Valve: New Intel Microprocessor Will Bring 'Console-Like' Experience To PC

Valve is placing its vote of confidence behind Intel's new "Sandy Bridge" microprocessor, and even designed Portal 2's PC version with the processor in mind, says CEO Gabe Newell. Intel unveiled the new, second-generation core i7 processor at the Consumer Electronics Show this week, where Newell took the stage. The Valve boss called the integrated CPU and graphics technology -- the latter of which is reportedly better than 40-50 percent of the discrete graphic cards on the market -- "a game changer". "This allows for a console-like experience on the PC," he said, according to an International Business Times report. Intel CEO Paul Otellini said at the company's CES press conference that the focus of Sandy Bridge was "all about the visual experience." The new 32-nanometer microprocessor includes sophisticated built-in capabilities for 3D graphics, as opposed to previous CPU-heavy Intel chips. The company claims it performs tasks like Microsoft spreadsheet work hundreds of times faster than the previous generation chip, and comes with several new HD video-friendly features incorporated. Valve's Portal 2 is slated to launch on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and Mac in April of 2011.