128Canopy Blog

The new generation of desktop processors from the Intel Core family of processors has been developed and ensemble in Intel’s Costa Rica plant located in Barreal de Heredia northwest of downtown San Jose.

Since Intel made the decision to invest over US$300 million in a semiconductor assembly and test plant in Costa Rica, not only has the foreign investment environment in the country flourished, but the education and knowledge base has also experienced a positive boost.

The newly released Intel Core i7 for desktop units will enhance video and graphics as well as speed up data process up to 46% more than current processors.  In addition, the Core i7 has the benefit of consuming 40% less energy as its predecessors.

According to Juan Diego Trejos, one of Intel of Costa Rica engineers, a multi-professional 80-person team worked hand in hand to develop what is being called the “world’s fastest processor”.

The team worked on the microchip’s design and ensemble as well as the development of special software designed to beta test the chip’s many stages.  With the help of other engineers from Intel bases in places such as Oregon and Arizona, the Costa Rican Intel team was able to complete the microchip that has today hit international markets sporting the “made in Costa Rica” stamp.

Costa Rica has experienced an important increase in its tourism market for over 20 years and has reached a point at which authorities seek to do all within the country’s possibility to reduce CO2 emissions and decrease the climate change threats.

Since 2007, authorities have made available to local and international travelers a website where travelers may calculate the amount of carbon gas emission his or her trip will generate.  For example, a direct flight from the United States to Costa Rica will give off around 3 tons of carbon dioxide.  Therefore, if the traveler wishes to compensate for that gas emission, he or she will need to donate US$15 at US$5 per ton of CO2.

The institution in charge of the Costa Rican portion of the program is the National Foundation for Forest Financing (FONAFIFO).  The organization has announced that so far since the program’s launching in 2007, a total of US$10,825 have been donated for the reforestation process.

Reforestation locations are scattered throughout Costa Rica in areas such as Guanacaste, Alajuela, Heredia, Limon and San Jose.  The funds that are donated by travelers will be invested in the planting of native trees as well as commercial species.

If traveling to Costa Rica or within Costa Rica, travelers may visit the organization’s website at www.fonafifo.com and calculate the total gas emission for the trip and donate US$5 per ton.  At the end of the transaction, users may choose between a payment receipt and a gas mitigation certificate.