Intel’s next-generation code-named Nehalem (Core i7) central processing units are still around the corner, but Intel Corp. has already started to discuss a new code-named Haswell processor that is at least four years away.

According to news-stories and slides at ComputerBase.de and Canardpc.com web-sites, the first Haswell processors, which will be made using 22nm process technology, will feature 8 processing engines, new cache design as well as new energy-saving functions. Other details are not clear, however, the fact that Intel already discusses chips that are four years away means that the company is very confident in its roadmap.

Apparently, the code-named Sandy Bridge processor, which will be made using 32nm process technology sometime in 2010 will sport six cores with 512KB of L2 cache per core as well as 16MB of L3 cache, which means that the processor will feature 20MB of cache in total, an unprecedented cache capacity for a desktop-class processor.

Intel Nehalem architecture development was led by Intel’s digital enterprise group, therefore, the chips should be primarily good for servers. As a result, it is highly likely that Sandy Bridge CPUs will be more consumer-oriented, whereas Haswell design should again be developed with servers in mind.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: Intel, CPU