Intel launched the latest Nehalem architecture based multiple core series of
desktop processors known as the Core 'i' series of processors. The Core 'i'
series constitutes a set of 64-bit microprocessors. Common features of all
Nehalem-based processors include an integrated DDR3 memory controller allowing
more memory capacity and faster access time. Direct Media Interface replaces the
Front Side Bus used in all earlier Core processors. The Quickpath Interconnect,
another new feature, is predominantly targeted at increasing bandwidth and
lowering latency of the processor. The processors also feature the Turbo Boost
Technology that helps dynamically accelerate performance for demanding
applications by adding a step up in clock speed when required. All these
processors have 256 KB L2 cache per core, and up to 12 MB shared level 3 cache,
which means that the processor can work more before having to referred to the
main memory, thereby increasing processing speed. Because of the new I/O
interconnect, chipsets and main boards from previous generations can no longer
be used with Nehalem processors. Initially targeted at power users, the Core 'i'
series has slowly yet steadily been adding a cross platform of processors
targeted at practically all user bases. Variants include the 45 nm basedCore i5,
Core i7, Core i7 Extreme edition and the yet to be launched 32nm-based Core i3
and the Core i9 processors.
Reading your Core 'i' series processor |
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Top view of the Core i5 (left) and Core i7 (right) |
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Line 1 printed on processor represents the brand name, manufacturing year and the processor name.Line 2 depicts the complete name of the processor.Line 3 is the SSPEC number (specification number) and the plant name.Line 4 comprises of the clock speed/L3 cache size/bus speed/PCG marking (for power requirements) in that order. |
Line 5 tells the batch code of the processor. You can decipher the batch code as follows: 1st character: plant code2nd character: year of production3rd & 4th characters: week number5th to 8th characters: lot number |
Core i7
Variants are available under codenames Bloomfield and Lynnfield for desktops and
Clarksfield and Arrandale for laptops. They constitute a series of quad core (45
nm) microprocessors with different versions, all having 8 MB of level 3 cache
which Intel calls the Smart Cache. They use the Intel Virtualization technology
and 3 Channels of DDR3 1066 MHz memory to boost performance. Intel launched the
Core i7 Extreme edition for users who need to run high-end applications like
extreme games and real time business analytics applications. Due to the
combination of Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading technologies, the processors
deliver improved performance in multitasking, digital media creation, video
encoding and image rendering.
Core i5
Working on the same architecture as the Core i7, the Core i5 processors is able
to deliver a better performance to price ratio. The Core i5 750 is targeted at a
larger user base, which consists of regular workgroup users who need a robust
processor with better power consumption and good performance. The processor is
also billed to be of great use in multitasking for multimedia applications.
Core i3
Intel plans to launch the Core i3 series in the form of Core i3 530 (2.93 GHz)
and the Core i3 540 (3.06 GHz) with support for 4MB Cache. These specifications
place Core i3 as an entry level processor in the Core i family. With the core i3
processors, Intel takes a step forward in the 32nm fabrication process which
might be their area of operation in the future as well. Core i3 is targeted at
users who want reliable processing at an affordable budget.Core i9The last
processor in the Nehalem-based Core processor lineup will be the Core i9 brand
expected to be launched in the second half of 2010. With 32 nm six Gulftown
cores inside, and the same socket as in Bloomfield, Core i9 can essentially be
seen as an upgrade to the Core i7 9xx series.
Shikhar Mohan Gupta