"We went after idle power because it is the most common usage," Patel said. Devices like smartphones remain in idle mode longer during average daily usage, he said.

Patel did not disclose how long it takes for the processor to recover from sleep to active mode.

The chip will be made using the 45-nanometer process, which brings more energy efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Moorestown platform chip package is close to half the size of the Menlow platform.