Inside Intel's next-gen Core processors | Processors | Macworld: Intel rang in 2011 with its second-generation Core processors, promising vastly superior performance, better graphics capabilities, and improved energy efficiency. How much of a difference can a new CPU generation really make? The new processors (formerly code-named Sandy Bridge) deliver stronger performance than their predecessors did, and at palatable prices.
Intel's integrated graphics have come a long way, too, with support for 3D Blu-ray and smooth playback of 1080p content. But video game fans shouldn't toss out their discrete graphics cards just yet—the graphics processors built into the new CPUs stumble on many modern titles.