Sandy Bridge is a microarchitecture developed by Intel that was introduced in 2011. It is part of the Intel Core processor family and is built on a 32nm manufacturing process. Sandy Bridge brought significant improvements in performance and energy efficiency compared to its predecessor, Nehalem. It features integrated graphics, which allows for better multimedia performance without needing a separate graphics card. The architecture supports various technologies, including Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading, enhancing multitasking capabilities. Sandy Bridge processors are commonly found in laptops and desktops, making them popular choices for both everyday users and gamers. Overall, Sandy Bridge marked a notable advancement in computer processing technology.