New Yorkfield and Wolfdale steppings coming

[Andreas G]

Intel hasn't even phased in the C1 stepping for its Yorkfield processors entirely yet, but already we hear that a new stepping, E0, is around the corner. E0 is not just a yield optimization, but it adds a couple of power saving states, along with two new instructions. E0 processors will support C2E, Extended Stop Grant State; C3, Deep Sleep State; and C4, Deeper Sleep State, on top of the already existing states. We're not entirely sure what the two new instructions are for, but we do know that Intel has taken another, greener step with this stepping as it is halide-free. At the same time, Wolfdale will be updated from M0 to R0 stepping, with the equivalent changes.