MOTHERBOARD PROCESSORS

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2009-12-25T18:55:00.001-08:00

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Kentsfield

2009-07-19T01:11:00.001-07:00

The Kentsfield released on November 2, 2006 was the first Intel desktop quad core[26] CPU branded Core 2 (and Xeon for lower-end servers and workstations). The top-of-the-line Kentsfields were Core 2 Extreme models numbered QX6xx0, while the mainstream ones branded Core 2 Quad were numbered Q6xx0. All of them featured two 4 MB L2 caches. The mainstream Core 2 Quad Q6600, clocked at 2.4 GHz, was launched on January 8, 2007 at US$851 (reduced to US$530 on April 7, 2007). July 22, 2007 marked the release of the Q6700, and Extreme QX6850 Kentsfields at US$530 and US$999 respectively along with a further price reduction of the Q6600 to US$266.[27]

Analogous to the Pentium D branded CPUs, the Kentsfields comprise two separate silicon dies (each equivalent to a single Core 2 duo) on one MCM.[28] This results in lower costs but lesser share of the bandwidth from each of the CPUs to the northbridge than if the dies were each to sit in separate sockets as is the case for example with the AMD Quad FX platform.[29] Also, as might be predicted from the two-die MCM configuration, the max power consumption (TDP) of the Kentsfield (QX6800 - 130 watts, [30] QX6700 - 130 W, [31] Q6600 - 95 W [32]) has been found to be double that of its similarly clocked Core 2 Duo counterpart.

The multiple cores of the Kentsfield most benefit applications that can easily be broken into a small number of parallel threads (such as audio and video transcoding, data compression, video editing, 3D rendering and ray-tracing). To take a specific example, multi-threaded games such as Crysis and Gears of War which must perform multiple simultaneous tasks such as AI, audio and physics benefit from the quad-core CPUs.[33] In such cases, the processing performance may increase relative to that of a single-CPU system by a factor approaching the number of CPUs. This should, however, be considered an upper limit as it presupposes the user-level software is well-threaded. To return to the above example, some tests have demonstrated that Crysis fails to take advantage of more than two cores at any given time.[34] On the other hand, the impact of this issue on broader system performance can be significantly reduced on systems which frequently handle numerous unrelated simultaneous tasks such as multi-user environments or desktops which execute background processes while the user is active. There is still, however, some overhead involved in coordinating execution of multiple processes or threads and scheduling them on multiple CPUs which scales with the number of threads/CPUs. Finally, on the hardware level there exists the possibility of bottlenecks arising from the sharing of memory and/or I/O bandwidth between processors.

Intel Core 2

2009-07-19T01:05:00.000-07:00

The Core 2 brand refers to a range of Intel's consumer 64-bit x86-64 single-, dual-, and quad-core CPUs based on the Intel Core microarchitecture. The single- and dual-core models are single-die, whereas the quad-core models comprise of two dies, each containing two cores, packaged in a multi-chip module.[1] The introduction of Core 2 relegated the Pentium brand to the mid-range market, and reunified laptop and desktop CPU lines, which previously had been divided into the Pentium 4, Pentium D, and Pentium M brands.

The Core microarchitecture returned to lower clock rates and improved the usage of both available clock cycles and power when compared with the preceding NetBurst microarchitectue of the Pentium 4/D-branded CPUs.[2] The Core microarchitecture provides more efficient decoding stages, execution units, caches, and buses, reducing the power consumption of Core 2-branded CPUs, while increasing their processing capacity. Intel's CPUs have varied wildly in power consumption according to clock rate, architecture, and semiconductor process, shown in the CPU power dissipation tables.

The Core 2 brand was introduced on July 27, 2006,[3] comprising the Solo (single-core), Duo (dual-core), Quad (quad-core), and in 2007, the Extreme (dual- or quad-core CPUs for enthusiasts) version.[4] Intel Core 2 processors with vPro technology (designed for businesses) include the dual-core and quad-core branches.[5]

Mendocino

2009-07-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Mendocino Celeron, launched 24 August 1998, was the first retail CPU to use on-die L2 cache. Whereas Covington had no secondary cache at all, Mendocino included 128 kiB of L2 cache running at full clock rate. The first Mendocino-core Celeron was clocked at a then-modest 300 MHz but offered almost twice the performance of the old cacheless Covington Celeron at the same clock rate. To distinguish it from the older Covington 300 MHz, Intel called the Mendocino core Celeron 300A.[6] Although the other Mendocino Celerons (the 333 MHz part, for example) did not have an A appended, some people call all Mendocino processors Celeron-A regardless of clock rate.

The new Mendocino core Celeron was a good performer from the outset. Indeed, most industry analysts regarded the first Mendocino-based Celerons as too successful—performance was sufficiently high to not only compete strongly with rival parts, but also to attract buyers away from Intel's high-profit flagship, the Pentium II. Overclockers soon discovered that, given a high-end motherboard, the Celeron 300A could run reliably at 450 MHz. This was achieved by simply increasing the Front Side Bus (FSB) clock rate from the stock 66 MHz to the 100 MHz clock of the Pentium II. At this frequency, the Mendocino Celeron rivaled the fastest x86 processors available.[6]
At the time on-die cache was difficult to manufacture; especially L2 as more of it is needed to attain an adequate level of performance. A benefit of on-die cache is that it operates at the same clock rate as the CPU. All other Intel CPUs at that time used motherboard mounted or slot mounted secondary L2 cache, which was very easy to manufacture, cheap, and simple to enlarge to any desired size (typical cache sizes were 512 kiB or 1 MiB), but they carried the performance penalty of slower cache performance, typically running the FSB at a frequency of 60 to 100 MHz for motherboard mounted L2 cache. The implementation of the Pentium II's 512 kiB of L2 cache was unique at the time, comprising moderately high-performance L2 cache chips mounted on a special-purpose board alongside the processor itself, running at half the processor's performance and communicating with the CPU through a special backside bus. This method of cache placement was expensive and imposed practical cache-size limits, but allowed the Pentium II to be clocked higher and avoided front side bus RAM/L2 cache contention typical with motherboard-placed L2 cache configurations.[7]

Over time, newer Mendocino processors were released at 333, 366, 400, 433, 466, 500, and 533 MHz. The Mendocino Celeron CPU came only designed for a 66 MHz frontside bus, but this would not be a serious performance bottleneck until clock rates reached higher levels.

The Mendocino Celerons also introduced new packaging. When the Mendocinos debuted they came in both a Slot 1 SEPP and Socket 370 PPGA package. The Slot 1 form had been designed to accommodate the off-chip cache of the Pentium II and had mounting problems with motherboards. Because all Celerons are a single-chip design, however, there was no reason to retain the slot packaging for L2 cache storage, and Intel discontinued the Slot 1 variant: beginning with the 466 MHz part, only the PPGA Socket 370 form was offered. (Third-party manufacturers made motherboard slot-to-socket adapters (nicknamed Slotkets) available for a few dollars, which allowed, for example, a Celeron 500 to be fitted to a Slot 1 motherboard.) One interesting note about the PPGA Socket 370 Mendocinos is they supported symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), and there was at least one motherboard released (the ABIT BP6) which took advantage of this fact.

The Mendocino also came in a mobile variant, with clock rates from 266, 300, 333, 366, 400, 433, 466, 500, 533, and 600 MHz.

In Intel's "Family/Model/Stepping" scheme, Mendocino CPUs are family 6, model 6 and their Intel product code is 80524. These identifiers are shared with the related Dixon Mobile Pentium II variant.

Covington

2009-07-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

The first Covington Celeron was essentially a 266 MHz Pentium II manufactured without any secondary cache at all.[4] Covington also shared the 80523 product code of Deschutes. Although clocked at 266 or 300 MHz (frequencies 33 or 66 MHz higher than the desktop version of the Pentium w/MMX), the cacheless Celerons were a good deal slower than the parts they were designed to replace.[3] Substantial numbers were sold on first release, largely on the strength of the Intel name, but the Celeron quickly achieved a poor reputation both in the trade press and among computer professionals.[5] The initial market interest faded rapidly in the face of its poor performance and with sales at a very low level, Intel felt obliged to develop a substantially faster replacement as soon as possible. Nevertheless the first Celerons were quite popular among some overclockers, for their flexible overclockability and reasonable price.[3] Covington was only manufactured in slot 1 SEPP format.

Celeron

2009-07-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Celeron brand is a range of x86 CPUs from Intel targeted at budget personal computers, with the motto, "delivering great quality at an exceptional value".

Celeron processors can run all IA-32 computer programs, but their performance is somewhat lower when compared to similar, but higher priced, Intel CPU brands. For example, the Celeron brand will often have less cache memory, or have advanced features purposely disabled. These missing features have had a variable impact on performance. In some cases, the effect was significant and in other cases the differences were relatively minor. Many of the Celeron designs have achieved a very high "bang for the buck", while at other times, the performance difference has been noticeable. For example, some intense application software, such as cutting edge PC games, programs for video compression, video editing, or solid modeling (CAD, engineering analysis, computer graphics and animation, rapid prototyping, medical testing, product visualization, and visualization of scientific research),[1] may not perform as well on the Celeron family. This has been the primary justification for the higher cost of other Intel CPU brands versus the Celeron.

Introduced in April 1998,[2] the first Celeron branded CPU was based on the Pentium II branded core. Subsequent Celeron branded CPUs were based on the Pentium III, Pentium 4, Pentium M, and Core 2 Duo branded processors. The latest Celeron design (as of January 2008[update]) is based on the Core 2 Duo (Allendale). This design features independent processing cores (CPUs), but with only 25% as much cache memory as the comparable Core 2 Duo offering.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Preview

2009-06-03T16:39:00.001-07:00

it hasn't been a full year since we saw Intel launch their Core 2 Duo processors, but we will soon be seeing a line-up refresh. This is one product that really needs no introduction, but seeing as this is a refresh, refreshing everyones minds seems appropriate. Intel launched the Core 2 Duo to much fanfare last July. Months prior to this, enthusiasts were drooling over leaks of performance reports, which fortunately, turned out to be right on the money.

The entire Conroe line-up is built on a 65nm process, with the mainstream products offering 4MB of L2 cache. Improved over the previous Pentium 4/Pentium D line-up was better power efficiency resulting in a lower TDP and better overall temperatures. This is appreciated, as two cores under the same IHS can potentially create an unwanted room heater.

All but the lowest end Core 2 Duos take advantage of a 1066FSB. This is where this refreshed line-up comes into play, as it ushers in 1333FSB computing. This noticeable speed bump is all done while retaining the same TDP.

All Conroe 1333FSB processors are identified by by a 50 at the end of the product name, hence E6750, which is effectively taking over the spot of the E6700. Nothing has changed except for the FSB and speeds, except the ratio of course, which had to be altered in order to compliment the upgraded frequency.

One thing that should be cleared up is that most overclocking enthusiasts have already accomplished the same speeds we are seeing today, with most being exceeded. In fact, there is nothing stopping anyone from popping in an E6600 and overclocking using a 333FSB and 8 multiplier. That would effectively give you the exact same speed as the E6750 we are taking a look at today.

You might be wondering where the benefit is, with this official speed bump. Primarily it will benefit those non-overclockers most. There is no comparison to equal processor speed at 1066FSB and 1333FSB. That added FSB frequency should make a much more noticeable performance difference than the CPU frequency boost itself.

Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor, Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor and Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 6x1

2009-06-03T16:38:00.002-07:00

— For the Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor E6000Δ and E4000Δ sequences, Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor E2000Δ sequence and Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 6x1Δ sequence at 65 W

Depending on the type of system and the chassis characteristics, new system and component designs may be required to provide adequate cooling for the processor. The goal of this document is to provide an understanding of these thermal characteristics and discuss guidelines for meeting the thermal requirements imposed on single processor systems using the Intel® Core™2 Duo desktop processor E6000/E4000Δ sequences, Intel® Pentium® Dual Core Processor E2000Δ sequence, and Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 6x1Δ Sequence.

The concepts given in this document are applicable to any system form factor. Specific examples used will be the Intel enabled reference solution for ATX/uATX systems. See the applicable BTX form factor reference documents to design a thermal solution for that form factor.

64-bit computing on Intel architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications enabled for Intel® 64 architecture. Processors will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel® 64 architecture-enabled BIOS. Performance will vary depending on your hardware and software configurations. Consult with your system vendor for more information.

Δ Intel® processor numbers are not a measure of performance. Processor numbers differentiate features within each processor family, not across different processor families. See www.intel.com/products/processor_number/ for details.

‡ Not all specified units of this processor support Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology. See the Processor Spec Finder at processorfinder.intel.com or contact your Intel representative for more information.

± Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT), Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (Intel® TXT), and Intel® 64 architecture require a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, enabling software and/or operating system, device drivers and applications designed for these features. Performance will vary depending on your configuration. Contact your vendor for more information.

° Enabling Execute Disable Bit functionality requires a PC with a processor with Execute Disable Bit capability and a supporting operating system. Check with your PC manufacturer on whether your system delivers Execute Disable Bit functionality.

Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor, Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor and Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor

2009-06-03T16:38:00.001-07:00

6x1
— For the Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor E6000Δ and E4000Δ sequences, Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor E2000Δ sequence and Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 6x1Δ sequence at 65 W

Depending on the type of system and the chassis characteristics, new system and component designs may be required to provide adequate cooling for the processor. The goal of this document is to provide an understanding of these thermal characteristics and discuss guidelines for meeting the thermal requirements imposed on single processor systems using the Intel® Core™2 Duo desktop processor E6000/E4000Δ sequences, Intel® Pentium® Dual Core Processor E2000Δ sequence, and Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 6x1Δ Sequence.

The concepts given in this document are applicable to any system form factor. Specific examples used will be the Intel enabled reference solution for ATX/uATX systems. See the applicable BTX form factor reference documents to design a thermal solution for that form factor.

64-bit computing on Intel architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications enabled for Intel® 64 architecture. Processors will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel® 64 architecture-enabled BIOS. Performance will vary depending on your hardware and software configurations. Consult with your system vendor for more information.

Δ Intel® processor numbers are not a measure of performance. Processor numbers differentiate features within each processor family, not across different processor families. See www.intel.com/products/processor_number/ for details.

‡ Not all specified units of this processor support Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology. See the Processor Spec Finder at processorfinder.intel.com or contact your Intel representative for more information.

± Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT), Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (Intel® TXT), and Intel® 64 architecture require a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, enabling software and/or operating system, device drivers and applications designed for these features. Performance will vary depending on your configuration. Contact your vendor for more information.

° Enabling Execute Disable Bit functionality requires a PC with a processor with Execute Disable Bit capability and a supporting operating system. Check with your PC manufacturer on whether your system delivers Execute Disable Bit functionality.

Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor, Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor and Intel® Pentium® 4

2009-06-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

Processor 6x1
— For the Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor E6000Δ and E4000Δ sequences, Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor E2000Δ sequence and Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 6x1Δ sequence at 65 W

Depending on the type of system and the chassis characteristics, new system and component designs may be required to provide adequate cooling for the processor. The goal of this document is to provide an understanding of these thermal characteristics and discuss guidelines for meeting the thermal requirements imposed on single processor systems using the Intel® Core™2 Duo desktop processor E6000/E4000Δ sequences, Intel® Pentium® Dual Core Processor E2000Δ sequence, and Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 6x1Δ Sequence.

The concepts given in this document are applicable to any system form factor. Specific examples used will be the Intel enabled reference solution for ATX/uATX systems. See the applicable BTX form factor reference documents to design a thermal solution for that form factor.

64-bit computing on Intel architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications enabled for Intel® 64 architecture. Processors will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel® 64 architecture-enabled BIOS. Performance will vary depending on your hardware and software configurations. Consult with your system vendor for more information.

Δ Intel® processor numbers are not a measure of performance. Processor numbers differentiate features within each processor family, not across different processor families. See www.intel.com/products/processor_number/ for details.

‡ Not all specified units of this processor support Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology. See the Processor Spec Finder at processorfinder.intel.com or contact your Intel representative for more information.

± Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT), Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (Intel® TXT), and Intel® 64 architecture require a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, enabling software and/or operating system, device drivers and applications designed for these features. Performance will vary depending on your configuration. Contact your vendor for more information.

° Enabling Execute Disable Bit functionality requires a PC with a processor with Execute Disable Bit capability and a supporting operating system. Check with your PC manufacturer on whether your system delivers Execute Disable Bit functionality.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Preview

2009-06-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

Web Search Tips for Internet Explorer 8

2009-06-03T01:49:00.000-07:00

Internet Explorer 8 has many useful features that improve the way you search and browse the web. If you like to search from the address bar, you can now get suggestions from the default search engine if you prefix your query with "? ". IE8 also shows previously visited pages that match the text you typed, but it only searches titles and URLs.

One of my favorite features is that the new version of Internet Explorer knows when you're using a search engine directly, without typing the query in IE's search box. The browser detects the query and displays in the built-in search box so you can easily find results using a different search engine.

Another interesting integration lets you find the matches of your query in a search result. After clicking on the result, go to the browser's search box and click on "Find" to see the exact matches and navigate to them.

If you open search results in separate tabs, IE uses distinct colors to visually group the related tabs. Right-clicking on a tab you'll find the option to ungroup the tab and to close the entire group.

Some of the search provides that are available in IE's add-on gallery offer enhanced suggestions. For example, Wikipedia lets you navigate directly to one of its pages, Yahoo and Live Search show instant answers for weather, while Amazon includes product images.

All of the search engines are accessible from the contextual menu so you can search for a text you select. They're added to the list of accelerators, which can include any web service that provides useful information about the selected text or the web page you visit: mapping addresses, translating text or bookmarking the page.

Unlike other browsers, Internet Explorer 8 encourages users to use multiple search engines and makes it easy to switch between them. Sometimes you can even obtain instant answers while you type a query or when you select an accelerator that supports previews.

Intel Xeon 3065 (Dual Core)

2009-06-02T17:00:00.003-07:00

Build a scalable, flexible infrastructure to grow and change with your business. Intel® architecture powers a range of 64-bit servers¹, so you can optimize your computing environment for your unique business requirements. Multi-core Intel® server processors offer breakthrough performance and energy efficiency for implementations of all sizes.

Intel® Xeon® processor 7000 sequence: Large-scale enterprise computing and server consolidation

Enterprise databases, ERP, CRM, decision support
Scales up to 32 dual-core processors per server
Large 16MB cache for very high throughput

Intel Xeon processor 5000 sequence: Intel's most widely deployed server processor

E-mail, database, and web servers, high-performance computing
Quad-core leading-edge performance or robust dual-core option scales out with two processors per server
High-density, low-power options are available

Intel Xeon processor 3000 sequence: Economical servers for small business & clusters

Mail, file/print services
Quad-core advanced performance or dual-core mainstream processor scales out with one processor per server
High-density entry-level configurations and HPC

Intel processor numbers are not a measure of performance. Processor numbers differentiate features within each processor family, not across different processor families. See www.intel.com/products/processor_number/ for details.

¹64-bit computing on Intel® architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications enabled for Intel® 64 architecture. Processors will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel® 64 architecture-enabled BIOS. Performance will vary depending on your hardware and software configurations. Consult with your system vendor for more information.

Intel Pentium E 2200 (Dual Core)

2009-06-02T17:00:00.001-07:00

Intel® Xeon® processor 7000 sequence: Large-scale enterprise computing and server consolidation

Enterprise databases, ERP, CRM, decision support
Scales up to 32 dual-core processors per server
Large 16MB cache for very high throughput

Intel Xeon processor 5000 sequence: Intel's most widely deployed server processor

E-mail, database, and web servers, high-performance computing
Quad-core leading-edge performance or robust dual-core option scales out with two processors per server
High-density, low-power options are available

Intel Xeon processor 3000 sequence: Economical servers for small business & clusters

Mail, file/print services
Quad-core advanced performance or dual-core mainstream processor scales out with one processor per server
High-density entry-level configurations and HPC

Intel Xeon E 3110 ( Dual Core)

2009-06-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Intel® Xeon® processor 7000 sequence: Large-scale enterprise computing and server consolidation

Enterprise databases, ERP, CRM, decision support
Scales up to 32 dual-core processors per server
Large 16MB cache for very high throughput

Intel Xeon processor 5000 sequence: Intel's most widely deployed server processor

E-mail, database, and web servers, high-performance computing
Quad-core leading-edge performance or robust dual-core option scales out with two processors per server
High-density, low-power options are available

Intel Xeon processor 3000 sequence: Economical servers for small business & clusters

Mail, file/print services
Quad-core advanced performance or dual-core mainstream processor scales out with one processor per server
High-density entry-level configurations and HPC

Design and implementation

2009-05-20T18:11:00.002-07:00

The way a CPU represents numbers is a design choice that affects the most basic ways in which the device functions. Some early digital computers used an electrical model of the common decimal (base ten) numeral system to represent numbers internally. A few other computers have used more exotic numeral systems like ternary (base three). Nearly all modern CPUs represent numbers in binary form, with each digit being represented by some two-valued physical quantity such as a "high" or "low" voltage.^[6]

Related to number representation is the size and precision of numbers that a CPU can represent. In the case of a binary CPU, a bit refers to one significant place in the numbers a CPU deals with. The number of bits (or numeral places) a CPU uses to represent numbers is often called "word size", "bit width", "data path width", or "integer precision" when dealing with strictly integer numbers (as opposed to floating point). This number differs between architectures, and often within different parts of the very same CPU. For example, an 8-bit CPU deals with a range of numbers that can be represented by eight binary digits (each digit having two possible values), that is, 2⁸ or 256 discrete numbers. In effect, integer size sets a hardware limit on the range of integers the software run by the CPU can utilize.^[7]

Integer range can also affect the number of locations in memory the CPU can address (locate). For example, if a binary CPU uses 32 bits to represent a memory address, and each memory address represents one octet (8 bits), the maximum quantity of memory that CPU can address is 2³² octets, or 4 GiB. This is a very simple view of CPU address space, and many designs use more complex addressing methods like paging in order to locate more memory than their integer range would allow with a flat address space.

Higher levels of integer range require more structures to deal with the additional digits, and therefore more complexity, size, power usage, and general expense. It is not at all uncommon, therefore, to see 4- or 8-bit microcontrollers used in modern applications, even though CPUs with much higher range (such as 16, 32, 64, even 128-bit) are available. The simpler microcontrollers are usually cheaper, use less power, and therefore dissipate less heat, all of which can be major design considerations for electronic devices. However, in higher-end applications, the benefits afforded by the extra range (most often the additional address space) are more significant and often affect design choices. To gain some of the advantages afforded by both lower and higher bit lengths, many CPUs are designed with different bit widths for different portions of the device. For example, the IBM System/370 used a CPU that was primarily 32 bit, but it used 128-bit precision inside its floating point units to facilitate greater accuracy and range in floating point numbers (Amdahl et al. 1964). Many later CPU designs use similar mixed bit width, especially when the processor is meant for general-purpose usage where a reasonable balance of integer and floating point capability is required.

CPU operation

2009-05-20T18:11:00.001-07:00

The fundamental operation of most CPUs, regardless of the physical form they take, is to execute a sequence of stored instructions called a program. The program is represented by a series of numbers that are kept in some kind of computer memory. There are four steps that nearly all CPUs use in their operation: fetch, decode, execute, and writeback.

The first step, fetch, involves retrieving an instruction (which is represented by a number or sequence of numbers) from program memory. The location in program memory is determined by a program counter (PC), which stores a number that identifies the current position in the program. In other words, the program counter keeps track of the CPU's place in the current program. After an instruction is fetched, the PC is incremented by the length of the instruction word in terms of memory units.^[3] Often the instruction to be fetched must be retrieved from relatively slow memory, causing the CPU to stall while waiting for the instruction to be returned. This issue is largely addressed in modern processors by caches and pipeline architectures (see below).

The instruction that the CPU fetches from memory is used to determine what the CPU is to do. In the decode step, the instruction is broken up into parts that have significance to other portions of the CPU. The way in which the numerical instruction value is interpreted is defined by the CPU's instruction set architecture (ISA).^[4] Often, one group of numbers in the instruction, called the opcode, indicates which operation to perform. The remaining parts of the number usually provide information required for that instruction, such as operands for an addition operation. Such operands may be given as a constant value (called an immediate value), or as a place to locate a value: a register or a memory address, as determined by some addressing mode. In older designs the portions of the CPU responsible for instruction decoding were unchangeable hardware devices. However, in more abstract and complicated CPUs and ISAs, a microprogram is often used to assist in translating instructions into various configuration signals for the CPU. This microprogram is sometimes rewritable so that it can be modified to change the way the CPU decodes instructions even after it has been manufactured.

After the fetch and decode steps, the execute step is performed. During this step, various portions of the CPU are connected so they can perform the desired operation. If, for instance, an addition operation was requested, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) will be connected to a set of inputs and a set of outputs. The inputs provide the numbers to be added, and the outputs will contain the final sum. The ALU contains the circuitry to perform simple arithmetic and logical operations on the inputs (like addition and bitwise operations). If the addition operation produces a result too large for the CPU to handle, an arithmetic overflow flag in a flags register may also be set.

The final step, writeback, simply "writes back" the results of the execute step to some form of memory. Very often the results are written to some internal CPU register for quick access by subsequent instructions. In other cases results may be written to slower, but cheaper and larger, main memory. Some types of instructions manipulate the program counter rather than directly produce result data. These are generally called "jumps" and facilitate behavior like loops, conditional program execution (through the use of a conditional jump), and functions in programs.^[5] Many instructions will also change the state of digits in a "flags" register. These flags can be used to influence how a program behaves, since they often indicate the outcome of various operations. For example, one type of "compare" instruction considers two values and sets a number in the flags register according to which one is greater. This flag could then be used by a later jump instruction to determine program flow.

After the execution of the instruction and writeback of the resulting data, the entire process repeats, with the next instruction cycle normally fetching the next-in-sequence instruction because of the incremented value in the program counter. If the completed instruction was a jump, the program counter will be modified to contain the address of the instruction that was jumped to, and program execution continues normally. In more complex CPUs than the one described here, multiple instructions can be fetched, decoded, and executed simultaneously. This section describes what is generally referred to as the "Classic RISC pipeline," which in fact is quite common among the simple CPUs used in many electronic devices (often called microcontroller). It largely ignores the important role of CPU cache, and therefore the access stage of the pipeline.

Microprocessors

2009-05-20T18:10:00.001-07:00

The introduction of the microprocessor in the 1970s significantly affected the design and implementation of CPUs. Since the introduction of the first microprocessor (the Intel 4004) in 1970 and the first widely used microprocessor (the Intel 8080) in 1974, this class of CPUs has almost completely overtaken all other central processing unit implementation methods. Mainframe and minicomputer manufacturers of the time launched proprietary IC development programs to upgrade their older computer architectures, and eventually produced instruction set compatible microprocessors that were backward-compatible with their older hardware and software. Combined with the advent and eventual vast success of the now ubiquitous personal computer, the term "CPU" is now applied almost exclusively to microprocessors.

Previous generations of CPUs were implemented as discrete components and numerous small integrated circuits (ICs) on one or more circuit boards. Microprocessors, on the other hand, are CPUs manufactured on a very small number of ICs; usually just one. The overall smaller CPU size as a result of being implemented on a single die means faster switching time because of physical factors like decreased gate parasitic capacitance. This has allowed synchronous microprocessors to have clock rates ranging from tens of megahertz to several gigahertz. Additionally, as the ability to construct exceedingly small transistors on an IC has increased, the complexity and number of transistors in a single CPU has increased dramatically. This widely observed trend is described by Moore's law, which has proven to be a fairly accurate predictor of the growth of CPU (and other IC) complexity to date.

While the complexity, size, construction, and general form of CPUs have changed drastically over the past sixty years, it is notable that the basic design and function has not changed much at all. Almost all common CPUs today can be very accurately described as von Neumann stored-program machines. As the aforementioned Moore's law continues to hold true, concerns have arisen about the limits of integrated circuit transistor technology. Extreme miniaturization of electronic gates is causing the effects of phenomena like electromigration and subthreshold leakage to become much more significant. These newer concerns are among the many factors causing researchers to investigate new methods of computing such as the quantum computer, as well as to expand the usage of parallelism and other methods that extend the usefulness of the classical von Neumann model.

Discrete transistor and IC CPUs

2009-05-20T18:09:00.001-07:00

The design complexity of CPUs increased as various technologies facilitated building smaller and more reliable electronic devices. The first such improvement came with the advent of the transistor. Transistorized CPUs during the 1950s and 1960s no longer had to be built out of bulky, unreliable, and fragile switching elements like vacuum tubes and electrical relays. With this improvement more complex and reliable CPUs were built onto one or several printed circuit boards containing discrete (individual) components.

During this period, a method of manufacturing many transistors in a compact space gained popularity. The integrated circuit (IC) allowed a large number of transistors to be manufactured on a single semiconductor-based die, or "chip." At first only very basic non-specialized digital circuits such as NOR gates were miniaturized into ICs. CPUs based upon these "building block" ICs are generally referred to as "small-scale integration" (SSI) devices. SSI ICs, such as the ones used in the Apollo guidance computer, usually contained transistor counts numbering in multiples of ten. To build an entire CPU out of SSI ICs required thousands of individual chips, but still consumed much less space and power than earlier discrete transistor designs. As microelectronic technology advanced, an increasing number of transistors were placed on ICs, thus decreasing the quantity of individual ICs needed for a complete CPU. MSI and LSI (medium- and large-scale integration) ICs increased transistor counts to hundreds, and then thousands.

In 1964 IBM introduced its System/360 computer architecture which was used in a series of computers that could run the same programs with different speed and performance. This was significant at a time when most electronic computers were incompatible with one another, even those made by the same manufacturer. To facilitate this improvement, IBM utilized the concept of a microprogram (often called "microcode"), which still sees widespread usage in modern CPUs (Amdahl et al. 1964). The System/360 architecture was so popular that it dominated the mainframe computer market for the decades and left a legacy that is still continued by similar modern computers like the IBM zSeries. In the same year (1964), Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) introduced another influential computer aimed at the scientific and research markets, the PDP-8. DEC would later introduce the extremely popular PDP-11 line that originally was built with SSI ICs but was eventually implemented with LSI components once these became practical. In stark contrast with its SSI and MSI predecessors, the first LSI implementation of the PDP-11 contained a CPU composed of only four LSI integrated circuits (Digital Equipment Corporation 1975).

Transistor-based computers had several distinct advantages over their predecessors. Aside from facilitating increased reliability and lower power consumption, transistors also allowed CPUs to operate at much higher speeds because of the short switching time of a transistor in comparison to a tube or relay. Thanks to both the increased reliability as well as the dramatically increased speed of the switching elements (which were almost exclusively transistors by this time), CPU clock rates in the tens of megahertz were obtained during this period. Additionally while discrete transistor and IC CPUs were in heavy usage, new high-performance designs like SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) vector processors began to appear. These early experimental designs later gave rise to the era of specialized supercomputers like those made by Cray Inc.

History of CPU

2009-05-20T18:08:00.001-07:00

Prior to the advent of machines that resemble today's CPUs, computers such as the ENIAC had to be physically rewired in order to perform different tasks. These machines are often referred to as "fixed-program computers," since they had to be physically reconfigured in order to run a different program. Since the term "CPU" is generally defined as a software (computer program) execution device, the earliest devices that could rightly be called CPUs came with the advent of the stored-program computer.

The idea of a stored-program computer was already present during ENIAC's design, but was initially omitted so the machine could be finished sooner. On June 30, 1945, before ENIAC was even completed, mathematician John von Neumann distributed the paper entitled "First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC." It outlined the design of a stored-program computer that would eventually be completed in August 1949 (von Neumann 1945). EDVAC was designed to perform a certain number of instructions (or operations) of various types. These instructions could be combined to create useful programs for the EDVAC to run. Significantly, the programs written for EDVAC were stored in high-speed computer memory rather than specified by the physical wiring of the computer. This overcame a severe limitation of ENIAC, which was the large amount of time and effort it took to reconfigure the computer to perform a new task. With von Neumann's design, the program, or software, that EDVAC ran could be changed simply by changing the contents of the computer's memory. ^[1]

While von Neumann is most often credited with the design of the stored-program computer because of his design of EDVAC, others before him such as Konrad Zuse had suggested and implemented similar ideas. Additionally, the so-called Harvard architecture of the Harvard Mark I, which was completed before EDVAC, also utilized a stored-program design using punched paper tape rather than electronic memory. The key difference between the von Neumann and Harvard architectures is that the latter separates the storage and treatment of CPU instructions and data, while the former uses the same memory space for both. Most modern CPUs are primarily von Neumann in design, but elements of the Harvard architecture are commonly seen as well.

Being digital devices, all CPUs deal with discrete states and therefore require some kind of switching elements to differentiate between and change these states. Prior to commercial acceptance of the transistor, electrical relays and vacuum tubes (thermionic valves) were commonly used as switching elements. Although these had distinct speed advantages over earlier, purely mechanical designs, they were unreliable for various reasons. For example, building direct current sequential logic circuits out of relays requires additional hardware to cope with the problem of contact bounce. While vacuum tubes do not suffer from contact bounce, they must heat up before becoming fully operational and eventually stop functioning altogether.^[2] Usually, when a tube failed, the CPU would have to be diagnosed to locate the failing component so it could be replaced. Therefore, early electronic (vacuum tube based) computers were generally faster but less reliable than electromechanical (relay based) computers.

Tube computers like EDVAC tended to average eight hours between failures, whereas relay computers like the (slower, but earlier) Harvard Mark I failed very rarely (Weik 1961:238). In the end, tube based CPUs became dominant because the significant speed advantages afforded generally outweighed the reliability problems. Most of these early synchronous CPUs ran at low clock rates compared to modern microelectronic designs (see below for a discussion of clock rate). Clock signal frequencies ranging from 100 kHz to 4 MHz were very common at this time, limited largely by the speed of the switching devices they were built with.

Central processing unit

2009-05-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

A central processing unit (CPU) or processor is an electronic circuit that can execute computer programs. This topic has been in use in the computer industry at least since the early 1960s (Weik 1961). The form, design and implementation of CPUs have changed dramatically since the earliest examples, but their fundamental operation has remained much the same.

Early CPUs were custom-designed as a part of a larger, sometimes one-of-a-kind, computer. However, this costly method of designing custom CPUs for a particular application has largely given way to the development of mass-produced processors that are made for one or many purposes. This standardization trend generally began in the era of discrete transistor mainframes and minicomputers and has rapidly accelerated with the popularization of the integrated circuit (IC). The IC has allowed increasingly complex CPUs to be designed and manufactured to tolerances on the order of nanometers. Both the miniaturization and standardization of CPUs have increased the presence of these digital devices in modern life far beyond the limited application of dedicated computing machines. Modern microprocessors appear in everything from automobiles to cell phones to children's toys.

Intel® Itanium® processor 9000 sequence

2009-04-03T01:53:00.002-07:00

Large-scale databases, data warehouses, ERP, business intelligence, and data analytics
Scales up to 512 processors and an incredible full Petabyte (1024TB) of RAM
Ultimate scalable performance, flexibility, and reliability
¹ 64-bit computing on Intel® architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers, and applications enabled for Intel® 64 architecture. Processors will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel 64 architecture-enabled BIOS. Performance will vary depending on your hardware and software configurations. Consult with your system vendor for more information.
²Performance tests and ratings are measured using specific computer systems and/or components and reflect the approximate performance of Intel® products as measured by those tests. Any difference in system hardware or software design or configuration may affect actual performance. Buyers should consult other sources of information to evaluate the performance of systems or components they are considering purchasing. For more information on performance tests and on the performance of Intel products, visit Intel Performance Benchmark Limitations.

Intel® Xeon® processor 3000 sequence

2009-04-03T01:53:00.001-07:00

Great for e-mail and file/print services
Enhanced 45nm Hi-k next generation Intel® Core™ microarchitecture for exceptional performance and power efficiency
High-density, entry-level configurations and high-performance computing

Intel® Xeon® processor 7400 series

2009-04-03T01:52:00.000-07:00

Extending today's lead in virtualization performance with built-in hardware assisted features and breakthrough gains in performance² and energy efficiency
Built for data-demanding enterprise applications with up to 6 cores and a large shared 16MB L3 cache per processor, enabling more transactions per server
More headroom, improved reliability, and the highest scalability available for large scale server consolidation and business-critical virtualization

Intel® Xeon® processor 5500 series

2009-04-03T01:51:00.000-07:00

Faster performance enabled by 45nm Hi-k next generation Intel® Core™ microarchitecture
Automatically increase processor frequency and utilize Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) as needed
Efficiently manage energy expense by scaling power consumption to workload, enabled by Intel® Intelligent Power Technology
Next Generation Intel® Virtualization Technology enables best-in-class virtualization performance, superb scalability, enhanced flexibility, and simplified server management
Intel® Data Center Manager (Intel® DCM) software development kit provides power and thermal monitoring and management for servers, racks, and groups of servers in data centers. Management Console Vendors (ISVs) and System Integrators (SIs) can integrate Intel® DCM into their console or command-line applications and provide high-value power management features to IT organizations

Intel® server processors

2009-04-03T01:50:00.000-07:00

Intel® server processors deliver enhanced, energy-efficient performance for data-intensive business applications. Powering a range of multi-core 64-bit servers¹, Intel server processors enable you to optimize and scale computing environments to maximize server utilization to workload, while providing you with headroom for growth.

Intel® Celeron® processor family

2009-04-03T01:49:00.000-07:00

Systems based on the Intel® Celeron processor are ideal for day-to-day computing, whether in the home, classroom, or office.

Take basic computing to new levels with dual-core processing. The Intel® Celeron® processor, with 512 KB of shared L2 cache and 800 MHz Front Side Bus, has two independent processor cores in one physical package running at the same frequency, delivering superior energy efficient dual-core performance.

The Intel® Celeron® processor is also an exceptional value for single-core desktop computing delivering a balanced level of proven technology.

¹ Intel® 64 requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, enabling software and/or operating system, device drivers, and applications designed for these features. Performance will vary depending on your configuration. Contact your vendor for more information.

² Enabling Execute Disable Bit functionality requires a PC with a processor with Execute Disable Bit capability and a supporting operating system. Check with your PC manufacturer on whether your system delivers Execute Disable Bit functionality.

Intel® Pentium® processor E5200

2009-04-03T01:46:00.000-07:00

Features and benefits

Go beyond everyday computing

The Intel Pentium processor delivers enhanced performance for everyday computing needs such as listening to digital music and editing digital photography and improved responsiveness with office applications.

Smarter, more efficient designs

Intel® Smart Cache enables smarter, more efficient cache and bus design for enhanced performance, responsiveness and power savings.

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor

2009-04-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Based on Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, the Intel® Core™2 Duo processor family is designed to provide powerful energy-efficient performance so you can do more at once without slowing down

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo desktop processors

With Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor, you'll experience revolutionary performance, unbelievable system responsiveness, and energy-efficiency second to none.

Big, big performance. More energy efficient.¹ Now available in smaller packages. The Intel Core 2 Duo processor-based desktop PC was designed from the ground up for energy efficiency, letting you enjoy higher performing, ultra-quiet, sleek, and low power desktop PC designs.

Multitask with reckless abandon. Do more at the same time, like playing your favorite music, running virus scan in the background, and all while you edit video or pictures. The powerful Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor provides you with the speed you need to perform any and all tasks imaginable.

Love your PC again. Don’t settle for anything less than the very best. Find your perfect desktop powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo processor and get the best processing technology money can buy. Only from Intel.

• Up to 6MB L2 cache
• Up to 1333 MHz front side bus

Intel® Core™2 Quad Processors

2009-04-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

Features and benefits

With four processing cores, up to 12MB of shared L2 cache¹ and 1333 MHz Front Side Bus the Intel Core 2 Quad desktops processor delivers amazing performance and power efficiency enabled by the all new hafnium-based circuitry of 45nm Intel Core microarchitecture.

Whether you're encoding, rendering, editing, or streaming HD multimedia in the office or on the go, power your most demanding applications with notebooks and desktops based on the Intel Core 2 Quad processor.

Plus, with these processors you get great Intel® technologies built in²:

Intel® Wide Dynamic Execution, enabling delivery of more instructions per clock cycle to improve execution time and energy efficiency

Demo

See how the Intel® Core™2 Quad processor is rewriting the rules on what your PC can do.

Launch the demo ›

Talk with the experts

Gain access, share ideas, and discuss hot industry topics with leaders in the IT community on Intel's Open Port.

Join the discussion

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Intel® Intelligent Power Capability, designed to deliver more energy-efficient performance

Intel® Smart Memory Access, improving system performance by optimizing the use of the available data bandwidth

Larger Intel® Advanced Smart Cache, optimized for multi-core processors, providing a higher-performance, more efficient cache subsystem.

Intel® Advanced Digital Media Boost, accelerating a broad range of multimedia, encryption, scientific and financial applications by significantly improving performance when executing Intel® Streaming SIMD Extension (SSE/SSE2/SSE3) instructions.

Intel® HD Boost³, implementing new Intel® Streaming SIMD Extension 4 (Intel SSE4) instructions for even greater multimedia performance and faster high definition video editing and encoding.

Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT)², enabling greater security, manageability, and utilization.

Future ready, designed to perform in highly threaded programs with powerful Intel® multi-core technology.

Intel® Core™2 Extreme quad-core processor

2009-04-01T17:27:00.001-07:00

When more is better—with four processing cores the Intel Core 2 Extreme processor delivers unrivaled¹ performance for the latest, greatest generation of multi-threaded games and multimedia apps.

Now with a new version based on Intel's cutting edge 45nm technology utilizing hafnium-infused circuitry to deliver even greater performance and power efficiency. The Intel® Core™2 Extreme processor QX9770 running at 3.2 GHz delivers the best possible experience for today's most demanding users.

12 MB of total L2 cache
1600 MHz front side bus

Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor

2009-04-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Intel® Core™ i7 Processor

2009-04-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

Brilliantly fast

You'll multitask applications faster and unleash incredible digital media creation. And you'll experience maximum performance for everything you do, thanks to the combination of Intel® Turbo Boost technology² and Intel® Hyper-Threading technology (Intel® HT technology)³, which maximizes performance to match your workload.

Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition

2009-04-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

Conquer the world of extreme gaming with the fastest performing processor on the planet: the Intel® Core™ i7 processor Extreme Edition.¹ With faster, intelligent multi-core technology that accelerates performance to match your workload, it delivers an incredible breakthrough in gaming performance.

But performance doesn't stop at gaming. You'll multitask 25 percent faster and unleash incredible digital media creation with up to 79 percent faster video encoding and up to 46 percent faster image rendering, plus incredible performance for photo retouching and editing.¹

In fact, you'll experience maximum performance for whatever you do, thanks to the combination of Intel® Turbo Boost technology² and Intel® Hyper-Threading technology (Intel® HT technology)³, which activates full processing power exactly where and when you need it most.

Intel® Core™2 Processor with Viiv™ Technology

2009-03-26T16:58:00.002-07:00

The cutting edge is now. Every PC with an Intel Core 2 processor with Viiv technology is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo or Intel Core 2 Quad processor to give you the performance to run demanding applications and manage your HD entertainment. To see the list of all processors available for the Intel Core 2 processor with Viiv technology, see the PC Requirements page.

PCs built from the ground up for sensational high-definition experiences. The Intel Core 2 processor with Viiv technology includes the latest Intel chipsets with most everything you need to build a multimedia PC for HD content. Experience stunning sound from movies and music with up to 7.1 surround sound capabilities enabled by Intel® High Definition Audio (Intel® HD Audio). Get full 1080P video playback for movie clips, media streams, and the latest generation of HD video cameras with optional Intel® Clear Video Technology. And explore the Internet with 1GB-capable broadband Ethernet to quickly access high-definition content. The possibilities are endless.

(2) Duo, Quad, and Extreme

2009-03-26T16:58:00.001-07:00

The Core 2-branded CPUs include: "Conroe" (dual-core for higher- and lower-end desktops), "Merom" (dual-core for laptops), "Kentsfield" (quad-core for desktops), and their variants named "Penryn" (dual-core for laptops), "Wolfdale" (dual-core for desktops, low-end dual-core for desktops) and "Yorkfield" (quad-core for desktops). (Note: For the server and workstation "Woodcrest", "Clovertown", and "Tigerton" CPUs see the Xeon brand[6].)

The Core 2 branded processors featured the Virtualization Technology (with some exceptions), Execute Disable Bit, and SSE3. Their Core microarchitecture introduced also SSSE3, Trusted Execution Technology, Enhanced SpeedStep, and Active Management Technology (iAMT2). With a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of up to only 65 W, the Core 2 dual-core Conroe consumed only half the power of less capable, but also dual-core Pentium D-branded desktop chips[7] with a TDP of up to 130 W[8] (a high TDP requires additional cooling that can be noisy or expensive).

how a processor works 5

2009-03-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

Step 4: Push Key =

A
When you press the "=" key, the Prefetch Unit once again checks the Instruction Cache for an instruction for the new data, which it doesn't find.

B
The instruction for "=" comes into the microprocessor from the computer's main memory through the Bus Unit and gets stored in an Instruction Cache address as the code "Print Z."

C
The Prefetch Unit then asks the Instruction Cache for a copy of the code "Print Z" and sends it to the Decode Unit for further processing.

D
In the Decode Unit, the instruction "Print Z" is translated or decoded into a string of binary code that is sent off to the Control Unit to tell it what to do with the instruction.

E
Now that the value of Z has been computed, and is residing in register file entry #5, the print command has only to retrieve register 5's contents and display them to a screen so you can finally see the sum of 2+3. The microprocessor has completed its task for you.

how a processor works 4

2009-03-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

Step 3: Push Key +

A
When you press the "+" key the Prefetch Unit asks the computer's main memory and Instruction Cache for instructions on the new data, which must be fetched from main memory.

B
Because this is a new instruction, the "+" comes into the microprocessor from the computer's main memory and gets stored at an address in the Instruction Cache as a code "X+Y=Z," showing that the act of adding is going to take place.

C
The Prefetch Unit then asks the Instruction Cache for a copy of the code "X+Y=Z" and sends it to the Decode Unit for further processing.

D
In the Decode Unit, "X+Y=Z" is translated or decoded and sent off to the Control Unit and the Data Cache to tell them what to do with the instruction-also the ALU is given a message that an ADD function will be performed.

E
In the Control Unit, the code is broken down and the ADD command is sent to the ALU where "X" and "Y" are added together after they have been sent up from the Data Cache. The ALU then talks to its buddy, the Registers, and sends the "5" over to be stored in one of the address locations there.

how a processor works 3

2009-03-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

Step 2: Push Key 3

A
When you press the 3 key, the Prefetch Unit asks the computer's main memory and the Instruction Cache for specific instructions on this new data. No matching instruction is found in the Instruction Cache so the instruction will come from the main memory.

B
Similar to "2=X," the new data instructions come into the microprocessor from the computer's main memory and get stored in an Instruction Cache address where it is assigned the code "3=Y."

C
The Prefetch Unit then pulls a copy of the code "3=Y" from the Instruction Cache and sends it to the Decode Unit for further processing.

D
In the Decode Unit the instruction "3=Y" is translated or decoded into a string of binary code that is sent off to the Control Unit and the Data Cache to tell them what to do with the instruction.

E
Because the Decode Unit figured out that the number 3 was to be stored for the future in the Data Cache, the Control Unit now performs the instruction for "3=Y." This causes the number 3 to be sent to an address in the Data Cache called "Y," where it waits like the "2" for further orders.

how a processor works 2

2009-03-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

Step 1: Push Key 2

A
Pressing the 2 key alerts the microprocessor and signals the Prefetch Unit to ask the computer's main memory for a specific instruction on the new data since there is nothing about it in the Instruction Cache.

B
The new data instruction comes into the microprocessor through the Bus Unit from the computer's main memory and gets stored in the Instruction Cache, where it is assigned a code "2=X".

C
The Prefetch Unit then asks the Instruction Cache for a copy of the code "2=X" and sends it to the Decode Unit for further processing.

D
In the Decode Unit the instruction "2=X" is translated or decoded into a string of binary code that is sent off to the Control Unit and the Data Cache to tell them what to do with the instruction.

E
Because the Decode Unit figured out that the number 2 was to be stored for the future in the Data Cache, the Control Unit now performs the instruction for "2=X." This causes the number 2 to be sent to an address in the Data Cache called "X," where you see it waiting for further orders.

how a processor works 1

2009-03-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

In November 1971, Intel introduced the world's first commercial microprocessor, the 4004, invented by three Intel engineers. Primitive by today's standards, it contained a mere 2,300 transistors and performed about 60,000 calculations in a second. Twenty-five years later, the microprocessor is the most complex mass-produced product ever, with more than 5.5 million transistors performing hundreds of millions of calculations each second.

Today's microprocessors are the brains of your personal computer. Here on this tiny silicon chip are millions of switches and pathways that help your computer make important decisions and perform helpful tasks. And microprocessors don't just think for computers-you might find a processor in many other everyday items like your telephone or car. To help you understand how the microprocessor does its job, you will go step by step through a simple task on the chip. For the purpose of this demonstration, you will add two numbers together while watching the microprocessor do its magic. You will complete this task in four easy steps and you may review each step as many times as you want. Remember, each part of the processor has a special task. If you want to know more about their individual duties, refer at any time to the glossary.

Intel® Xeon® 7000 Sequence

2009-03-17T08:06:00.001-07:00

The Intel® Xeon® processor 7400 series, offers the industry's highest virtualization performance so you can do more with less. With key platform innovations built-in, the Intel® Xeon® processor 7400 series offers more headroom, reliability, and the highest expandability for large-scale server consolidation.

Best-in-class performance

With enhanced 45nm Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, the new Intel® Xeon® processor 7400 series is best-in-class for demanding enterprise workloads with almost 50% better performance in some cases and up to 10% reduction in platform power compared to previous generation expandable servers.◊¹ Designed and optimized for IT, these 6-core processors provide industry-leading multi-core processing and greater computing performance without increasing footprint and power demands.

With 16MB shared L3 cache, scalability beyond four sockets, 1066 million transfers per second (MT/s), and support for up to 256GB of RAM, the Intel® Xeon® processor 7400 series is the ideal choice for your data-intensive, business-critical performance requirements.

Headroom and scalability built in

Offering more low voltage options including 65W 6-core and 50W 4-core processors, Intel® Xeon® processor 7400 series for blade and ultra-dense platforms reduce cooling requirements, lowering IT costs. In addition, these processors are designed with Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT), enabling an ecosystem of software-based virtualization from industry leading software providers.

Features and benefits

Intel® Xeon® processor 7400 series

Leading scalable performance with decreased footprint and power demands
Industry's lowest watt per core platform with available 65 watt processor
Based on 45nm Intel® Core™ microarchitecture enabling low voltage options for ultra-dense deployments
Compatibility with previous generation Intel® Xeon® processor 7300 series

Hardware-assisted virtualization technology

Highest virtualization performance, leading on all industry standard virtualization benchmarks¹
More virtual machines on all servers
Investment protection and flexibility with Intel® Virtualization Technology FlexMigration (Intel® VT FlexMigration)¹
More efficient disaster recovery and high availability through virtualization
Broadest ecosystem support with virtualization software providers and leading OEMs

Up to16 MB, shared L3 cache

Keeps more needed data closer to the cores for access faster than off-chip memory

Intel® 64 architecture²

Enables extended memory addressability for server applications

Enhanced reliability and manageability

Many memory controller features, together with PCI Express* RAS features combine for outstanding platform reliability
Error Correcting Code (ECC) system bus, new memory mirroring and I/O hot-plug

Intel® Xeon® 5000 Sequence

2009-03-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

The breakthrough performance, energy efficiency, and reliability of Intel® Xeon® processor-based server systems make them the ideal choice for all of your data demanding or standard enterprise infrastructure applications.

Intel® processor-based servers enable businesses worldwide to do more and spend less—with outstanding price/performance and broad 64-bit choice across OEMs, operating systems, and applications. Supported by a single stable mainstream 2P server platform supporting a range of CPU options for IT flexibility, investment protection and easy migration.

Reliable, efficient, proven performance. Why would you depend on anything else? Intel® Xeon® processor-based servers deliver it all. Put Intel® server technology to work in your datacenter

Features and benefits

Intel® Xeon® processor 5400 series

Up to 2x better performance than previous generation dual-core and 5x better than single-core¹
Up to 20 percent better performance and 38 percent better performance per watt than previous generation quad-core²

Intel Xeon processor 5300 series

64-bit, quad-core computing with large 8 MB on-die cache
Up to four times the performance versus previous-generation single-core processors³
Better performance/watt than Intel Xeon processor 5100 series-based platformsξ

Intel Xeon processor 5200 series

Supports dual two PCI second-generation adapters enables users to process and visualize larger, more computationally intensive workloads
Denser, more powerful HPC designs
Improved store and forward algorithms and advanced I/O enable users to quickly and efficiently process parallel workflows

Intel Xeon processor 5100 series

Breakthrough performance at up to three times the performance versus previous-generation single-core processors
Enhanced power-efficient technologies for over three times performance/watt∂
Wide range of 65 watt SKUs for performance-optimized deployments, plus 40 watt SKUs for ultra-dense deployments

Intel® Virtualization technology (Intel® VT)±

Enables more operating systems and software to run in today's virtual environments
Developed with virtualization software providers to enable greater functionality and compatibility compared to non-hardware-assisted virtual environments

Intel® 64 architectureΦ

Flexibility for 64-bit and 32-bit applications and operating systems

Fully buffered DIMM technology

Up to 21 GB/s for three times the increase in memory bandwidth over previous memory technology
Up to four times the memory capacity up to 64 GB
Enhanced reliability, availability, and serviceability features

Intel® I/O Acceleration TechnologyΔ (Intel® I/OAT)

Moves data more efficiently for fast, scalable, and reliable network performance
Ability to significantly reduce CPU overhead, freeing resources for more critical tasks

Enhanced reliability and manageability

Many memory controller features, together with PCI Express RAS features, combine to help improve platform reliability vs. previous-generation platforms
New features include Error Correcting Code (ECC) system bus, new memory mirroring and I/O hot-plug

Intel® Xeon® 3000 Sequence

2009-03-17T08:04:00.002-07:00

The Intel® Xeon® processor 3000 sequence-based platforms unleash the computing power of Intel® Xeon® processors. The new 45 nm Quad and Dual-Core processors feature enhanced Intel® Core™ microarchitecture that provides your business with exceptional performance and power efficiency at a very affordable cost.

These servers are ideal for small business owners looking for ways to grow business, manage operation more effectively and efficiently, and protect and secure one of their most important assets - information.

Features and benefits

Intel® Xeon® processor 3300 series Built for business growth: Based on enhanced Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, 64-bit quad-core computing with up to 12 MB on-die cache and 1333 MHz front side bus provides the performance necessary for small, medium business owners looking for ways to support rapid business growth on small technology budgets.

Also suitable for building small, cost-effective HPC clusters that create high-performance, personal super computing solutions and work-group clusters.
Intel® Xeon® processor 3100 series Power efficient: Based on enhanced Intel Core microarchitecture and featuring 45nm manufacturing technology, your servers will deliver high performance on demand and consume less power when demands are low.
Enhanced Intel Core microarchitecture Delivers better performance on multiple application types and user environments at a reduced power envelope.
1333 MHz front side bus Up to 10.6 GB/s with 1333 MHz.
Dual-channel DDR2 memory with ECC Up to eight GB dual-channel DDR2 Error Correcting Code (ECC) memory with Intel® 3200 series chipset that checks and corrects system memory errors.
Intel® Virtualization Technology◊ A suite of virtualization-specific hardware enhancements to Intel processors, chipsets, and I/O devices to increase application reliability, security and overall system performance.

Intel® IXP465 Network Processor

2009-03-17T08:04:00.001-07:00

The Intel® IXP465 network processor is a member of the Intel® IXP46X product line for SME communications and embedded networking applications. The Intel IXP465 network processor is an addition to the Intel® IXP4XX product line of network processors, and extends Intel XScale® technology into a broad range of applications that require communications functionality. The consistency of the Intel IXP4XX product line software and hardware architecture protects customers' development investments and speeds development of a standards-based product portfolio.

The highly integrated, single-chip design of the IXP465 network processor provides a unique combination of performance, reliability and flexibility. The IXP465 network processor combines Intel XScale technology with a variety of built-in communications features to support requirements for modular routers, security appliances, line cards for telecommunications infrastructure, industrial control and automation applications, interactive clients, test and instrumentation, RFID readers, and networked print imaging applications. The high-performance Intel XScale core provides processing headroom to flexibly support a broad range of OEM applications while minimizing power consumption. Integration of multiple 10/100 Ethernet interfaces and built-in hardware acceleration for time synchronization reduces overall system cost and simplifies development.

Product Highlights

Member of Intel® IXP46X product line of network processors for small-to-medium enterprise (SME) communications and embedded networking applications
Intel XScale® core speeds of up to 667 MHz provides scalable processing headroom for target applications
Built-in LAN and WAN, I2C and Synchronous Serial Port (SSP) interfaces reduce overall system cost and simplify development
Integrated support for cryptography, time synchronization and ECC memory improves performance and reliability
Consistent Intel® IXP4XX product line software and hardware architecture protects customers’ development investments and speeds deployment of a standards-based product portfolio
Robust development environment minimizes time-to-market

Features and Benefits

Intel XScale® core
Available at 266 MHz, 400 MHz, 533 MHz and 667 MHz
Delivers high MIPS/power consumption ratio and provides ample processing headroom for value-added software features
32-bit 33/66 MHz PCI v2.2, host and option interface Provides flexibility to directly connect devices including 802.11x chips, PCMCIA controllers and cable MACs/PHYs
USB
USB v. 1.1 device controller
USB v. 2.0 host controller, supports low-speed and full-speed modes only
Industry-standard interface for connection to a wide array of devices
32-bit, DDR1-266 SDRAM interface
Optional ECC
32MByte to 1GByte of memory
High-bandwidth memory interface
Optional ECC improves system reliability
32-bit Expansion bus interface with parity
Master/Target capable
25-bit address
Glueless connection to most other devices
External mastering capability allows external devices to communicate with each other and with internal peripherals resulting in shared memory subsystem design and lower system cost>
Integrated Ethernet MACs
Up to three integrated 10/100 Ethernet MACs with SMII interface
Up to three integrated 10/100 Ethernet MACs with MII interface
Industry-standard networking interface lowers system bill of materials (BOM) cost
Multiple ports allow:
Lower system cost
Multiple LAN port support
Concatenation of networking modules
UTOPIA-2 Interface with multiple ADSL/G.SHDSL or VDSL PHY support Industry standard WAN interface
Two high-speed serial (HSS) ports for connecting to T1/E1 or SLIC/CODECs Connects to T1/E1 or SLIC/CODECs for voice support
Silicon functional assistance for Random Number Generation Accelerates public key exchange and authentication and key generation
Integrated hardware support for popular cryptography algorithms Acceleration for popular applications such as IPSec and SSL VPNs (AES/AES-CCM/3DES/DES/SHA-1/SHA-256/ SHA-384/SHA-512/MD-5/RSA/DSA/Diffie-Hellman algorithms)
Hardware support for IEEE1588 protocol Hardware assistance for Time Synchronization in a distributed control system containing multiple clocks
Two high-speed UARTs support up to 921Kbaud each Provides an interface for debug and passing control information
Integrated I2C and SSP interfaces Provides serial interfaces for common embedded and communications application: reduces system BOM cost
Spread spectrum clocking Improves system reliability by reducing EMI
Comprehensive pre-validated pre-integrated "out-of-the-box" development infrastructures ready for application development using Linux*, VxWorks* Ease of design and fast time-to-market
544-Ball PBGA Package
35mm x 35mm, 1.27mm ball pitch
Lead-free packages available
Commercial temperature (0° to 70° C)
Extended temperature (-40° to 85° C)
High-performance package provides improved reliability
Lead-free packages help to meet environmental regulations
Extended temperature support for industrial control and automation applications

Intel® IXP460 Network Processor

2009-03-17T08:03:00.002-07:00

The Intel® IXP460 network processor is a member of the Intel® IXP46X product line for SME communications and embedded networking applications. The Intel IXP460 is an addition to the Intel® IXP4XX product line of network processors, and extends Intel XScale technology into a broad range of applications that require communications functionality. The consistency of the Intel IXP4XX product line software and hardware architecture protects customers' development investments and speeds development of a standards-based product portfolio.

The highly integrated, single-chip design of the IXP460 network processor provides a unique combination of performance, reliability and flexibility. The IXP460 network processor combines Intel XScale technology with a variety of built-in communications features to support requirements for routers, networking gateways, industrial control and automation applications, interactive clients, test and instrumentation, RFID readers, and networked print imaging applications.

Product Highlights

Member of Intel® IXP46X product line of network processors for small-to-medium enterprise (SME) communications and embedded networking applications
Intel XScale® core speeds of up to 667 MHz provides scalable processing headroom for target applications
Integrated support for time synchronization and ECC memory improves performance and reliability
Consistent Intel® IXP4XX product line software and hardware architecture protects customers’ development investments and speeds deployment of a standards-based product portfolio
Robust development environment minimizes time-to-market

Features and Benefits

Intel XScale® core
Available at 266 MHz, 400 MHz, 533 MHz and 667 MHz
Delivers high MIPS/power consumption ratio and provides ample processing headroom for value-added software features
32-bit 33/66 MHz PCI v2.2, host and option interface Provides flexibility to directly connect devices including 802.11x chips, PCMCIA controllers and cable MACs/PHYs
USB
USB v. 1.1 device controller
USB v. 2.0 low-speed and full-speed compatible host controller
Industry-standard interface for connection to a wide array of devices
32-bit, DDR1-266 Controller
Optional ECC
32MByte to 1GByte of memory
High-bandwidth memory interface
Optional ECC improves system reliability
32-bit Expansion bus interface with parity
Master/Target capable
25-bit address
Glueless connection to most other devices
External mastering capability allows external devices to communicate with each other and with internal peripherals resulting in shared memory subsystem design and lower system cost
Up to two integrated 10/100 Ethernet MACs with MII/SMII interface Integrated industry standard LAN/WAN interface lowers system bill of materials (BOM) cost
Hardware support for IEEE1588 protocol Hardware assistance for Time Synchronization in a distributed control system containing multiple clocks.
Two high-speed UARTs support up to 921Kbaud each Provides an interfaces for debug and passing control information
Integrated I2C and SSP interfaces Provides serial interfaces for common embedded and communications application: reduces system BOM cost
Spread spectrum clocking Improves system reliability by reducing EMI
Comprehensive pre-validated pre-integrated "out-of-the-box" development infrastructures ready for application development using Linux* or VxWorks* Ease of design and fast time-to-market
544-Ball PBGA Package
35mm x 35mm, 1.27mm ball pitch
Lead-free packages available
Commercial temperature (0° to 70° C)
Extended temperature (-40° to 85° C)
High-performance package provides improved reliability
Lead-free packages help to meet environmental regulations
Extended temperature support for industrial control and automation applications

Intel® IXP455 Network Processor

2009-03-17T08:03:00.001-07:00

Ideal for Communications and Embedded Networking Applications

The highly integrated, single-chip design of the Intel® IXP455 network processor provides a unique combination of performance, reliability, and flexibility, and extends Intel XScale® technology into a broad range of applications that require built-in communications functionality such as networking gateways, security appliances, interactive clients, test and instrumentation, RFID readers, and networked print imaging applications.

Features and Benefits

Intel XScale® core available at 266, 400, and 533 MHz Delivers high MIPS/power consumption ratio and provides ample processing headroom for value-added software features
32-bit 33/66 MHz PCI v2.2-compatible, host and option interface Provides flexibility to directly connect devices including 802.11x chips, PCMCIA controllers, and cable MAC/PHYs
USB v1.1 device controller
USB v2.0 host controller, supports low-speed and full-speed modes only
Industry-standard interface for connection to a wide array of devices
32-bit, DDR1-266 SDRAM interface for 32 MByte to 1 GByte of memory High-bandwidth memory interface
32-bit expansion bus interface with parity
Master/Target capable
25-bit address
Glueless connection to other devices
External mastering capability allows external devices to communicate with each other and with internal peripherals resulting in shared memory subsystem design and lower system cost
Up to three integrated 10/100 Ethernet MACs with MII interface
Industry-standard networking interface
Multiple ports allow lower system cost, multiple LAN port support, and concatenation of networking modules
UTOPIA-2 interface with multiple ADSL/G.SHDSL or VDSL PHY support Industry-standard WAN interface
Two High-Speed Serial (HSS) ports for connecting to T1/E1 or SLIC/CODEC Connects to T1/E1 or SLIC/CODEC for voice support
Silicon functional assistance for Random Number Generation Accelerates public key exchange, authentication and key generation
Integrated hardware support for popular cryptography algorithms Acceleration for popular applications such as IPSec and SSL VPNs (AES/ AES-CCM/ 3DES/ DES /SHA-1 /SHA-256 /SHA-384 /SHA-512 /MD-5 /RSA /DSA /Diffie-Hellman algorithms)
Two high-speed UARTs support up to 921 Kbaud each Provides an interface for debug and passing control information
Integrated I2C and SSP interfaces Provides serial interface for common embedded and communications application; reduces system BOM
Spread-spectrum clocking Improves system reliability by reducing EMI
Comprehensive pre-validated, pre-integrated "out-of-the-box" development infrastructures ready for application development using Linux* and VxWorks* Ease of design and fast time-to-market
544-ball PBGA package
35 mm x 35 mm, 1.27 mm ball pitch
Lead-free packages available
Commercial temperature
(0° to 70° C)
Extended temperature
(–40° to 85° C)
High-performance package provides improved reliability
Lead-free packages help meet environmental regulations
Extended temperature support for industrial control and automation applications

Intel® IXP425 Network Processor

2009-03-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

Intel® IXP425 network processor is a highly integrated, versatile single-chip processor that can be used in a variety of products that need network connectivity and high performance to run their unique software applications. The Intel IXP425 network processor combines integration with support for multiple WAN and LAN technologies in a common architecture designed to meet requirements for high-end gateways, Voice over IP (VoIP) applications, wireless access points, SME routers, switches, security devices, Mini-DSLAMs (Digital Subscriber line Access Multiplexers), xDSL line cards, industrial control and networked imaging applications.

Common IXP4XX Product Line Architecture for Application Flexibility
All IXP4XX processors have a unique distributed processing architecture that speeds development for a range of applications. Each processor combines a high-performance Intel XScale® core with additional Network Processor Engines (NPEs) to achieve wire-speed packet processing performance.

Product Highlights

Member of the IXP4XX network processor product line for enterprise, small-to-medium enterprise (SME), residential and other networking applications
Intel XScale® core at up to 533 MHz provides headroom for customer-defined applications
Integrated hardware acceleration of popular cryptography algorithms (SHA-1, MD5, DES, 3DES, AES) for secure applications
DSP software library on the Intel XScale core supports 2-4 voice channels and reduces system cost
Two high-speed serial (HSS) ports for VoIP SLIC/CODEC or T1/E1
Two integrated 10/100 Base-T Ethernet MACs with Media Independent Interface (MII) for design flexibility and cost-effective wire-speed performance
UTOPIA 2 interface with multiple ADSL/G.SHDSL or VDSL support
33/66 MHz PCI v2.2 host and option interface for glueless connection of up to four devices
SDRAM controller supports from 8 to 256 Mbytes of SDRAM memory
Low system power consumption (1.0 -1.5 Watt typical)
USB version 1.1 device controller
Two high-speed UARTS support up to 921 Kbaud each
Sixteen GPIO pins
16-bit configurable expansion bus
Commercial (0° to 70° C) and extended temperature (-40° to +85° C) versions

Intel® IXP423 Network Processor

2009-03-17T08:01:00.002-07:00

Intel® IXP423 Network Processor

The Intel® IXP423 network processor is a versatile single-chip processor that meets the needs of high-performance and cost-sensitive data and Voice over IP (VoIP) applications ranging from residential gateways, Integrated Access Devices (IADs) and small office IP/PBX systems to industrial control and networked imaging applications. The Intel IXP423 network processor is a member of the IXP4XX product line, providing cost-effective implementations that extend the rich performance and features of the Intel® IXP425 network processor into targeted market segments.

The Intel IXP423 network processor feature set integrates a 266 MHz Intel XScale core, high-performance PCI interface, USB controller, UTOPIA 2 interface, two high-speed serial (HSS) ports and two Ethernet MACs. These features provide developers with the processing power, low power consumption, cost-effectiveness and flexibility to address the needs of data plus VoIP applications.

Common IXP4XX Product Line Architecture for Application Flexibility
All IXP4XX processors have a unique distributed processing architecture that speeds development for a range of applications. Each processor combines a high-performance Intel XScale® core with additional Network Processor Engines (NPEs) to achieve wire-speed packet processing performance

Product Highlights

Member of the Intel® IXP4XX product line of network processors for residential and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) applications
Intel XScale® core at 266 MHz provides headroom for customer-defined applications
DSP software library on Intel XScale core supports 2-4 voice channels and reduces system cost
Two high-speed serial (HSS) ports for VoIP SLIC/CODEC or T1/E1
Two integrated 10/100 Base-T Ethernet MACs with Media Independent Interfaces (MII) for design flexibility and cost effective wire-speed performance
UTOPIA 2 interface supports up to four xDSL PHYs (ADSL, G.SHDSL or VDSL)
33/66 MHz PCI v2.2 host and option interface for glueless connection of up to four devices
SDRAM controller supports from 8 to 256 Mbytes of SDRAM memory
Low system power consumption (1.0-1.5 Watt typical)
USB version 1.1 device controller
Two high-speed UARTS support up to 921 Kbaud each
Sixteen GPIO pins
16-bit configurable expansion bus
Commercial temperature (0° to 70° C)

Intel® IXP2400 Network Processor

2009-03-17T08:01:00.001-07:00

Intel's second-generation network processors are the first implementation of Intel's Hyper Task Chaining technology. This unique network processing approach allows a single stream packet/cell processing problem to be decomposed into multiple, sequential tasks that can be easily linked together. The hardware design uses fast and flexible sharing of data and event signals among threads and microengines to manage data-dependent operations among multiple parallel processing stages with low latency. Through this combination of flexible software pipelining and fast inter-process communication, Hyper Task Chaining delivers rich processing capability at OC-48/2.5 Gbps line rates.

The Intel® IXP2400 network processor is a member of Intel's second-generation network processor family. It is designed for a wide range of access and edge applications including multi-service switches, routers, broadband access devices and wireless infrastructure systems. Based on the first-generation Intel® IXP1200 network processor, the IXP2400 is a fully programmable network processor that implements a high-performance parallel processing architecture on a single chip for processing complex algorithms, deep packet inspection, traffic management and forwarding at wire speed. Its store-and-forward architecture combines a high-performance Intel XScale® core with eight 32-bit independent multi-threaded microengines that cumulatively provide more than 5.4 giga-operations per second. The microengines provide the processing power to perform tasks that traditionally required expensive high-speed ASICs.

Features and Benefits

8 integrated programmable microengines with 4K instruction program stores Enhanced second-generation flexible multi-threaded RISC processors that can be programmed to deliver intelligent transmit and receive processing, with robust software development environment for rapid product development
Integrated Intel XScale Core
- 32 Kbyte – Instruction cache
- 32 Kbyte – Data cache
- 2 Kbyte – Mini-data cache
Embedded 32-bit RISC core for high performance processing of complex algorithms, route table maintenance and system-level management functions. Lowers system cost and saves board space
2 unidirectional 32-bit media interfaces (Rx and Tx) programmable to be SPI-3, UTOPIA 1/2/3 or CSIX-L1. Each path is configurable for 4x8-bit, 2x16bit, 1x32bit or combinations of 8 & 16 bit data paths. Supports industry standard cell and packet Interfaces to media and fabric devices delivering 4 Gbps performance rates that can support OC-48 plus fabric encapsulation overhead or 4 x GbE; simplifies design and interface to custom ASIC devices
1 industry-standard DDR DRAM interface Memory subsystem supports the network processor store-and-forward processing model
2 industry-standard QDR SRAM interface Memory subsystem for look-up tables and access lists, or co-processors (such as CAM/TCAM, IPsec devices). NPF standardized interface for co-processors
PCI 2.2 64 bit/66 MHz I/O Interface Supports industry-standard connection to system host processors
Asynchronous control interface supports 8, 16 or 32 bit slow port devices Provides control interface for connecting to maintenance port of PHY devices and flash memory
Hardware support for memory access queuing Simplifies product development and reduces system cost
JTAG support Improve hardware debug ability
Software SDK Improves time to market via robust hardware and software development tools
Hardware Development Platform Improves time to market via robust hardware and software development tools
Additional integrated hardware features:
- Hardware Hash Unit
(48, 64 and 128 bit)
- 16 KByte Scratchpad Memory
- Serial UART port for debug
- 4 general-purpose I/O pins
- 4 32-bit timers
Simplifies development, reduces development cost and saves board space

Intel® IXP2350 Network Processor

2009-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Intel® IXP2350 network processor extends Intel's fully programmable architecture to new, lower cost/performance points for access and edge applications, including broadband access devices, wireless infrastructure systems, routers and multi-service switches.

To meet today's and tomorrow's demanding dataplane performance requirements, the IXP2350 network processor provides a powerful, integrated control plane processor in the same chip. The high-speed core (up to 1.2 GHz) incorporates advanced I/O and memory features, enabling customers to eliminate an external control plane processor in many applications. Additional hardware-assisted features in the IXP2350 network processor increase performance and simplify development.

Features and benefits

Four integrated programmable microengines (MEv2) with 8K instruction program stores running up to 900 MHz Flexible multi-threaded RISC processors can be programmed to deliver intelligent transmit and receive processing, with robust software development environment for rapid product development
Integrated Intel XScale® core:
32 Kbytes - Instruction cache
32 Kbytes - Data cache
Up to 1,200 MHz
Embedded 32-bit RISC core for high performance processing of complex algorithms, route table maintenance and system-level management functions. Lowers system cost by eliminating external host processor.
Integrated 512 Kbytes L2 push cache performance Improves CPU performance and MEv2 to Intel XScale core and PCI to Intel XScale core communication
Two unidirectional 32-bit media interfaces (Rx and Tx) programmable as SPI-3 or UTOPIA

Each path configurable for 4x8-bit, 2x16-bit, 1x32-bit or combinations of 8 & 16-bit data paths Supports industry standard cell and packet interfaces to media and fabric devices; simplifies design and interface to custom ASIC devices

Supports up to 127 ports using a 16-bit UTOPIA-2 MPHY mode
Two integrated Gigabit Ethernet MACs Lowers system cost, power and board real estate
Two integrated 10/100 Ethernet MACs Can be used as debugging ports or control signal ports. Lowers system cost, power and board real estate.
Integrated high speed serial controller:
256 HDLC channel controller
(64 channels when configured with dynamic timeslot remap)
ATM-TC
Up to 16xT1/E1/J1 TDM links
Performs inverse multiplexing over ATM (IMA), which provides lower system cost, power and board real estate
Integrated cryptography accelerator Provides up to 200 Mbps bulk encryption (DES/SHA-1) capability. Supports AES, DES and 3DES encryption algorithms as well as SHA-1 and MD5 hashing algorithms.
Two industry standard DDR DRAM interfaces:
One 64-bit + ECC DDR300 low latency channel (up to 2GB) optimized for microengine use (not available on 300 MHz ME configuration)
One 32-bit + ECC DDR300 low latency channel (up to 1GB) optimized for the Intel XScale core
Memory subsystem supports the network processor store-and-forward processing model. Separate memory channels for Intel XScale core and microengines improves data plane and control plane performance.
I/O coherency for Intel XScale core DRAM Improves performance through accelerated control plane/data plane communications
One industry standard QDR SRAM interface (not available on 300 MHz ME configuration) Provides industry standard interface for memory subsystem for look-up tables and access lists, or co-processors (such as CAM/TCAM)
Asynchronous control interface supports 8 or 16-bit slow port devices via 16-bit expansion bus Provides control interface for connecting to microprocessor port of PHY devices and flash memory. Provides a direct connection to DSP via HPI.
Hardware support for memory access queuing Simplifies application development and reduces system cost
JTAG support Improves hardware debug ability
Intel® IXA Software Development Kit (SDK) Intel® Hardware Development Platform Industry standard AdvancedTCA* form factor hardware reference design and state of the art development tools improves time to market via robust hardware and software development tools
1752 ball FCBGA 42.5 mm x 42.5 mm package Minimizes board layers, providing easier board layer routing and lower cost

Intel® IXP2325 Network Processor

2009-03-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

The Intel® IXP2325 network processor extends Intel's fully programmable architecture to new, lower cost/performance points for access and edge applications, including broadband access devices, wireless infrastructure systems, routers and multi-service switches.

To meet today's and tomorrow's demanding dataplane performance requirements, the IXP2325 network processor provides a powerful, integrated control plane processor in the same chip. The high-speed core (900 MHz) incorporates advanced I/O and memory features, enabling customers to eliminate an external control plane processor in many applications. Additional hardware-assisted features in the IXP2325 network processor increase performance and simplify development.

Features and benefits

Two integrated programmable microengines (MEv2) with 8K instruction program stores running at 600 MHz Flexible multi-threaded RISC processors can be programmed to deliver intelligent transmit and receive processing, with robust software development environment for rapid product development
Integrated Intel XScale® core:
32 Kbytes - Instruction cache
32 Kbytes - Data cache
At 900 MHz
Embedded 32-bit RISC core for high performance processing of complex algorithms, route table maintenance and system-level management functions. Lowers system cost by eliminating external host processor.
Integrated 512 Kbytes L2 push cache performance Improves CPU performance and MEv2 to Intel XScale core and PCI to Intel XScale core communication
Two unidirectional 32-bit media interfaces (Rx and Tx) programmable as SPI-3 or UTOPIA

Each path configurable for 4x8-bit, 2x16-bit, 1x32-bit or combinations of 8- & 16-bit data paths Supports industry standard cell and packet interfaces to media and fabric devices; simplifies design and interface to custom ASIC devices

Supports up to 127 ports using a 16-bit UTOPIA-2 MPHY mode
Two integrated Gigabit Ethernet MACs Lowers system cost, power and board real estate
Two integrated 10/100 Ethernet MACs Can be used as debugging ports or control signal ports. Lowers system cost, power and board real estate.
Integrated high speed serial controller:
256 HDLC channel controller
(64 channels when configured with dynamic timeslot remap)
ATM-TC
Up to 16xT1/E1/J1 TDM links
Performs inverse multiplexing over ATM (IMA), which provides lower system cost, power and board real estate
Integrated cryptography accelerator Provides up to 200 Mbps bulk encryption (DES/SHA-1) capability. Supports AES, DES and 3DES encryption algorithms as well as SHA-1 and MD5 hashing algorithms.
Two industry standard DDR DRAM interfaces:
One 64-bit + ECC DDR300 low latency channel (up to 2GB) optimized for microengine use
One 32-bit + ECC DDR300 low latency channel (up to 1GB) optimized for the Intel XScale core
Memory subsystem supports the network processor store-and-forward processing model. Separate memory channels for Intel XScale core and microengines improves data plane and control plane performance.
I/O coherency for Intel XScale core DRAM Improves performance through accelerated control plane/data plane communications
One industry standard QDR SRAM interface Provides industry standard interface for memory subsystem for look-up tables and access lists, or co-processors (such as CAM/TCAM)
Asynchronous control interface supports 8- or 16-bit slow port devices via 16-bit expansion bus Provides control interface for connecting to microprocessor port of PHY devices and flash memory. Provides a direct connection to DSP via HPI.
Hardware support for memory access queuing Simplifies application development and reduces system cost
JTAG support Improves hardware debug ability
Intel® IXA Software Development Kit (SDK)
Intel® Hardware Development Platform Industry standard AdvancedTCA* form factor hardware reference design and state of the art development tools improves time to market via robust hardware and software development tools
1752 ball FCBGA 42.5 mm x 42.5 mm package Minimizes board layers, providing easier board layer routing and lower cost

Intel® Itanium® 9000 Sequence

2009-03-17T07:58:00.002-07:00

Itanium®-based servers deliver the scalable performance, reliability, and headroom for your most compute-intensive workloads, including direct replacement for RISC and mainframe platforms. Because Itanium processors are available in commercial off-the-shelf hardware from a rich ecosystem of system and solution providers, they can quickly meet mission-critical needs.

Itanium-based servers are incredibly scalable, allowing configuration in systems of as many as 512 processors and a full petabyte (1024TB) of RAM. Together with full support for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications, that capacity provides unmatched flexibility in tailoring systems to your enterprise needs.

Features and benefits

Dual-core processing, EPIC architecture, and Hyper-Threading Technology† Supports massive, multi-level parallelism for today's data-intensive workloads

Provides headroom for fast access to information and real-time decision making

Delivers fast responses to complex computations
Support for up to 512 processors and one petabyte (1024TB) RAM Provides scalable performance for enterprise flexibility

Gives IT the ability to increase processor and memory capacity as needed, in an open-ended framework
Up to 24MB of low-latency L3 cache Prevents idle processing cycles with a high-bandwidth data supply to the execution cores

Increases the efficiency of the memory subsystem
Intel® Cache Safe Technology Automatically recovers cache after cache errors

Delivers mainframe-class availability
Enhanced Machine Check Architecture Automatically detects, logs, and corrects errors

Provides maximum system uptime
Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT)± Reduces virtualization complexity and increases performance

Increases operating system compatibility
Demand-Based Switching Dynamically reduced energy consumption during typical CPU utilization (in conjunction with enabled OS)
Core Level Lock-step Enables one processor core to mirror the operations of the other

Intel® EP80579 Network Processor

2009-03-17T07:58:00.001-07:00

Based on Intel® architecture, the Intel® EP80579 Integrated Processor product line is the first in a series of breakthrough system on-a-chip (SOC) processors, delivering excellent performance-per-watt for small form factor designs.

This fully compatible product line (Intel EP80579 Integrated Processor and Intel® EP80579 Integrated Processor with Intel® QuickAssist Technology) provides an outstanding combination of performance, power efficiency, footprint savings and cost-effectiveness compared to discrete, multi-chip solutions.

These integrated processors are ideal for small-to-medium business (SMB) and enterprise security and communications appliances (including VPN/firewall and unified threat management), transaction terminals, interactive clients, print and imaging applications, wireless and WiMax access applications, SMB and home network attached storage, converged IP PBX solutions, converged access platforms, IP media servers, VoIP gateways and industrial automation applications.

Product highlights

These SOCs include an Intel architecture complex based on the Intel® Pentium® M processor, integrated memory controller hub, integrated I/O controller hub, and flexible integrated I/O support with three Ethernet MACs, two Controller Area Network interfaces and a local expansion bus interface.

The Intel EP80579 Integrated Processor with Intel QuickAssist Technology also includes High Speed Serial¹ ports for TDM or analog voice connectivity, security accelerators for bulk encryption, hashing and public/private key generation, and data path acceleration. The integrated accelerators support Intel QuickAssist Technology through software packages provided by Intel.

Intel provides the following software packages for embedded, security and IP telephony designs:

Intel® EP80579 Software Drivers for Embedded Applications contains all software drivers needed to utilize the hardware features on the integrated processor.
Intel EP80579 Software for Security Applications on Intel QuickAssist Technology builds upon the software drivers for embedded and enables acceleration of cryptographic and packet processing for a wide variety of applications.
Intel EP80579 Software for IP Telephony Applications on Intel QuickAssist Technology builds upon the software for security applications by adding features important for converged IP PBX solutions, converged access platforms, IP media servers and VoIP gateways.

Intel® Core™2 Quad Q9400

2009-03-17T07:57:00.002-07:00

The Intel® Core™2 Quad processor Q9400¹ is the first quad-core processor within the Intel® Core™2 processor product line with embedded lifecycle support. Based on Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, it features four complete execution cores within a single processor, delivering exceptional performance and responsiveness in multi-threaded and multi-tasking environments. As a result, more instructions can be carried out per clock cycle, shorter and wider pipelines execute commands more quickly, and improved bus lanes move data throughout the system faster.

The processor is validated with three different chipsets, providing a choice of flexible, quad-core-capable platforms for a wide range of embedded applications:

Intel® Q45 Express chipset for applications such as point-of-sale (POS) terminals or digital signs in a networked retail environment. Chipset consists of the Intel® 82Q45 Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) and Intel® I/O Controller Hub (ICH) 10 DO.
Intel® Q35 Express chipset for embedded applications needing graphics, manageability, data protection and security such as interactive clients (i.e. POS terminals and interactive PCs), industrial control and automation, gaming, print imaging and network security appliances. Chipset consists of the Intel® 82Q35 GMCH and the Intel® ICH9 DO.
Intel® 3210 chipset is a server-class chipset that includes Error Correcting Code memory for embedded applications needing high reliability, such as robotics on a factory floor, multi-function printers and network security applications.

Product highlights

Multi-processing capabilities of the four complete execution cores deliver sharper images, provide faster response rates and support additional multi-media features - ideal for gaming arcade consoles, POS terminals and digital signage.
In multi-tasking environments, where rendering and manageability as well as media and software applications can be distributed to run in parallel across each of the four cores, greater visualization and realism can be attained.
The processor includes a Super Shuffle Engine to increase the speed of existing Intel® Streaming SIMD Extensions (SSE) algorithms optimized for graphics and multi-media processing. The engine significantly improves performance for the latest Intel® SSE4 instructions which enhance video editing and encoding used in many embedded applications.
Intel® Wide Dynamic Execution enables delivery of more instructions per clock cycle to improve execution time and energy efficiency
Intel® Intelligent Power Capability of the processor is designed to deliver more energy-efficient performance
Larger Intel® Advanced Smart Cache in the processor is optimized for multi-core processors, providing a higher-performance, more efficient cache subsystem
Dual Intel® Dynamic Acceleration Technology improves four-core performance by utilizing power headroom of idle cores by dynamically boosting frequency of active cores

Intel® Core™2 Quad Processors

2009-03-17T07:57:00.001-07:00

Introducing the Intel® Core™2 Quad processor for desktop PCs, designed to handle massive compute and visualization workloads enabled by powerful multi-core technology. Providing all the bandwidth you need for next-generation highly-threaded applications, the latest four-core Intel Core 2 Quad processors are built on 45nm Intel® Core™ microarchitecture enabling faster, cooler, and quieter desktop PC and workstation experiences.

Plus, with optional Intel® vPro™ technology, you have the ability to remotely isolate, diagnose, and repair infected desktop and mobile workstations wirelessly and outside of the firewall, even if the PC is off, or the OS is unresponsive.

Features and benefits

With four processing cores, up to 12MB of shared L2 cache¹ and 1333 MHz Front Side Bus the Intel Core 2 Quad desktops processor delivers amazing performance and power efficiency enabled by the all new hafnium-based circuitry of 45nm Intel Core microarchitecture.

Whether you're encoding, rendering, editing, or streaming HD multimedia in the office or on the go, power your most demanding applications with notebooks and desktops based on the Intel Core 2 Quad processor.

Plus, with these processors you get great Intel® technologies built in²:

Intel® Wide Dynamic Execution, enabling delivery of more instructions per clock cycle to improve execution time and energy efficiency

Intel® Intelligent Power Capability, designed to deliver more energy-efficient performance

Intel® Smart Memory Access, improving system performance by optimizing the use of the available data bandwidth

Larger Intel® Advanced Smart Cache, optimized for multi-core processors, providing a higher-performance, more efficient cache subsystem.

Intel® Advanced Digital Media Boost, accelerating a broad range of multimedia, encryption, scientific and financial applications by significantly improving performance when executing Intel® Streaming SIMD Extension (SSE/SSE2/SSE3) instructions.

Intel® HD Boost³, implementing new Intel® Streaming SIMD Extension 4 (Intel SSE4) instructions for even greater multimedia performance and faster high definition video editing and encoding.

Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT)², enabling greater security, manageability, and utilization.

Future ready, designed to perform in highly threaded programs with powerful Intel® multi-core technology.

Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor

2009-03-17T07:56:00.002-07:00

Whether it's gaming, digital photography, or video editing, today's high-impact entertainment demands breakthrough technology. Now with a new version based on Intel's cutting edge 45nm technology utilizing hafnium-infused circuitry to deliver even greater performance and power efficiency.

Your options, multiplied

Intel® Core™2 Extreme quad-core processor
When more is better—with four processing cores the Intel Core 2 Extreme processor delivers unrivaled¹ performance for the latest, greatest generation of multi-threaded games and multimedia apps.

Now with a new version based on Intel's cutting edge 45nm technology utilizing hafnium-infused circuitry to deliver even greater performance and power efficiency. The Intel® Core™2 Extreme processor QX9770 running at 3.2 GHz delivers the best possible experience for today's most demanding users.

12 MB of total L2 cache
1600 MHz front side bus

Features and benefits

When "Extreme" is an understatement.
It's not about playing the game. It's about dominating and winning the game. Designed for extreme performance, the Dual-Core and Quad-Core Intel Core 2 Extreme processors feature the latest arsenal of performance-rich technologies:

Intel® Wide Dynamic Execution, enabling delivery of more instructions per clock cycle to improve gaming execution time and energy efficiency

Intel® Deep Power Down Technology, designed to deliver extreme energy-efficient performance

Intel® Smart Memory Access, improving system performance by optimizing the use of all available data bandwidth

Intel® Advanced Smart Cache, providing a higher-performance, more efficient cache subsystem. Optimized for industry leading multi-threaded games

Intel® Advanced Digital Media Boost, accelerating a broad range of applications, including ultra-realistic game physics and human-like artificial intelligence for an intense gaming experience unlike any other. Now improved even further on 45nm versions with Intel® HD Boost utilizing new SSE4 instructions for even better multimedia performance
Energy-efficient performance? Rage on.
The Intel Core 2 Extreme processor was designed to enable energy-efficiency so you can maximize your performance. Plus, the added energy efficiency allows systems to run quieter so you only hear what you want to hear - the sounds of sweet victory perhaps?

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor

2009-03-17T07:56:00.001-07:00

Based on Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, the Intel® Core™2 Duo processor family is designed to provide powerful energy-efficient performance so you can do more at once without slowing down.
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo desktop processors

With Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor, you'll experience revolutionary performance, unbelievable system responsiveness, and energy-efficiency second to none.

Big, big performance. More energy efficient.¹ Now available in smaller packages. The Intel Core 2 Duo processor-based desktop PC was designed from the ground up for energy efficiency, letting you enjoy higher performing, ultra-quiet, sleek, and low power desktop PC designs.

Multitask with reckless abandon. Do more at the same time, like playing your favorite music, running virus scan in the background, and all while you edit video or pictures. The powerful Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor provides you with the speed you need to perform any and all tasks imaginable.

Love your PC again. Don’t settle for anything less than the very best. Find your perfect desktop powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo processor and get the best processing technology money can buy. Only from Intel.

• Up to 6MB L2 cache
• Up to 1333 MHz front side bus

Features and benefits

Delivering the best overall performance. Period. With Intel Core 2 Duo processors powering your desktop PC you'll get the latest arsenal of performance-rich technologies, including up to 6MB of shared L2 cache and up to 1333 MHz Front Side Bus. And, all of the latest additions to the Intel Core 2 Duo processor family are built using Intel’s 45nm technology and Hafnium infused circuitry. You've got the future of computing now, and only from Intel:

Dual-Core Processing, combines two independent processor cores in one physical package. Processors run at the same frequency and share up to 6MB of L2 cache and up to 1333 MHZ Front Side Bus for truly parallel computing

Intel® Wide Dynamic Execution, enabling delivery of more instructions per clock cycle to improve execution time and energy efficiency

Intel® Core™ i7 Processor

2009-03-17T07:55:00.001-07:00

Wield the ultimate gaming weapon:

Conquer the world of extreme gaming with the fastest performing processor on the planet: the Intel® Core™ i7 processor Extreme Edition.¹ With faster, intelligent multi-core technology that accelerates performance to match your workload, it delivers an incredible breakthrough in gaming performance.

But performance doesn't stop at gaming. You'll multitask 25 percent faster and unleash incredible digital media creation with up to 79 percent faster video encoding and up to 46 percent faster image rendering, plus incredible performance for photo retouching and editing.¹

In fact, you'll experience maximum performance for whatever you do, thanks to the combination of Intel® Turbo Boost technology² and Intel® Hyper-Threading technology (Intel® HT technology)³, which activates full processing power exactly where and when you need it most.

Features and benefits

Get extreme with your gaming and advanced multimedia.
Intel Core i7 processors deliver an incredible breakthrough in quad-core performance and feature the latest innovations in processor technologies:

Intel® Turbo Boost technology maximizes speed for demanding applications, dynamically accelerating performance to match your workload-more performance when you need it the most.²
Intel® Hyper-Threading technology enables highly threaded applications to get more work done in parallel. With 8 threads available to the operating system, multi-tasking becomes even easier.³
Intel® Smart Cache provides a higher-performance, more efficient cache subsystem. Optimized for industry leading multi-threaded games.
Intel® QuickPath Interconnect is designed for increased bandwidth and low latency. It can achieve data transfer speeds as high as 25.6 GB/sec with the Extreme Edition processor.
Integrated memory controller enables three channels of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, resulting in up to 25.6 GB/sec memory bandwidth. This memory controller's lower latency and higher memory bandwidth delivers amazing performance for data-intensive applications.
Intel® HD Boost significantly improves a broad range of multimedia and compute-intensive applications. The 128-bit SSE instructions are issued at a throughput rate of one per clock cycle, allowing a new level of processing efficiency with SSE4 optimized applications.

Intel® Core™ i7 Processor

2009-03-17T07:54:00.002-07:00

With faster, intelligent, multi-core technology that applies processing power where it's needed most, new Intel® Core™ i7 processors deliver an incredible breakthrough in PC performance. They are the best desktop processors on the planet.¹

You'll multitask applications faster and unleash incredible digital media creation. And you'll experience maximum performance for everything you do, thanks to the combination of Intel® Turbo Boost technology² and Intel® Hyper-Threading technology (Intel® HT technology)³, which maximizes performance to match your workload.

Features and benefits

Go to the next level of multi-core performance.
Intel Core i7 processors deliver an incredible breakthrough in quad-core performance and feature the latest innovations in processor technologies:

Intel® Turbo Boost technology maximizes speed for demanding applications, dynamically accelerating performance to match your workload—more performance when you need it the most.²

Intel® Hyper-Threading technology enables highly threaded applications to get more work done in parallel. With 8 threads available to the operating system, multi-tasking becomes even easier.³

Intel® Smart Cache provides a higher-performance, more efficient cache subsystem. Optimized for industry leading multi-threaded games.

Intel® QuickPath Interconnect is designed for increased bandwidth and low latency. It can achieve data transfer speeds as high as 25.6 GB/sec with the Extreme Edition processor.

Integrated memory controller enables three channels of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, resulting in up to 25.6 GB/sec memory bandwidth. This memory controller's lower latency and higher memory bandwidth delivers amazing performance for data-intensive applications.

Intel® HD Boost significantly improves a broad range of multimedia and compute-intensive applications. The 128-bit SSE instructions are issued at a throughput rate of one per clock cycle, allowing a new level of processing efficiency with SSE4 optimized applications.

Intel® Atom™ Processor N270

2009-03-17T07:54:00.001-07:00

The Intel® Atom™ processor N270Ω, implemented in 45nm technology, is power-optimized and delivers robust performance-per-watt for cost-effective embedded solutions. Featuring extended lifecycle support, this processor offers an excellent solution for embedded market segments such as digital signage, interactive clients (kiosks, point-of-sale terminals), thin clients, digital security, residential gateways, print imaging, and commercial and industrial control. The processor remains software compatible with previous 32-bit Intel® architecture and complementary silicon.

This single-core processor is validated with the mobile Intel® 945GSE Express Chipset, consisting of the Intel® 82945GSE Graphics Memory Controller Hub and Intel® I/O Controller Hub 7-M. The chipset features power-efficient graphics with an integrated 32-bit 3D graphics engine based on Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 architecture with SDVO, LVDS, CRT, and TV-Out display ports. It provides rich I/O capabilities and flexibility via high-bandwidth interfaces such as PCI Express,* PCI, Serial ATA, and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity.

Product highlights

Intel Atom processor N270 at 1.6 GHz core speed with 533 MHz AGTL+ front-side bus and 2.5 watts thermal design power¹ (TDP)
Intel hafnium-based 45nm Hi-k metal gate silicon process technology reduces power consumption, increases switching speed, and significantly increases transistor density over previous 65nm technology
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology² (two threads) provides high performance-per-watt efficiency in an in-order pipeline and increased system responsiveness in multi-tasking environments. One execution core is seen as two logical processors, and parallel threads are executed on a single core with shared resources
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology reduces average system power consumption

Intel® Atom™ Z5xx Series

2009-03-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

The Intel® Atom™ processor Z5xx series delivers the benefits of Intel® architecture for small form factor, thermally constrained and fanless embedded applications. Implemented in 45nm technology, these power-optimized processors provide robust performance-per-watt in an ultra-small 13x14 mm package.

Featuring embedded lifecycle support, the Intel Atom processors are ideal for many embedded market segments such as in-vehicle infotainment, medical, interactive client (kiosks, point-of-sale terminals), gaming and industrial control. It remains software compatible with previous 32-bit Intel® architecture and complementary silicon.

These single-core processors are validated with the Intel® System Controller Hub (SCH) US15W, which integrates a graphics memory controller hub and an I/O controller hub into one small 22x22 mm package. This low-power platform has a combined thermal design power under five watts.

Product highlights

Intel's 45nm technology, based on a Hafnium, high-K metal gate formula, reduces power consumption, increases switching speed, and significantly increases transistor density over previous 65nm technology.
Multiple micro-ops per instruction are combined into a single micro-op and executed in a single cycle, resulting in improved performance and power savings.
In-order execution core consumes less power than out-of-order execution.
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology¹ (HT Technology; 1.6 GHz SKU only) provides high performance-per-watt efficiency in an in-order pipeline. HT Technology provides increased system responsiveness in multi-tasking environments. One execution core is seen as two logical processors, and parallel threads are executed on a single core with shared resources.

Intel® Core™2 Quad processor

2009-03-16T08:43:00.001-07:00

Plus, with optional Intel® vPro™ technology, you have the ability to remotely isolate, diagnose, and repair infected desktop and mobile workstations wirelessly and outside of the firewall, even if the PC is off, or the OS is unresponsive.

Intel® Core™2 Extreme processor

2009-03-16T08:42:00.001-07:00

Intel® Core™ i7 processor

2009-03-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

Intel® Core™ i7 processor Extreme Edition

2009-03-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

Wield the ultimate gaming weapon

Intel® Core™ i7-965 processor Extreme Edition

2009-03-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

The highest performing desktop processor on the planet.¹ Shatter the limits of desktop computing with the intelligent performance of the Intel® Core™ i7-965 processor Extreme Edition, the smartest way to blast through highly-threaded games and applications.

Intel® Core™ processor family

2009-03-16T08:32:00.001-07:00

The Intel® Core™2 processor family delivers unrivaled performance and breakthrough energy efficiency. The Intel® Core™2 processor family are Intel's newest processors, built using 45nm technology with hafnium-infused circuitry which improves performance even further.¹ Just imagine the possibilities.

processors

2009-03-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

Intel® desktop processors deliver superb computing power, performance, and reliability at home and at work. Our notebook processors let you work and play in places you never thought possible. Our server and workstation processors provide enhanced scalability, power, and performance for robust multi-processing environments. And our embedded and communications processors combine outstanding performance with scalable, power-efficient processing for a wide range of embedded applications.