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Guide to Intel® Desktop and Laptop Processors for
Personal Computers
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Processor Micro-Architecture
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Details
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| Intel® Microarchitecture (Nehalem) | Intel®
Microarchitecture (code-named "Nehalem")
is the top of the line processor family from Intel Corporation.
Performance-improving features include Intel
QuickPath
Interconnect (QPI) with an integrated memory controller similar to
what AMD offers, plus other enhancements such as an improved
version of
Hyper-Threading Technology (HT). HT allows each core
to handle two nearly simultaneous program threads yielding a
substantial performance improvement with properly coded
applications. The first "Nehalem" processors are the 45 nanometer (45nm) Intel® Core™ i7 family. These high performance CPUs are aimed at high end and upper mainstream markets. In late 2009 or early 2010, four CPU sub-families will be launched. Two will be 45nm "Nehalem" lines and two will be manufactured with 32nm technology ("Westmere") plus an integrated graphics core. More details will be announced here soon. |
| Intel® Core™/Penryn | Intel's
mainstream and value
microprocessor line is based upon the
Intel® Core™ Microarchitecture. Developed from
elements of the P6 (Pentium Pro, Pentium III "Tualatin"
and Pentium M CPUs) and NetBurst
(Pentium 4, Pentium D CPUs) microarchitectures and introduced in the summer of
2006, the Intel Core Microarchitecture was a major technology
advancement that reinvigorated computer sales. 65nm "Conroe", "Allendale" and "Merom" processors first introduced in 2007 and 2008 are already being phased out. Replacing them is the 45nm technology "Penryn" family. "Penryn" broadly includes "Wolfdale" and "Yorkfield" desktop models as well as "Penryn" notebook processors. They are great performers and highly efficient. Most notebooks with "Penryn" CPUs are unbelievably quiet due to improved thermal qualities and low power consumption. Intel Core processor series include Intel Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, Pentium® Dual Core, Celeron® Dual Core, and derivative single core Intel Celeron processors. |
| Intel® Atom™ | The
Intel® Atom™ Microarchitecture is a radical departure from
the past years of Intel products. Introduced in the summer of
2008, Atom processors are based upon 45nm technology but are very small with idle power consumption
measured in milliwatts.
Thermal Design Power (TDP) is
a fraction of what most desktop processors dissipate. Dual core
models with TDP of up to 8 watts are now available. Entry-level Atom processors can operate without heatsinks, saving much weight and space in electronic products such as GPS systems and Ultra-Low-Cost PCs (ULCPCs) like the Asus Eee PC and Dell Inspiron Mini 9. Intel Atom is only offered in mini-ITX format systems. |
| Intel® P6/Pentium® M |
Developed from the
Pentium III "Tualatin" processor (Intel P6 Microarchitecture c.
2001), the 32-bit-only Pentium M and derivatives were designed
with laptop/notebook users in mind. Reduced power consumption
and improved thermal management were shared top priorities. Processor series include the Pentium M, Celeron M 300 and M 400, Core Solo and Core Duo, and the first Intel Pentium Dual Core models for laptop computers. P6/Pentium M production is being phased out as Intel Atom proliferates in the marketplace. |
| Intel® NetBurst® |
Replaced by Intel
Core, the power-hungry and inefficient
NetBurst
Microarchitecture was dropped from mainstream marketing by late 2007.
Models are still available for embedded electronics but are not
popular because of their inherent relatively high power
consumption and cooling requirements. NetBurst CPUs included the Pentium 4, Pentium D dual core, and derivative single core Celeron and Celeron D processors. A limited number are still sold online as spares and upgrades for older computers. |
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| About Product Discontinuance: |
Processors may remain in retail channels for weeks, months, or years. Some final steppings (versions) are relegated to OEM/tray production and may be found on the market with eMachines and other second and third tier brands long after discontinued by Acer, Dell and HP. A minority are transferred to the Intel Embedded Technology Division where they can be ordered for special markets for years to come. Product discontinuance references in this document are based upon published current production first and second tier vendor model offerings and/or upon factory distributor order cutoff for retail (non-OEM) processors. Final production and shipping schedules are not generally considered because those schedules are often months later than when Acer, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard discontinue selling the processors. |
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Legend QPI = QuickPath Interconnect: This new technology from Intel is similar to AMD HyperTransport. It replaces the Front Side Bus for data transfers to and from system memory. The first version used with the Nehalem microarchitecture is theoretically twice as fast as the 1600 MHz FSB used by the Intel Core 2 Extreme Q9770. FSB = Front Side Bus: the speed in millions of cycles per second that data is transferred to and from main system memory. The FSB spec is not applicable to Intel Core i7 or any future Intel "Nehalem" micro-architecture processor. OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer: a systems builder such as Dell. Most Intel OEM CPUs are not offered for individual retail purchase. Product information including production and discontinuance may not be available to the public. L2 Cache RAM = On-chip ultra-high speed memory where frequent instructions and data are cached for very quick access. Generally, the more L2 Cache, the faster the processor. |
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Quad Core Processors
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Details
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Intel® Core™ i7 Extreme
LGA1366 The #1 CPU - aimed at graphics/video media professionals, gamers and well-heeled enthusiasts. All models feature an unlocked core multiplier. $$$$ |
Intel®
Core™ i7 Extreme Edition is available now. The majority
of Core i7 Extreme systems will likely feature 6 GB or more RAM
with Windows Vista Ultimate Edition 64-bit. Core i7 is
offered in the new
LGA1366 socket format compatible with the
Intel X58 Express Chipset (motherboard core logic chipset)
and DDR3 RAM. The processor family code name and Intel QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) specification is shown below with process technology size. QPI replaces the front side bus (FSB) specification as a measure of data transfer capability. Following is the CPU model number, clock speed and Thermal Design Power (TDP) in watts. "Bloomfield" QPI 6.4 45nm i7-975XE 3.33 GHz 130W i7-965XE 3.20 GHz 130W (i7-965XE to be discontinued Sept 4, 2009) |
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Intel® Skulltrail® Core™ 2 Extreme LGA771 8-core gaming platform for Intel D5400XS motherboard $$$$ |
Skulltrail is a
niche platform for high-end experimentation and
flight simulation. The processors alone will set one back about
$3,000.00.
"Yorkfield" 1600 MHz
LGA771 45nm |
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Intel® Core™
i7 LGA1366 Outstanding multi-core processors for the mainstream and upper mainstream shopper. |
The
outstanding Intel®
Core™ i7 quad-core lineup features the bargain priced i7-920. "Bloomfield" QPI 4.0 45nm i7-960 3.20 GHz (i7-960 due Q4 2009) i7-950 3.06 GHz i7-940 2.93 GHz (i7-940 to be discontinued Sept 4, 2009) i7-920 2.66 GHz |
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Intel® Core™ 2 Quad LGA775 Excellent multi-core processors for mainstream and value shoppers. |
The Intel®
Core™ 2 Quad
Q9000 series of processors
offer high performance and relatively cool operation. "Yorkfield" 1333 MHz 45nm Q9650 3.00 GHz, 12 MB Q9550 2.83 GHz, 12 MB Q9400 2.66 GHz, 6 MB Q9300 2.50 GHz, 6 MB Q8400 2.66 GHz, 4 MB Q8300 2.50 GHz, 4 MB Q8200 2.33 GHz, 4 MB "Yorkfield" 1333 MHz 45nm 65 Watt Q9550s 2.83 GHz, 12 MB Q9400s 2.66 GHz, 6 MB Q8400s 2.66 GHz, 4 MB Q8200s 2.33 GHz, 4 MB |
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Intel® Core™
i5 LGA1155 Not yet available |
Intel® Core™ i5
quad-core models will be released in September, 2009. This
series will replace the Intel Core 2 Quad lineup. "Lynnfield" 4 GB/s 45nm |
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Dual Core Processors
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Details
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Intel® Core™ 2 Duo LGA775,
MPGA479 Available in a wide range of models and prices, Core 2 Duo processors offer excellent to outstanding performance with high efficiency and long-term value for mainstream buyers. This section also includes Core 2 Duo mobile CPUs. |
The Intel® Core™ 2 Duo family of
dual core processors is marketed for mainstream users
seeking a powerful but efficient computing solution that can
perform a wide variety of tasks. All are 64-bit capable. Measurable performance and efficiency gains have come with the release of the 45nm manufacturing process "Wolfdale" core. "Wolfdale" is replacing the first generation of "Conroe" processors. Following are desktop model numbers (linked to NewEgg.com) and their core clock speeds and total L2 Cache. They are classified according to their core nicknames and FSB speeds and Level 2 Cache RAM. Prices can be compared to the fees charged by Dell and other vendors for processor upgrades. Desktop Processors "Wolfdale"
1333 MHz 45nm "Wolfdale"
1067 MHz 45nm "Allendale" 800 MHz
65nm Laptop/Notebook Processors Notebook processors are slightly smaller than the desktop models and feature a lower FSB speed. They have superior energy management for long battery run times. "Merom" models listed below are 65nm process technology originating in late 2006. They are fine for most users but are now relegated to lower priced laptops and are slowly being phased out. "Penryn" processors feature super-efficient 45nm technology and are highly recommended. 1067 MHz FSB "Penryn" Pnnn models are the most power efficient of any PC/laptop CPU class. "Penryn" 1067 MHz
(35W TDP) "Penryn" 1067 MHz
(25W TDP) P7350 2.00 GHz, 3 MB OEM
"Penryn" 800 MHz
(10W TDP) "Penryn" 800 MHz "Merom" 800 MHz The models listed below are OEM CPUs that are not sold individually. Availability is based upon OEM vendor agreements. Their production status may not be released to the public. "Merom" 800 MHz
OEM (Acer, Dell, etc.) "Merom" 667 MHz OEM
(Acer, Dell, etc.) |
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Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core
LGA775,
MPGA479 Very good to excellent energy-efficient processors for desktops (E series) and laptops (T series) |
Intel Pentium Dual Core E series
are similar to the Intel Core 2 Duo except for having less L2
Cache RAM. They offer very good to excellent performance for the
money. "Wolfdale" 1067 MHz 45nm E6300 2.80 GHz, 2 MB "Wolfdale" 800 MHz 45nm E5400 2.70 GHz, 2 MB E5300 2.60 GHz, 2 MB E5200 2.50 GHz, 2 MB "Allendale" 800 MHz
65nm Intel® Pentium® Dual Core T Series are OEM processors derived from the Core 2 Duo series for laptop and notebook computers. They are offered with budget notebook systems from Acer, Dell, HP and others but being OEM they are not presently available for individual retail purchase. The original Pentium Dual Core T Series were 32-bit-only models from the Intel P6/Pentium M micro-architecture. 64-bit capable models from the Intel Core micro-architecture are now standard. "Penryn" 800 MHz OEM
45nm "Merom" 667 MHz OEM 65nm The following models run Windows XP very well. Windows Vista systems may be somewhat sluggish after installing security and imaging suites or America Online software. However, they should be suitable for casual computer users. "Merom" 533 MHz OEM 65nm |
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Intel® Celeron® Dual-Core E Series
LGA775 Intel's entry level dual-core processor. New "Wolfdale" models are good performers. |
The Intel Celeron Dual Core has less L2 Cache RAM in accordance with
the standard Celeron formula, IE.; disable 75% of the onboard L2
Cache and set the core clock to a lower speed than upscale models.
Performance is well short of the Pentium
Dual Core but is better than single core models.
"Wolfdale" 800 MHz 45nm
"Allendale" 800 MHz 65nm |
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Intel® Atom™
Dual Core
Ultra energy-efficient dual core processors for handheld devices and for mini-format PCs. |
The latest
version of the Intel Atom
series are dual core
OEM processors for mini-notebook computers and for small
home servers. All are manufactured with 45nm process technology. Below are the available models:
"Diamondville" 533 MHz 1MB L2 |
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Single Core Processors
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Details
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Intel® Core™ 2 Solo Ultra energy-efficient single core processors for specialty notebook applications. |
Intel® Core™
2 Solo is a single core ultra-low voltage processor aimed at
specialty notebook markets such as that served by the Dell
Latitude XT Tablet. All models are currently OEM only. "Penryn" 800 MHz 45nm OEM SU3500 1.40 GHz 5.5 watts SU3300 1.20 GHz 5.5 watts |
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Intel® Celeron® Processor 400 Series
Intel's energy-efficient entry-level single core desktop processors for budget systems. This line will remain in production though at a reduced rate through H1 2010. |
The Intel®
Celeron™ 400 series replaced the Celeron D. All are rated at 35
watts Thermal Design Power. Performance remains at the bottom of
the Intel barrel. "Conroe-L" 800 MHz
65nm |
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Intel® Celeron® Processor 500 and 700 ULV Series
Energy-efficient single core processors for laptops. |
These 64-bit
capable processors are based upon the Core architecture and are
surprisingly acceptable performers as well as being reasonably
efficient. None have VT enabled. Celeron 500 series and ULV 700 series notebook CPUs feature double the L2 Cache of the Celeron 400 series for desktops. The extra cache RAM is largely why Celeron notebook processors are superior to Celeron desktop processors. "Merom-L" 533 MHz 65nm 550 2.00 GHz, 1 MB 540 1.86 GHz, 1 MB The following models are OEM only for thin-frame laptops and for ruggedized tablet notebooks: "Penryn" 800 MHz 45nm OEM ULV 723 1.20 GHz, 1 MB 10 watts ULV 722 1.20 GHz, 1 MB 5.5 watts |
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Intel®
Celeron® M 300 and Celeron® M 400 Series 32-bit-only laptop CPUs in limited production for ULCPCs ("Netbooks") running Windows XP Home Edition. |
The majority
of
Intel Celeron M 300 and Celeron M 400 series processors have
been discontinued. The Celeron M
353 and other ultra low voltage models may remain in production
for Ultra Low Cost PCs (ULCPCs) such as the Asus Eee 2G and 4G. Demand
is rapidly falling as better performing Intel Atom processors proliferate in the
ULCPC market. "Dothan" 400 MHz OEM only ULV 353 900 MHz, 512 KB (Often underclocked to ~600 MHz for ULCPCs) |
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Intel® Atom™
Ultra energy-efficient processors for handheld devices and for mini-format ULCPCs ("Netbooks"). "Diamondville" models are for PCs. "Silverthorne" models were initially targeted for handheld devices such as PDAs. They are now showing up in mini-PCs. |
The Intel Atom
series are
45nm
OEM processors available with mini-notebook computers such
as the
Dell Inspiron Mini 9. Offered
with various incarnations of Linux such as Ubuntu or with
Windows XP Home Edition, a well designed Atom-based
laptop/notebook can operate without fans.
"Diamondville" 667 MHz
"Diamondville" 533 MHz "Silverthorne" 533 MHz "Silverthorne" 400 MHz |
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Intel®
Pentium®
4 Legacy processor. Some models are in long term production for spares and limited upgrades. |
The Intel
Pentium 4 was the longest running brand/trademark in PC
processor history.
The Pentium 4 and the dual core Pentium D were replaced by
the current Intel Core series. The following model must be used with a compatible motherboard and memory: "Prescott" 800 MHz OEM 3.0 3.0 GHz, 1 MB |
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| About Product Discontinuance: |
Processors may remain in retail channels for weeks, months, or years. Some final steppings (versions) are relegated to OEM/tray production and may be found on the market with eMachines and other second and third tier brands long after discontinued by Acer, Dell and HP. A minority are transferred to the Intel Embedded Technology Division where they can be ordered for special markets for years to come. Product discontinuance references in this document are based upon published current production first and second tier vendor model offerings and/or upon factory distributor order cutoff for retail (non-OEM) processors. Final production and shipping schedules are not generally considered because those schedules are often months later than when Acer, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard discontinue selling the processors. |
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| Upcoming Processors and Technologies: |
Intel Corporation recently accelerated the release of their 32nm "Westmere" processor family. The first 32nm CPUs will be paired with an on-PCB 45nm integrated graphics core. These will be marketed to mainstream/value desktops and laptop computers. Availability is expected H2 2009. Intel will release the 32nm high end versions in mid 2010. Code-named "Gulftown", they will feature six cores capable of handling twelve process threads simultaneously. They are compatible with the current Intel X58 Express Chipset. Following "Westmere" is 32nm "Sandy Bridge" which is to be followed by 22nm "Haswell". "Haswell" is in the earliest stage of development and reportedly will be a major redesign. Commercial availability is slated for 2012. |
7/03/2009
Primary market and production information sources include:
http://www.dailytech.com
http://www.hkepc.com
http://www.intel.com
http://ark.intel.com