“Intel confirms Ivy Bridge pin compatibility with LGA1155”

Intel’s upcoming processor generation, codenamed Ivy Bridge, would be compatible with current generation processors and chipsets. The 22nm processors could be used in existing Sandy Bridge systems next year.

However, it is not certain whether the compatibility is fully bidirectional. Although old chips can function in new boards, the other way around may not always be the case. The new chipset, which will be introduced next year and will be called Panther Point, can handle current Sandy Bridge processors without any problems. In principle, the current chipset for Sandy Bridge processors is also compatible with future Ivy Bridge processors, but Intel is not sure whether this will always work.

Intel would work on cross-compatibility between the different generations, according to a presentation made by website VR-Zone published. The website does not disclose where the slide comes from. Both the Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors get 1155 connectors and can therefore be placed in lga1155 sockets. It is not known whether the new 22nm Ivy Bridge processors are electrically completely identical to the Sandy Bridge CPUs.

The chipsets are largely identical, but the reason to upgrade could be the integration of a USB 3.0 controller in the chipset. The current motherboards lack that connection, but that is made up for in the higher segments by means of a separate controller chip. Panther Point could also control three instead of two screens via the IGP.