Intel Corp. is accelerating efforts to boost computing performance without increasing power consumption, in a new generation of microprocessors code-named Nehalem.

A new “turbo” feature powers down unused processor cores to hold down the total power consumed by a chip.

An initial model for desktop computers, Core i7, will offer four processors, going into production in fourth quarter 2008. The Nehalem-EP is targeted at low-end server systems. An eight-processor model, Nehalem-EX, is expected in the second half of 2009.

Intel also plans to move into embedded applications, solid-state drives, four-processor chips for notebook computers, and mobile-Internet devices (MIDs).