The tech community is in a buzz over the rumors that Intel will launch its 300-series motherboard late next year. The alleged piece of hardware is said to support Cannonlake processors, the next processor after Kaby Lake. Does this mean that the new chip will arrive at the same time?
Intel is just about to launch its upcoming Kaby Lake processors and its accompanying 200-series products at CES 2017, also known as Consumer Technology Association. However, it is rumored that the company is already focusing on the 300-series batch. The unnamed sources are said to be actual board makers and even claim that the tech giant plans to incorporate USB 3.1 and WiFi functionality on its next-generation motherboards.
If the rumor proves to be true, this will greatly affect third party manufacturers that produce USB 3.1 and WiFi components that are incorporated into the boards. Companies such as Broadcom and Realtek are the big companies that produce WiFi parts, while ASMedia manufactures most USB 3.1 host chips.
ASMedia is already expecting a big drop for the requirement of its product, but the accelerated development of USB 3.1-based devices will also bring in demands for related components such as redrivers and retimers. Additionally, it also has orders from AMD for other components too. So, the company will not be totally left out.
With the introduction of the 300-series board for desktop by late next year, speculations arise that the partnering processor will follow soon, which is the Intel Cannonlake. The eight-generation chip is said to feature CPU and GPU architecture enhancements over its predecessor. It will also be the first from the company in using the 10 nm FinFET manufacturing process, WFFCTech reported.
Furthermore, the upcoming processor would also provide an improved power efficiency that will then allow it work at higher clock speeds within the same power requirement similar to Skylake and Kaby Lake chips.
In the meantime, since it will still be 10 to 12 months more before tech aficionados set their eyes on the 300-series products, it is fair to say that these are all hearsay. The 200-series has yet to make its debut.
