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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® Core™
i7 (Nehalem - Bloomfield) |
Intel® Core™ i7
is the trademark of the first generation of processors from Intel's
newest micro-architecture code-named "Nehalem". Officially
announced August 11, 2008, the first processors will go to high end and upper mainstream
markets with processor
availability expected in November, 2008. Intel Core i7 is substantially
improved upon previous processors. Features include Intel
QuickPath Interconnect (with an
integrated memory controller similar to what AMD offer) plus
other enhancements such as an improved version of Hyper-Threading
Technology. Intel have yet to declare a name for the new micro-architecture. |
| Intel® Core™ | Intel's
mainstream
microprocessor line is based upon the
Intel® Core™ Architecture. Introduced in the summer of
2006, these processors are capable of more
instructions per clock cycle than previous Intel
micro-architectures and do more work at lower core clock
speeds. Intel Core also requires much less electrical power to
run, meaning it is much cooler and more efficient. The latest
version, made with 45nm process technology, is the most
efficient processor available. 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. The first generation models with 65nm technology are being phased out. |
| Intel® Atom™ | The
Intel® Atom™ Micro-Architecture is a radical departure
from the past years of Intel products. Introduced in the summer
of 2008, Atom processors are based
upon 45
nm technology but are very small with idle power consumption
measured in milliwatts.
Thermal Design Power (TDP) presently maxes out at 2.5 watts,
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
Micro-architecture), the
32-bit-only Pentium M and derivatives were designed with laptop/notebook users in mind.
Reduced power consumption and improved thermal management were top priorities
with better performance a close second. 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. A limited number of P6/Pentium M family processors continue to be manufactured for specialty PC and embedded technology products. |
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| About Product Discontinuance: |
Product discontinuance references in this document are based upon factory distributor order cutoff for non-OEM processors and not upon final production and shipping schedules. Product may remain in retail channels for weeks, months, or years. Some products are transferred to the Intel Embedded Technology Division where they can be ordered for special markets for years to come. |
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Legend MHz FSB = Front Side Bus: the speed in millions of cycles per second that data is transferred to and from main system memory. 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. VT = Virtualization Technology. VT = VT disabled. 7+ = Long-term production of at least seven years. May be sold at retail and/or transferred to Intel Embedded Technology Division. Not necessarily inventoried by Newegg or other etailers long-term. |
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Quad Core Processors
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Details
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| Intel® Core™ i7 Extreme | Intel® Core™ i7
with four cores capable of simultaneously handling eight process
threads will be released in November 2008. Intel QuickPath
Interconnect bandwidth is shown below in bold. Additional information will be
forthcoming. "Bloomfield" 25.6 GB/s i7-965 3.20 GHz 130W TDP (Extreme Edition) |
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Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme The #1 CPU - aimed at graphics/video media professionals and well-heeled enthusiasts. All models feature an unlocked core multiplier. $$$$ |
The Intel®
Core™ 2 Extreme
QX9770 is the fastest consumer desktop processor available.
Based upon 45nm technology with exotic new materials,
Intel's QX9770 is derived from the highly power-efficient "Yorkfield"
core consisting of two "Wolfdale"
dual core processors. It is delivered at a default clock speed
of 3.2 GHz with 12 MB L2 Cache RAM connecting
to system memory via a 1600 MHz Front Side Bus (FSB). Offered with an
unlocked core multiplier for enthusiasts, the QX9770 is the
current pinnacle of all consumer CPUs. It is not cheap; prices
run close to $1450 each. The Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme QX9650 is the second fastest consumer desktop processor available. Engineered similar to the QX9770, the QX9650 is delivered at a default clock speed of 3.0 GHz with 12 MB L2 Cache RAM connecting to system memory via a 1333 MHz FSB. Worthy of note, QX9650 has been overclocked by THG to 4.0 GHz on air cooling alone. Both "Yorkfield" CPUs listed below will be discontinued in the second quarter of 2009 (Q2 2009). They are being replaced with Intel Core i7 Extreme models due to market in November 2008.
"Yorkfield"
1600 MHz FSB
"Yorkfield" 1333 MHz FSB Rounding out the high end is the recently discontinued 65nm "Kentsfield" Core 2 Extreme QX6850 made with last year's technology. It is clocked at the same speed as the QX9650 but has 33% less L2 Cache and is not as efficient. Nonetheless, the QX6850 is a great performer. "Kentsfield" 1333 MHz
FSB |
| Intel® Core™ i7 Quad | Intel® Core™ i7
with four cores capable of simultaneously handling eight process
threads will be released in November 2008. Additional information will be
forthcoming. "Bloomfield" 25.6 GB/s i7-940 2.93 GHz i7-920 2.66 GHz |
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Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Excellent multi-core processors for the mainstream shopper. |
The Intel®
Core™ 2 Quad represents the best value for those seeking high
performance. Much less expensive than Core 2 Extreme models, the
Q9000 series of processors are made with 45nm technology and
offer high performance and relatively cool operation. Intel have announced the Q9300 and Q9450 are being withdrawn from OEM configurations for marketing reasons. Dell, among others, have ceased offering both processors. "Yorkfield" 1333 MHz FSB Q9650 3.00 GHz, 12 MB Q9550 2.83 GHz, 12 MB Q9450 2.66 GHz, 12 MB (Q9450 to be discontinued) Q9400 2.66 GHz, 6 MB Q9300 2.50 GHz, 6 MB (Q9300 to be discontinued) Q8200 2.33 GHz, 4 MB (VT) (VT = Virtualization Technology disabled) Originally the foundation of Intel's mainstream quad-core processor line, the 65nm Q6600 remains Intel's entry-level quad core CPU and a bargain. Consisting of two dual core E6600 processors side by side, the competitively priced Q6600 is expected to remain in production through at least June, 2009.
"Kentsfield" 1067 MHz FSB |
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Intel® Skulltrail® Core™ 2 Extreme 8-core gaming platform for Intel D5400XS mobo |
The Skulltrail platform is very expensive and a poor value.
Because the next generation of processors requires all new core-logic
hardware and due to a very limited and exclusive market,
Skulltrail components are not carried by many vendors.
"Yorkfield" 1600 MHz FSB
LGA771 Socket |
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Dual Core Processors
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Details
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Intel® Core™ 2 Duo 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 which usually reflect different 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 FSB "Wolfdale"
1067 MHz FSB VT "Conroe" 1333 MHz FSB "Allendale" 800 MHz FSB
VT 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. "Penryn" processors feature super-efficient 45 nm 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 FSB
(35W TDP) "Penryn" 1067 MHz FSB
(25W TDP) P7350 2.00 GHz, 3 MB OEM (Power rating not verified.) "Penryn" 800 MHz FSB "Merom" 800 MHz FSB "Merom" 800 MHz FSB
OEM (Acer, Dell, etc.) "Merom" 667 MHz FSB "Merom" 667 MHz FSB OEM
(Acer, Dell, etc.) |
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Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core
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 performance for the money though it
should be noted the new E5200 deserves an excellent rating. None have
VT enabled. "Wolfdale" 800 MHz FSB VT E5200 2.50 GHz, 2 MB "Allendale" 800 MHz FSB
VT 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 Pentium M micro-architecture. 64-bit capable models from the Core micro-architecture are now standard. "Merom" 533 MHz FSB
VT OEM |
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Intel® Celeron® Dual-Core E Series Intel's entry level dual-core processor. |
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.
The result is an an "Allendale" core that only has 512
KB L2 Cache. Performance is well short of the Pentium
Dual Core but is better than single core models.
"Allendale" 800 MHz FSB |
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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. Below are the available models: "Diamondville" 533 MHz FSB 1MB L2 |
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Single Core Processors
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Details
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| Intel® Core™ 2 Solo | 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. Derived from the "Conroe-L" core, several OEM models are available. |
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Intel Celeron Processor 400 Series
Intel's energy-efficient entry-level single core desktop processors for budget systems. |
The Intel®
Celeron™ 400 series replaced the Celeron D. All are rated at 35
watts Thermal Design Power.
"Conroe-L" 800 MHz FSB |
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Intel® Celeron Processor 500 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. Celeron 500 series notebook CPUS feature double the L2 Cache of the Celeron 400 series for desktops. That is largely why Celeron notebooks are superior to Celeron desktop systems. "Merom-L" 533 MHz FSB 550 2.00 GHz, 1 MB 540 1.86 GHz, 1 MB |
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Intel®
Celeron M 300 and M 400 Series 32-bit-only laptop CPUs |
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 ULCPCs such as the Asus Eee 2G and 4G. Demand is expected to
diminish
as Intel Atom processors proliferate in the
ULCPC market. "Dothan" 400 MHz FSB OEM only ULV353 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 PCs. "Diamondville" models are for PCs. "Silverthorne" models are for handheld devices such as PDAs. |
The Intel Atom
series are
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" 533 MHz FSB "Silverthorne" 533 MHz FSB "Silverthorne" 400 MHz FSB |
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Intel® Pentium® M 32-bit-only laptop CPUs |
Most Pentium M
family models except for what is listed
below have been
discontinued or transferred to the Intel Embedded Products
Division. "Dothan" 533 MHz FSB 760 2.00 GHz, 2 MB 7+ The 760 is designed for aging Intel 855 and 915 mobile chipsets and compatible chipsets from competitors. |
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| About Product Discontinuance: |
Product discontinuance references in this document are based upon factory distributor order cutoff and not upon final production and shipping schedules. Product may remain in retail channels for weeks, months, or years. Some products are transferred to the Intel Embedded Technology Division where they can be ordered for special markets for years to come. |
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| Upcoming Processors and Technologies: |
In late 2008, Intel will debut a new 45 nanometer (nm) micro-architecture code-named "Nehalem". Initially aimed at high end and upper mainstream markets, "Nehalem" is scheduled for wide release to the central mainstream and value sectors in Q3 2009. Shrinkage to 32 nm for high-end parts (code-name "Westmere") is expected Q1 2010. "Nehalem" will be able to handle two threads (perhaps Hyper-Threading) per core and will be produced in models varying from one to eight cores. A new internal memory controller and bridge will be introduced to eliminate the Front Side Bus. Internal transfer speeds will be processor dependent. "Nehalem" requires new socket/land grid array (LGA1366 and others) formats and is incompatible with current core-logic hardware. This means today's computers cannot be upgraded to "Nehalem" without replacing the main system board (motherboard). The first "Nehalem" CPUs will be codenamed "Bloomfield" with speeds starting at 2.66 GHz. Price will be highly competitive at about $300. The 3.0 GHz Extreme Edition part will list near $1,000, a substantial cut from current pricing levels for current Core 2 Extreme processors. "Nehalem" will offer spectacular performance gains of 20 to 40% over the current "Core" architecture. For a preview from AnandTech, click here. |
10/06/2008
Primary market and production information sources include:
http://www.dailytech.com
http://www.hkepc.com
http://www.intel.com
http://ark.intel.com
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