Laptops and desktops packing AMD’s new Trinity processors are expected to go on sale in consumer markets this quarter, butting heads with Intel’s next iteration of Core processors, which are based on the company’s Ivy Bridge microarchitecture. AMD’s new A-Series chips, which have been code-named Trinity, are targeted at mainstream laptops and desktops, according to AMD CEO Rory Read.

These chips are the direct successor to AMD’s current line of A4, A6 and A8 chips, which were code-named Llano. Along with the Trinity chips, AMD is also planning on launching new C-Series and E-Series processors, which are known as Brazos 2.0, for low-power and low-cost laptops. The original Brazos chips were very successful for AMD and appeared in popular laptops like HP’s DM1z.

According to a statement by Read, “The Trinity chips improve virtually every aspect of our current A-series APUs while doubling the performance-per-watt. AMD has a record number of products in design based on the Trinity chips.” In addition to that, these chips are said to deliver a 25% performance improvement as well as 50% graphics improvement.

The Trinity chips will go head to head with Intel’s upcoming Ivy Bridge processors designed for thin and light ultrabooks. Ultrabooks have an average price of $800+, though Intel is saying that prices should decrease by the end of the year, hopefully to around $699.

Read says that the goal with the Trinity chips is to reach a “mainstream price point” and a wider range of customers. AMD has stated that it will incorporate the Trinity chips in ultrathin laptops that will have starting prices of around $500. “We’re positioned to take advantage of this new continued movement into thin and light,” Read stated. “Ultrathins are not just for the few.”

Source: PC World – Laptops With AMD’s ‘Trinity Chips Coming This Quarter