Intel today previewed their first 50-core processor codenamed Knights Corner. The new 22nm processor is based on Many Integrated Core (MIC) architecture that integrates many small X86 cores to work together on a single chip. The new MIC architecture is derived from technologies used in 48-core single-chip cloud computer and now-cancelled Larrabee graphics card.

On the chip many cores are arranged in a grid and are connected via very high-speed network that keeps the data flowing between each core. The processor is designed for parallel tasks and Intel will target servers and workstations that use multiple processors. Intel has started seeding developer kits to researchers and will introduce wider set of tools by end of this year. Initially, Knight Corner will be a research project and Intel will collaborate with various companies and universities to bring parallel computing to the forefront.

Also in Intel related news, leaked slides show that Intel will be adding new processors to their mobile Core i5 and i7 families in second half of this year. In the Core i7 family, Intel will add 2.8GHz Core i7-640M with 35W TDP, 2.26GHz Core i7-660LM with 25W TDP and 1.46GHz Core i7-680UM with 15W TDP. On the Core i5 side, Intel will introduce 2.66GHz (3.33GHZ Turbo Boost) Core i5-580M with 35W TDP, 2.66GHz (3.2GHz Turbo Boost) Core i5-560M with 35W TDP and 1.33GHz Core i5-560UM with 15W TDP. All the above processors will be released in Q4 2010, before Intel switches to the new Huron River mobile platform in Q1 2011.