Guide to Intel® Desktop and Laptop Processors for Personal Computers

Processor Micro-Architecture
Details
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.

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.


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. 
Quad Core Processors
Details
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)
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
QX9775 3.20 GHz 12 MB (Two required)
QX9775 will be discontinued October 9, 2009.

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
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
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

Dual Core Processors
Details
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
E8600 3.33 GHz, 6 MB
E8500 3.16 GHz, 6 MB
E8400 3.00 GHz, 6 MB
E8300 2.83 GHz, 6 MB OEM (E8300 discontinued - final delivery August 7, 2010)

"Wolfdale" 1067 MHz 45nm
E7600 3.06 GHz, 3 MB
E7500 2.93 GHz, 3 MB
E7400 2.80 GHz, 3 MB
E7300 2.66 GHz, 3 MB

"Allendale" 800 MHz 65nm
E4700 2.60 GHz, 2 MB

E4600 2.40 GHz, 2 MB

E4500 2.20 GHz, 2 MB
Most Allendale Core 2 Duo processors have been discontinued. The above are still offered by Dell and other OEMs in models such as the Dell XPS One 20.

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)
T9800 2.70 GHz, 6 MB

T9600 2.80 GHz, 6 MB
T9400 2.53 GHz, 6 MB

"Penryn" 1067 MHz (25W TDP)
P9600 2.66 GHz, 6 MB

P9500 2.53 GHz, 6 MB

P8600 2.40 GHz, 3 MB
P8400 2.26 GHz, 3 MB

P7450 2.13 GHz, 3 MB OEM
P7350 2.00 GHz, 3 MB OEM

"Penryn" 800 MHz (10W TDP)
SU9300 1.20 GHz, 3 MB OEM

"Penryn" 800 MHz
T9500 2.60 GHz, 6 MB
T9300 2.50 GHz, 6 MB
T8300 2.40 GHz, 3 MB
T8100 2.10 GHz, 3 MB
(All Penryn 800 MHz FSB T8000 and T9000 models will be discontinued July 24, 2009. Final shipment for retail box versions is October 23, 2009. Tray/OEM models will be shipped through Sept. 24, 2010.)

"Merom" 800 MHz
T7700 2.40 GHz, 4 MB
T7500 2.20 GHz, 4 MB
T7250 2.00 GHz, 2 MB
T7100 1.80 GHz, 2 MB

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.)
T5800 2.00 GHz, 2 MB
T5670 1.80 GHz, 2 MB
T5470 1.60 GHz, 2 MB
T5270 1.40 GHz, 2 MB

The T5n70 series are offered by OEMs in retail notebooks.

"Merom" 667 MHz OEM (Acer, Dell, etc.)
T5850 2.16 GHz, 2 MB
T5750 2.00 GHz, 2 MB
T5550 1.83 GHz, 2 MB
The T5n50 series are offered by OEMs in retail notebooks.

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
E2220 2.40 GHz, 1 MB (E2220 to be discontinued October 9, 2009)
E2200 2.20 GHz, 1 MB
E2160 1.80 GHz, 1 MB
Most Allendale processors will be phased out H2 2009.

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
T4200 2.00 GHz, 1 MB

"Merom" 667 MHz OEM 65nm
T3400 2.16 GHz, 1 MB
T3200 2.00 GHz, 1 MB

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
T2390 1.86 GHz, 1 MB
T2370 1.73 GHz, 1 MB

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
E3300 2.5 GHz, 1 MB
E3200 2.4 GHz, 1 MB
"Wolfdale" models due Q3 2009

"Allendale" 800 MHz 65nm
E1600 2.4 GHz, 512 KB
E1500 2.2 GHz, 512 KB
E1400 2.0 GHz, 512 KB
"Allendale" models will be discontinued by H1 2010

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
330 1.60 GHz, 8.0 watts TDP


Single Core Processors
Details
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
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
450 2.20 GHz, 512 KB
440 2.00 GHz, 512 KB
430 1.80 GHz, 512 KB

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
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)
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
N280 1.66 GHz, 2.5 watts TDP

"Diamondville" 533 MHz
N270 1.60 GHz, 2.5 watts TDP
230 1.60 GHz, 4.0 watts TDP

"Silverthorne" 533 MHz
Z540 1.86 GHz, 2.4 watts TDP
Z530 1.60 GHz, 2.0 watts TDP
Z520 1.33 GHz, 2.0 watts TDP

"Silverthorne" 400 MHz
Z510 1.10 GHz, 2.0 watts TDP
Z500 0.80 GHz, 0.65 watt TDP 

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

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.


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

AMD Desktop Processor Table

Primary market and production information sources include:
http://www.dailytech.com
http://www.hkepc.com
http://www.intel.com
http://ark.intel.com