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De-mystifying 'Intel Core i' Processors

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PCQ Bureau
New Update

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.

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Reading your Core 'i' series processor

Top view of the Core i5 (left) and Core i7 (right)

processors.

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.

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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

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