Intel is expected to announce its latest 7 series chipsets on April 8 with its own-brand Z77-based motherboards to also appear along with the announcement, Digitimes.com today reported citing according sources in Taiwan. Intel is expected to announce Z77, H77, Z75 and B75 chipsets and will launch Q77 at US$44 and Q75 at US$40 on May, the report added.

Intel's 7 series of chipsets will be found in motherboards based on the company's new Ivy Bridge CPUs, but they will also be compatible with the currently available Sandy Bridge (Intel 6 series Express chipsets - Z and H series) boards through a BIOS upgrade.

Intel's 3rd generation platform will support connectivity features including high-bandwidth Intel wireless, integrated USB 3.0 and Intel Thunderbolt Technology.

Other features include the Intel Identity Protection Technology, Intel RapidStart technology for fast resumes from hibernation (5-8 sec), Intel SmartConnect technology for always updated applications through the cloud and Intel SmartResponse technology for caching frequently used files in an attached SSD and enjoy faster system performance.

Upcoming Ivy Bridge processors include Core the i7-3770K, followed by the Core i5-3470, 3470S, 3475S, 3570 and 3570S in June.

The company's new entry-level Core i3 and Pentium series are set to appear in August.

Features of the built-in visuals available on the new Ivy Bridge processors include faster transcoding HD to HD through Intel Quick Sync Video, improved 3D graphics performance powered by the InTru 3D technology, clear visuals with the Intel Clear VideoHD, support for Intel Wireless Display and Intel Insider for secure downloading of 1080p movies. The graphics chip also features enhances AVX with float 16.