Intel says PCs with chips from its new generation of processors, featuring a revolutionary design, will be available this week.

The new generation, code-named "Ivy Bridge," is the first to be made with a "3-D" structure. Miniatures fins jut out of the plane of the chip, letting Intel cram more features into the same space. That means the chips can be faster while consuming less power.

Analysts have called it one of the most significant developments in silicon transistor design since the integrated circuit was invented in the 1950s.

The first chips off the production line are destined for powerful desktop computers. Intel Corp. hopes to have them in laptop computers in time for the "back to school" shopping season.