Intel's journey with its Cannon Lake processors is an intriguing chapter in the annals of technology, highlighted by setbacks and innovations that never quite reached their potential. The Cannon Lake series, Intel's first foray into the 10nm process, became notorious for its production challenges and limited release. Notably, it featured a de-activated integrated GPU and was only briefly available, primarily in specific markets like China, where it was less scrutinized by the global tech community.

 

A Unique Piece of Tech Memorabilia

The latest twist in the Cannon Lake saga comes from a unique piece of computer hardware—a motherboard featuring the imagery of Meowth, a popular Pokémon. This custom board, which showcases the Intel Cannon Lake processor, merges the worlds of tech and pop culture in an unexpected way.

 

Technical Specs and Features:

  • Processor: The board includes the Cannon Lake-Y Core M3-8114Y, a dual-core processor with Hyper-Threading technology. This chip is one of the two Cannon Lake models developed by Intel, the other being the Core i3-8121U.
  • Memory and Storage: It is equipped with 8GB of Samsung LPDDR4-3733 memory and 128GB of SK hynix eMMC storage, providing modest but adequate performance capabilities for basic computing tasks.
  • Connectivity: It features Wi-Fi 5 capabilities through the Intel 9560 wireless controller, ensuring solid internet connectivity.
  • Chip Configuration: The Cannon Lake chip on this board is packaged in a BGA1392 layout, with the main CPU die measuring 70.52 mm² and an additional smaller PCH die at 46.17 mm². A third, even smaller die, believed to be a Multi-Chip Integrated Voltage Regulator (McIVR), is also present to manage voltage regulation between the dies.

 

The Legacy of Cannon Lake

Intel's Cannon Lake was ambitious as an early adopter of the 10nm manufacturing process but was plagued by delays and technical issues that hindered its success. This resulted in the architecture being short-lived and relatively obscure, with few devices ever incorporating these chips. Intel shifted focus to subsequent generations to rectify the shortcomings found in the Cannon Lake design.

 

Collector’s Appeal

For technology enthusiasts and collectors, this Pokémon-themed Cannon Lake motherboard is more than just a quirky novelty. It represents a unique artifact from a pivotal moment in semiconductor history—an embodiment of what could have been and the lessons learned from its challenges. The addition of Pokémon imagery adds a playful twist to this tech relic, making it a rare find for both tech and gaming aficionados.

The Cannon Lake story, with all its complexities and setbacks, serves as a reminder of the relentless pace of innovation in the tech industry and the unpredictable journey from conception to consumer hands.