. There’ll also be support for Intel’s wireless display technology, too.
Intel are expected to position Huron River processors as suitable for both regular laptops and ultrathin models. It will replace the Calpella platform, first launched in 2009, as the seventh-generation Centrino.


As well, a new "Zero Power OOD" feature will power-down optical drives when they aren't in use, hopefully leading to increased power-savings for mobile users. According to Intel itself, a consumer should be able to make it through two Blu-ray movies on a single battery charge.
Wireless:
In Intel's good old tradition, a new generation of mini-PCIe wireless adapters supporting WiFi and Wimax, code named Rainbow Peak and Taylor Peak, will be released at the same time as the new chipset.It will be IEEE 802.11a/g/n (2.4GHz/5GHz) compliant and have a 3x3 antenna. What is more interesting is that the wireless module will also have integrated bluetooth capabilities.Also the platform will be able to stream 1080p content over the wireless to an external TV.
Chipset:
The chipset (Intel Mobile Express Series 6) is code named Cougar Point and seems to be the same for the mobile, desktop and server platform with slight variations for each platform. In total there should be 5 different chipsets. They will be refered to as P/H/Q/B 65/67 - each version is aimed at a different type of PCs, for instance B/Q chipsets are designed for business orientated machines while for consumers these will H/P 67.The mobile platform will support 2x DDR3 800, 1066 and 1333 (no 1600 for the mobile platform).It has been confirmed that the new chipset will support SATA 6.0 GB/s but for home users the chipset will only support one SATA 6.0 connector. USB 3.0 is still not supported and an external chip will be required to have one implemented. Rumour has it that Intel is working on a discreat USB 3.0 controller (source). There is also a new feature called "Zero Power ODD" which should reduce the power consumption of ODDs by putting them in a sort of a sleep mode when needed.Intel has also reported that Sandy Bridge will have an improved version of Intel Rapid Storage Technology which should improve battery life when playing DVDs or Blu-Rays.The Huron River platform will support PCIe 3.0 16X or x8 for two cards, this feature like many others will be integrated in the platform's monolithic chip.