Intel's Ivy Bridge will be the next "tick" in the company's tick-tock release strategy. This one will be fairly significant with its 3D tri-gate transistor technology introduction. While Intel hasn't revealed much about its Ivy Bridge release schedule, we're expecting them in time for Q2 2012.

Ivy Bridge is expected for Q2 of 2012, with most pinning the first chips to arrive in April. Like previous new releases, the initial introduction will be in the mainstream and mid-performance ranges first before Intel cranks speeds up to levels suitable for the high-end performance and enthusiast segments.

Performance Desktop Ivy Bridge CPU Roadmap

Performance Segment Q2 2012 Q3 2012 Q4 2012 Premium P1 Core i7-3770KCore i7-3770 ≥ Core i7-3770K Core i7-3770 ≥ Core i7-3770K Core i7-3770 Mainstream 2 Core i5-3570KCore i5-3550 ≥ Core i5-3570K Core i5-3570 ≥ Core i5-3570K Core i5-3570 Mainstream 1 Core i5-3450 Core i5-3470 Core i5-3470

What we know so far about these first Ivy Bridge offerings so far:

Processor Base Frequency (GHz) Total Cache (MB) Cores / Threads Memory Speed Support (DDR3) Turbo Boost max single core (GHz) Intel HD Graphics Frequency / Dynamic Frequency (MHz) Intel SIPP 2012; vPro 2012; VT-d; TXT Core i7-3770K 3.50 8 4 / 8 1600, 1333 3.90 4000 650/1150 Core i7-3770 3.40 8 4 / 8 1600, 1333 3.90 4000 650/1150 X Core i5-3570K 3.40 6 4 / 4 1600, 1333 3.80 4000 650/1150 Core i5-3570 3.40 6 4 / 4 1600, 1333 3.80 2500 650/1150 X Core i5-3550 3.30 6 4 / 4 1600, 1333 3.70 2500 650/1150 X Core i5-3470 3.20 6 4 / 4 1600, 1333 3.60 2500 650/1100 X Core i5-3450 3.20 6 4 / 4 1600, 1333 3.50 2500 650/1100 Core i5-3330 3.00 6 4 / 4 1600, 1333 3.20 2500 650/1050

Features shared by all the above mentioned Ivy Bridge CPUs are a TDP of 77W, a 2-channel integrated memory controller, and AES-NI support.

Stay tuned as more details trickle out.