With Intel releasing its new dual-core Ivy Bridge processors, the company's Sandy Bridge processors are expected to gradually be phased out of the market starting in September, according to sources from notebook players.
The sources pointed out that the phase-out of Sandy Bridge processors will trigger a new wave of PC replacement in September to meet the back-to-school demand for this year with shipments from the supply chain expected to start heating up in June.
In response, Intel said it is already shipping third generation Core processors to OEM customers and expects to see systems in the market beginning from June 24. The company expects to ship over 50% more volume of third generation Intel Core units to the market in the first two quarters of production in 2012 as compared to the first two quarters of production of Sandy Bridge in 2011.
Intel said it will continue to supply second generation Core processors to meet customer needs through September.
Currently, Ivy Bridge processors are still about NT$2,000-3,000 (US$67-100) more expensive than their predecessor and once Ivy Bridge processors' prices drop to a similar level as the current Sandy Bridge processors in September, consumer demands will then start picking up.
Article translated by Joseph Tsai