Intel 45nm "Penryn" Tape-Out Runs Windows

Intel's 45nm CPUs might get here sooner than later

DailyTech reports:

Sources inside Intel have confirmed the company recently received the taped-out 45nm Penryn processor. Reports from the ensuing champagne toast claim the first Penryn boot was capable of booting Windows.

Even though the processor is labeled as "A0" silicon, or first revision, the successful boot is a huge milestone and bonus for Intel. Reports of operational first-run tape-outs are few and far in-between, especially in the CPU industry.

Penryn, the 45nm optical-shrink of the Core architecture, was prepped for tape-out in late November, and returned to the Intel development team just a few weeks ago.

The early tape-out may even have beneficial consequences further down the line. Any early progress will pull the launch date in several weeks, though Intel has not publicaly stated a target date for launch. The latest Intel roadmaps claim Penryn is simply a "late 2007" processor.

Original article here...