Intel has now officially released its new and update desktop roadmap revealing some rather interesting details, especially for the enthusiasts.

The new roadmap kicks off with Haswell-E lineup, an eight-core CPU which will be accompanied by the new Intel X99 Express chipset with support for DDR4 memory. The Haswell-E is actually Intel's first 8-core desktop CPU and will most likely be the first platform with support for DDR4 memory. Of course, Intel did not specifically use the Haswell-E name in the roadmap but did confirm that the X99 Express chipset will have support for both DDR4 memory as well as SATA-Express. The Haswell-E is scheduled to appear in the second half of 2014.

The next in line is the Devil's Canyon, which should be at least cheaper than the Intel Extreme Edition Haswell-E parts. The Devil's Canyon, despite its new name, is not exactly a new part as it is an improved Haswell architecture with an improved packaging materials. According to Intel, the Devil's Canyon is "re-engineered for enhanced performance and overclocking" and will most likely end up to be an improved and most likely unlocked Haswell architecture at an "affordable" price point, which always worked well with both gamers and enthusiasts on a budget. The new Devil's Canyon will also feature improved thermal interface material (TIM) and will be supported by the new Intel 9 series chipset. Unfortunately, Intel did not shed any details regarding the availability of the Devil's Canyon but did note that we will see more info about it "very soon".

As far as Broadwell is concerned, Intel did not shed much new information other than the chips will most likely come next year and feature Iris Pro graphics.

In addition to the Haswell-E, Devil's Canyon and scarce info regarding Broadwell, Intel has also announced the Pentium Anniversary Edition lineup, an unlocked series of Haswell-refresh based Pentium chips in order to celebrate 20 years since the first Pentium was launched. To be available by middle of this year, the new Pentium Anniversary Edition will feature Intel Quick Sync Video and be supported by both Intel 8 and 9 series chipsets. Intel is referring to it only as the Pentium Anniversary Edition so we are rather curious to see its final market name.

In its new desktop roadmap Intel also talked a lot about its strategy to "reinvent" desktop PC systems which includes All-in-One PCs and DIY enthusiasts while special place is reserved for mini-PCs, or Intel NUCs.

In any case and judging by the new roadmap, this looks like a very promising time period for Intel and we will certainly see some rather interesting products in this year.













Source: Intel.com.