All Components - CPU's

Core i5 as advertised to the world is a mainstream version of Core i7 but technically speaking there are many differences between these. Let us take a look on a few important ones. Core i5 is not using the latest architecture but still represent the Nehalem architecture.

LGA1156 Socket: This is the most important difference between Core i5 and Core i7. Core i5 has this new socket and Core i7 is still using LGA1366. The LGA1366 socket uses a new chip set (P55) for better performance. LGA1366 along with the new chip set will not make significant difference in the performance yet but price tag can be lowered extending the buyer range. Intel is also considering new H55 and Q57 chip sets for reducing cost and to be used with Core i5 600 processors.

Turbo Mode: Changes in the turbo mode will be seen as a major performance booster in Core i5. With the capability to accelerate the stock speed from 2.66GHz to 3.2GHz automatically, Core i5 will certainly be a better choice.

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Dual Channel Memory: With a must with Core i7 chip sets to by a triple-channel memory as it was compatible with that only, most of the users with less need have RAM did not find it good. An option to buy with two RAM slots and extend it further if needed is better and Core i5 gives this flexibility as it comes equipped with a dual Channel Memory. Moreover, to top it all, it does not have major impact on the performance.

Hyperactive Threading: Hyper-threading is an Intel mechanism to stimulate additional cores (more than actually exists) for a performance boost. Despite of a few Core i5 products, most of them does not support hyper-threading and hence has a greater performance lack.

To conclude, Core i5 is designed to be a mainstream processor because of the flexibilities it hosts. Users with high-end software requirements may opt for Core i7 but it would be specific to those user communities and Core i5 will remain a mainstream processor.

This processor is one of the newest from Intel. This was launched just recently in January 2010 as the first level of a new processor family to succeed the Core 2 brand. This is the Nehalem Micro architecture-based processors, with the two others being the Core i7 and Core i5.

Intel core i3 is a 32nm dual-core processor which enables multitasking. Each independent core is capable of completing two tasks at the same time, running on core speeds of 2.93 GHz and 3.06 GHz. Simultaneous run of multiple applications is made possible by its Intel Hyper-Threading Technology. It has four processing threads, two lines for each physical core, which ensure fast and efficient traffic of command signals to the cores.

Visual delivery is made excellent with the Intel HD Graphics video engine which delivers high-quality graphics and smooth, high-definition videos with sharp figures, clear color and audible audio output.

Other specifications and features of the core i3 are:

• 4 MB Intel Smart Cache
• A double channel with DDR3 1333 MHz memory each
• Clock speed of 2.13 GHz
• Graphics core frequency of 788 MHz
• Maximum memory size of 8 GB
• Maximum memory bandwidth of 17.1 GB per second
• Intel 5 series Express Chipset
• Contains an Integrated Memory Controller, thus the high memory bandwidth
• Contains Intel Virtualization Technology which limits downtime and maintains worker productivity
• Contains a Thermal Solution designed by Intel, which is a fan speed control technology that maintains thermal levels in boxed processors, keeping the CPU unit at cooler temperatures. At the same time, it also minimizes acoustic noise for a quieter computer operation.

This core processor also goes by the code name “Clarkdale” for desktop computers, and “Arrandale” for laptop computers. This processor is ideal for home and office desktop computers.

The Intel Core i7 Processors are the fastest in comparison with the other two families, Core i5 and Core i3, in the Core brand of processors. They are manufactured using Nehalem Micro Architecture and targeted for the business and high-end users in the market, although, the excellent graphics display, memory and processing capacity of the Core i7 processors also make them the most ideal desktop computers for home use. It has a multi-core technology that ensures a very fast processing speed for multitasking computer work.

Its features, some of which are similar to the i5 and i3 Core series, are combined to give the best and fastest computing services for users.

1. 32 nm quadcore processors
2. Core speeds of 2.66 GHz, 2.93 GHz and 3.06 GHz
3. Processor frequency of 2.66 GHz (i7-920 processor) and 3.06 GHz (i7-950 processor)
4. Intel Turbo Boost Technology increases processing frequency where needed
5. Intel Hyper-Threading Technology with 8 processing threads, 2 of them leading to each of the 4 cores. This multiple threading enables faster completion of tasks, even if done simultaneously.
6. Integrated Memory Controller
7. 8 MB Smart Cache shared by the four cores provides a large memory for data storage and management applications
8. Intel HD Boost which has the SSE4 Instruction Set that enables easy and fast use of multimedia applications
9. Intel QPI (Quickpath Interconnect) increases bandwidth for faster transfers of data up to speeds of 25 GB per second. This feature is present in the i7-900 series.
10. Microsoft Windows 7 – ready

The Intel Core i7 was first introduced with quad-core processors, first in 2008 with the Bloomfield processors, and later in 2009 with the Lynnfield processor for desktops and Clarksfield for mobile processors. A dual-core Arrandale mobile processor is also available. The most advanced was launched on March 2010, the six-core Gulftown processor, which is the Extreme Edition of the Intel Core i7.

The Intel Core i5 Processor boasts of “a new level of intelligent performance” that keeps up with the demands of popular applications and new software. It was first launched in September 2009. In 2010, new variations of this processor were added to the Core i5 series.

The key performance features of this processor are its energy efficient system and the increased speed allocation for demanding tasks.

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The following features can be expected to deliver an overall top performance for desktop computers:

A 35nm dual-core processor in one package, with each core capable of performing two tasks simultaneously for efficient multitasking.

Intel Turbo Boost Technology enables the system to boost up the processing speed, and allocate it wherever needed, or as required by the applications being used.

Intel Hyper Threading Technology with 4 processing threads transmits data and commands faster, minimizing latency period.

Intel Smart Cache of up to 8 MB allows for swift data access.

Intel HD Graphics gives excellent monitor output. Rich color display and sharp images are brought into clearer focus. This makes high-definition videos play smoothly, and high-quality photos can be viewed and edited at their best. It also provides life-like audio quality. This feature is only available, however, in the Intel Core i5-600 series. This makes online and PC gaming, as well as photo editing a lag-free user experience.

2 channel DDR3 1333 MHz memory enabled by an Integrated Memory Controller provide a higher memory bandwidth for applications dealing with massive data inputs.

Intel Virtualization Technology, Thermal Solution (for boxed processors) and TXT (Trusted Execution Technology)

This processor comes in 2 processor series, the i5-700 and i5-600. There are also three processor cores used in the i5 series, namely, the Lynnfield which is a quad-core processor; and the Clarkdale and Arrandale, which are dual-core processors.

Intel Core i7 Extreme CPU

The most advanced processors produced by Intel to date, the Intel Core i7 Extreme edition, is available in two variations, namely, the Intel Core i7-980X processors and the Core i7-975 processors. It uses a multi-core technology that enables computers to perform functions fast enough to keep up with the user’s workload. More than an ideal system for business and intense data processing, its high-quality visual output makes it a very good choice for home desktop computers and laptops.

This extreme edition contains the following amazing features:

• X58 Intel Express Chipset with 3.33 GHz core speed
• 3.2 GHz clock speed
• Intel Turbo Boost Technology maximizes speed up to 3.6 GHz when necessary for certain applications
• Integrated Memory Controller with three DDR3 1066 MHz memory channels that are capable of transferring data up to speeds of 25.6 GB per second
• 128-bit SSE Instructions brought by the Intel HD Boost technology for improved output and efficient use of multimedia applications
• Microsoft Windows 7 – ready

The following features can be expected in the Core i7-975 processors:

• A six-core Gulftown processor with 32 nanometer manufacturing technology
• Intel Smart Cache with a capacity of 12 MB for efficient memory cache subsystem

• Intel Hyper-Threading Technology with 12 threads cater to simultaneous use of applications for faster and more efficient work done when multitasking

The following features can be expected in the Core i7-980 processors:

• A four-core Bloomfield or Clarksfield processor with a 45 nanometer manufacturing technology
• 8 MB Smart Cache, a third level memory cache
• Intel Hyper-Threading Technology with 8 threads Dynamic Energy Management

These exciting attributes all combined make for the best experience on intense online and 3D gaming, multimedia applications, high-definition video viewing and digital photo and audio editing.

Intel Core 2 Quad CPU

This is a computer processor that features a multi-core technology that can easily handle massive data processing. This was first released in July 2006 along with two other core-based processors, namely, the single-core Core 2 Solo and the dual-core Core 2 Duo. The quad-core technology enables personal computers and workstations to handle large-scale workload. It also allows efficient and energy-saving multitasking.

As a quad-core processor, it has four processing cores that allow the following performances:

• Four tasks can be simultaneously completed by each of the four cores, executable because of the Intel Wide Dynamic Execution
• Fast program runs
• Capacity to do multitasking applications without lag
• 12 MB L2 cache (6 MB per core pair)
• 1066 MHz Front Side Bus speed for 65nm micro-technology; and 1333 MHz FSB speed for 45nm micro technology

Other features include:

• A 45nm manufacturing process for its Q9000 series, and 65nm for the Q6000 series
• An impressive clock speed which ranges from 2.5 GHz to 3 GHz
• Intel 3 series Express Chipsets
• Level 2 shared memory cache provided by Intel Advanced Smart Cache
• Intelligent Power Capability feature that runs the system through energy-saving processes
• Intel Smart Memory Access that maximizes bandwidth for data transfers and transmission
• Contains an Execute Disable Bit that allows the system memory to be marked as executable or non-executable. This gives added virus security since the processor will raise an alarm if malicious codes attempt to break in non-executable memory.
• Intel Advanced Digital Media Boost and HD Boost combine to improve the performance of multimedia applications, by accelerating SSE (Streaming SIMD Extension) Instructions execution. It issues out 128-bit SSE Instructions on a rate of one per clock cycle

These combined features make possible the smooth and clear streaming of HD videos and multimedia applications, PC gaming and other demanding software and applications like virus scanning and office database software.