Say hello to Intel's latest Socket - LGA1155

Details have emerged about Intel's next-generation platform. Get ready for yet another socket change!

The new platform, along with the "Sandy Bridge" CPUs, are scheduled to hit PCs in 2011.

Bit-tech.net has the details:

Sandy Bridge CPUs will be based on the current 32nm, second generation High-k metal gate manufacturing process, but will include new architectural features such as AVX - Advanced Vector Extensions - and AES - Advanced Encryption Standard - acceleration and will arrive in Q1 next year, with possibly very limited products popping up late Q4, although depending on who we talk to the story changes.

They will be split into two markets: mainstream and enthusiast. The mainstream models will replace the current LGA1156 'H1' Clarkdaleand Lynnfield CPUs (Core i3 and Core i5) and will use LGA1155 'H2' packaging.

There's only one pin difference between the new LGA1155 socket and the existing LGA1156 used by the Core i3 and i5 CPUs, but there's zero chance that current motherboards will work. Why? Because the pin-outs are different, designed to incorporate the integrated GPU built-in to all Sandy Bridge processors.

We've still got a bit of a wait for these CPUs, but I get the feeling that they'll seriously change the processor landscape. These pieces will be game-changes.