After giving its socket LGA-1156 quad-core processors a flying start, Intel is poised to release not just a couple of more processors in Q1-2010, but as many as 17 new models on January 7 alone, reports suggest. Among these are chips based on the company's new 32 nm manufacturing technology, which gives the manufacturer headroom to up features and performance, while maintaining low thermal and energy footprints.

This is when the company completes its triad of new generation Core family processors, with the Core i3 series of entry-level thru lower-mainstream processors. This triad starts with Core i3 as an entry-point for "smart performance", with Core i5 in the middle delivering "smart performance with Turbo Boost Technology", and Core i7 at the top, delivering "the ultimate in smart performance".The Core i3 processors will include socket LGA-1156 dual-core processors. The chip package of these processors will hold two dies: a 32 nm processor die, and a 45 nm iGPU core die. The embedded graphics of some of the processors, according to the company, will support Blu-ray playback, and will be capable of mainstream gaming. Some very early performance figures hint that the definition of mainstream gaming is a little subjective. To serve as a platform for these processors, Intel will also release the H55 Express and H57 Express core-logic, backed by a wave of motherboards from all major manufacturers.