Guide to Intel® Desktop Processors for Personal Computers

Processor Micro-Architecture
Details
Intel® Microarchitecture (Nehalem/Westmere) Intel® Microarchitecture (code-named "Nehalem/Westmere"), an extension of the Intel Core microarchitecture, is the top-of-the-line processor family from Intel Corporation. Features include substantial performance improvements such as Intel QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) with an integrated memory controller, plus other enhancements such as an improved version of Hyper-Threading Technology (HT), Turbo Boost (which varies individual core speeds upon demand) and AES acceleration on higher end models. Lower end models lack these features.

First "Nehalem" models are based upon a 45nm manufacturing process and include the latest quad-core designs. The second generation, a 32nm shrink called "Westmere", is doing well in the marketplace replacing the previous generation Core 2 Duo dual core lineup.

Current Nehalem/Westmere desktop processor series include Intel® Corei7 Extreme, Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Pentium G and Celeron G.
Intel® Core™/Penryn Intel's value and lower mainstream microprocessor line is based upon the Intel® Core™ Microarchitecture. This entire line is based upon the LGA775 Socket format which is being retired.

With the exception of the single core Intel Celeron Processor, 65nm models have been withdrawn from primary  markets. Remaining processors hail from the 45nm technology "Penryn" sub-family. Most will be retired during the next 12 months.

Intel Core/Penryn 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 with idle power consumption measured in milliwatts. Thermal Design Power (TDP) is a fraction of what most desktop processors dissipate.

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). Intel Atom is only offered in mini-ITX format.

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 after Acer, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard have revised their product lines with newer products.

 

Legend

QPI = QuickPath Interconnect: This 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. 
Hex Core Processors
Details
Intel® Core™ i7 Extreme 980x LGA1366

This new 32nm design is Intel's best performing processor for graphics/video media professionals, gamers and well-heeled enthusiasts. Best suited for multi-threaded applications, Extreme Edition models feature an unlocked core multiplier for performance customization. 

$$$$
Intel® Core™ i7 Extreme Edition 980x is offered only in the LGA1366 socket format compatible with the Intel X58 Express Chipset and DDR3 RAM. QPI spec is 6.4 GT/s.

Listed below are a link to Newegg, base CPU core clock and Thermal Design Power (TDP) in watts.

32nm "Gulftown"
i7-980X 3.33 GHz 130W Unlocked
Intel® Core™ i7 Extreme LGA1366

This is Intel's new high end six-core line. Manufactured with the same technology as the i7-980x, the first model will be the i7-970. This line is for enthusiasts. Cheap it is not.

$$$
Intel® Core™ i7 970 is offered only in the LGA1366 socket format compatible with the Intel X58 Express Chipset and DDR3 RAM. QPI spec is 6.4 GT/s.

32nm "Gulftown"
i7-970 3.20 GHz 130W

Quad Core Processors
Details
Intel® Core™ i7 Extreme LGA1366

This is Intel's top-end quad core CPU. It will be retired later this year.

Intel® Core™ i7 Extreme Edition is available only in the LGA1366 socket format compatible with the Intel X58 Express Chipset and DDR3 RAM.

45nm "Bloomfield"
i7-975 3.33 GHz 130W Unlocked
Intel® Core™ i7 LGA1366, LGA1156

Superb 45 nanometer technology multi-core processors for the mainstream and upper mainstream shopper.

The new Intel Core i7-875K is an outstanding high-efficiency and overclockable processor for mainstream users and enthusiasts. It is possibly overall the best consumer processor for the money that is currently available. I like it so much that I've already purchased one for my next computer build which is on hold for a new case.
Intel Core i7 900 models are offered in the LGA1366 socket format compatible with the Intel X58 Express Chipset and DDR3 RAM. QPI transfer is 4.8 GT/s.

45nm "Bloomfield" 130W LGA1366
i7-960 3.20 GHz
i7-950 3.06 GHz
i7-940 2.93 GHz
i7-930 2.80 GHz

i7-920 2.66 GHz
(i7-920 discontinued September 24, 2010.)

Intel Core i7 800 models are offered in the LGA1156 socket format compatible with the Intel P55 Express Chipset and DDR3 RAM. DMI transfer is 2.5 GT/s. This new line is super-efficient and features fully implemented Turbo Boost technology. Models with a K suffix feature a fully unlocked core multiplier.

45nm "Lynnfield" 95W LGA1156

i7-880 3.06 GHz - due 3Q 2010
i7-875K 2.93 GHz - i7-875K is unlocked; heatsink/fan not included. Less expensive than i7-870.
i7-870 2.93 GHz - Not recommended due to pricing.
i7-860 2.80 GHz - i7-860 slated for long term production.
Intel® Core™ i5 700 Series LGA1156

This mainstream line replaces the Core 2 Quad family in performance and value. Excellent processors for the money.
Intel® Core™ i5 quad core 700 series is a Core i7 "Lynnfield" core without Hyper-Threading. Internal transfers between cores are handled differently from the Core i7. Nonetheless, this is an excellent processor line and a great value.

45nm "Lynnfield" 45nm
i5-760 2.80 GHz, 8MB 95W
i5-750 2.66 GHz, 8MB 95W
i5-750s 2.40 GHz, 8MB 65W
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad LGA775

Very good multi-core processors for mainstream and value shoppers.

This line is being replaced by Intel Core i5-700 and Core i7-800 series. Withdrawal from primary markets is underway. Full phase-out is expected by Q3 2011.

The Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9000 and Q8000 series of processors offer high performance and relatively cool operation. Models listed below are manufactured with a 45nm process and connect to main memory via a 1,333 MHz Front Side Bus.

45nm "Yorkfield" 95W
Q9650 3.00 GHz, 12 MB
Q9550 2.83 GHz, 12 MB
Q9505 2.83 GHz, 6 MB
Q9500 2.83 GHz, 6 MB
Q9400 2.66 GHz, 6 MB OEM only
Q9300 2.50 GHz, 6 MB (Discontinued December 24, 2010)

Q8400 2.66 GHz, 4 MB
Q8300 2.50 GHz, 4 MB (Discontinuance Q1 2011)

45nm "Yorkfield" 65W

Q9550s 2.83 GHz, 12 MB

Dual Core Processors
Details
Intel® Core™ i5 600 Series LGA1156

This new line features a high-efficiency 32nm CPU core plus a 45nm integrated graphics core.
Intel® Core™ i5 600 series offers the most powerful dual core processors from Intel. The i5-661 has a more powerful graphics core and dissipates slightly more heat than other models in this group. Models with a K suffix feature a fully unlocked core multiplier.

32nm "Clarkdale" 73W (except as noted)
i5-680 3.60 GHz 4 MB
i5-670 3.47 GHz 4 MB
i5-661 3.33 GHz 4 MB 87W
i5-660 3.33 GHz 4 MB
i5-655K 3.20 GHz 4 MB Fully unlocked - heatsink/fan not included.
i5-650 3.20 GHz 4 MB
Intel® Core™ i3 500 Series LGA1156

This new line features a high-efficiency 32nm CPU core plus a 45nm integrated graphics core. Turbo Boost is disabled as is AES acceleration.

Core i3 succeeds Intel Core 2 Duo in this performance range.
Intel® Core™ i3 500 series is marketed for mainstream users seeking a powerful and efficient computing solution that can perform a wide variety of tasks. Performance is similar to the previous Core 2 Duo line.

32nm "Clarkdale" 73W
i3-550 3.20 GHz
i3-540 3.06 GHz
i3-530 2.93 GHz
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo LGA775

Intel Core 2 Duo processors are in the early phase of market retirement. Core 2 Duo is expected to be fully withdrawn from primary marketing by mid-2011.

Following Intel Core 2 Duo processors are classified according to their core nicknames, FSB speeds and Level 2 Cache RAM.

45nm "Wolfdale" 1333 MHz
E8600 3.33 GHz, 6 MB
E8500 3.16 GHz, 6 MB
E8400 3.00 GHz, 6 MB

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

Intel® Pentium™ G LGA1156

This new dual core Pentium line is built upon a high-efficiency 32nm CPU core plus a 45nm integrated graphics core. It is the quickest Intel Pentium branded processor.
Intel® Pentium G series is now available. The Intel H55/H57 Express Chipset is required.

32nm "Clarkdale" 73W
G6950 2.80 GHz 3 MB
Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core LGA775

Very good to excellent energy-efficient processors for desktops (E series).

45nm "Wolfdale" models will remain available in the value/entry-level market through at least 2Q 2011. 

Intel Pentium Dual Core E series are similar to the Intel Core 2 Duo except for having less L2 Cache RAM. 45nm "Wolfdale" models offer excellent performance for the money.

45nm "Wolfdale" 1067 MHz
E6700 3.20 GHz, 2 MB (due 3Q 2010)
E6600 3.06 GHz, 2 MB
E6500 2.93 GHz, 2 MB
E6300 2.80 GHz, 2 MB (Discontinued December 24, 2010)

45nm "Wolfdale" 800 MHz
E5500 2.80 GHz, 2 MB
E5400 2.70 GHz, 2 MB (Discontinuance Q1 2011)
E5300 2.60 GHz, 2 MB
E5200 2.50 GHz, 2 MB (E5200 discontinued)

65nm "Allendale" 800 MHz
E2210 2.20 GHz, 1 MB OEM

The aging E2210 is still offered with certain eMachines computers. The E2210 will be discontinued September 24, 2010 with final shipment for retail box models December 31. Tray OEM versions will ship through March 25, 2011.

Intel® Celeron™ G LGA1156

This new dual core Celeron line is an OEM processor presently for low-end servers and workstations. Like the Pentium G, it  is built upon a high-efficiency 32nm CPU core plus a 45nm integrated graphics core.
Intel® Celeron G series is now in limited availability for business computers. It is not known when Intel will release it for consumer systems.

32nm "Clarkdale" 73W
G1101 2.26 GHz 2 MB OEM
Intel® Celeron® Dual-Core E Series LGA775

Intel's entry level dual-core processor for desktops. An E3200 paired with 4 GB RAM handles my W7Pro64 system quite well.

45nm "Wolfdale" 800 MHz
E3400 2.6 GHz, 1 MB
E3300 2.5 GHz, 1 MB
E3200 2.4 GHz, 1 MB (Discontinuance 4Q 2010)

Intel® Atom Dual Core

Ultra energy-efficient dual core processors for mini-format PCs. This line is powerful enough for nettops and basic all-in-one PCs running Windows 7.

The dual-core versions of the Intel Atom series are OEM processors for mini-notebook computers, home servers, nettops and all-in-one PCs. All are manufactured with 45nm process technology. Below are the available models:

"Pineview" HT DMI 1MB L2
D510 1.66 GHz, 13.0 watts TDP

"Diamondville" HT 533 MHz 1MB L2
330 1.60 GHz, 8.0 watts TDP (Discontinued May 7, 2010)


Single Core Processors
Details
Intel® Celeron® Processor 400 Series

Intel's entry-level single core desktop processors for budget systems. Celeron 450 is the current base processor for Dell budget desktop systems. The discontinued Celeron 420 is the base processor for eMachines budget Intel systems.

Presently, there is no announced successor to this line.

The Intel® Celeron™ 400 series is slated to remain in production at very low levels through at least 1Q 2011. Performance is relatively poor due to limited L2 Cache and low internal clock frequencies.

65nm "Conroe-L" 800 MHz
450 2.20 GHz, 512 KB OEM
440 2.00 GHz, 512 KB
430 1.80 GHz, 512 KB
420 1.60 GHz, 512 KB OEM
Celeron 420 is no longer factory orderable but remains available with eMachines and other low-end lines.

Intel® Atom

Ultra energy-efficient processors for handheld devices and for mini-format ULCPCs ("Netbooks").

"Pineview" and "Diamondville" models are for netbook PCs.

"Silverthorne" models were initially targeted for handheld devices such as PDAs. Due to high demand, they were offered with mini-PCs and netbooks.

Intel announced the Z series will no longer be supplied for netbooks and has begun to phase out certain models. Additionally, look for Windows XP Home Edition to no longer be offered with Atom systems beginning Q4 2010.

 

The Intel Atom series are 45nm OEM processors available with mini-notebook computers. A well-designed Atom-based laptop/notebook can operate without fans.

"Pineview" HT DMI 512KB L2
N470 1.83 GHz, 5.5 watts TDP 667?
N450 1.66 GHz, 5.5 watts TDP
D410 1.66 GHz, 10 watts TDP

"Diamondville" 667 MHz
N280 1.66 GHz, 2.5 watts TDP 32-bit-only

"Diamondville" 533 MHz
N270 1.60 GHz, 2.5 watts TDP 32-bit-only
230 1.60 GHz, 4.0 watts TDP x64 capable
(N270 and 230 final order May 7, 2010; final shipment January 7, 2011)

The following models are 32-bit only:

"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


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 after Acer, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard discontinue sales. One exception is eMachines, a subsidiary of Acer. eMachines sells computers based upon older processors long after others have moved to newer technology.


Upcoming Processors and Technologies:

Intel's 32nm "Sandy Bridge" micro-architecture is expected to market in early 2011. "Sandy Bridge" will initially be released in a mobile platform followed in 2012 by a 22nm shrink code-named "Ivy Bridge".

After "crossing the bridges", Intel will introduce "Haswell", reportedly a revolutionary redesign. "Haswell" is now expected to market in 2013.

7/20/2010

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