Intel to eliminate lead from their processors

Mumbai, May 24 (UNI) In a move that would bring cheer to environmentalists all over the globe, computer chip major, Intel Corp today said that it was totally eliminating the tiny amount of lead, still contained in its chips.

It is pertinent to note here that Intel has already removed about 95 per cent of the toxic metal since 2004, a statement pointed out adding that they will eliminate the remainder 0.02 grams too, beginning with a new line of chips that go into production later this year.

Tin or lead solder, used to connect the processor to the computer's motherboard, will be replaced with an alloy comprising of tin, silver and copper from nowonwards, Intel clarified.

The US-based chip maker, which also has a presence in India, says its decision is fueled by concerns over lead's environmental and public-health dangers and is part of the company's overall environmental push.

Besides, Intel has been using new transistor materials that reduce power leakage while boosting performance. It also says it has been reducing emissions of pollutants and recycling more water and raw materials.

On the other hand, the company's main rival chip-maker, Advanced Micro Devices Inc. says it also is working to reduce the amount of lead in its microprocessors. They had began shipping processors with reduced lead content from 2005, AMD said.

Industry observers said that environmental issues have become a paramount concern in the semiconductor industry lately after environmentalists campaigned vigorously against e-waste, a phenomenon whereby discarded electronic and computer components actually cause ecological degradation.

It is worth mentioning here that the costs of powering corporate data centers have become prohibitive and consumers are demanding longer battery life for their laptops, while simultanously expecting greater performance. Therefore, chip-makers have become intensely focused on driving down the power sucked up by their processors while striking a careful balance with performance improvements, analysts explained.

UNI