Learn Intel desktop processors: 2010 version

In this article, you will discover features in Intel's current desktop processor families.

Network administrators - Intel currently offers a variety of processors with a "Core" part, but that is not all. Do you encounter obstacles by the difference between Core i7 and i5? Why does Core 2 "2" not refer to the number of processor cores? What is under the 'head cap' of new Pentium and Celeron chips? We've had a conversation with an expert hardware expert so that you can get information through names and numbers in the first part of the three-part series of current processor families. . In this first part, we will decode the current Intel desktop processors.

Both Intel and AMD have a lot of changes to their processors from the Pentium 4 performance battle with Athlon XP a few years ago.

With so many models in Intel microprocessors, it has been more difficult than ever to pinpoint exactly what a specific computer is under its 'hood' without Look up processor specifications.

In this article, you will discover features in Intel's current desktop processor families.

Current design trend of desktop processors

In 2010, desktop processor design trends were divided into the following categories:

  1. Multi-core - Almost all processors now have two or more processor cores in both the desktop and mobile versions. Multi-core processors allow for better multitasking (especially when there are 3GB or more) and really give high performance to multithread applications.
  2. Performance - With the previous Pentium era, we saw many high-performance processors running at 3.5GHz clock rates, but today's fastest microprocessors run at more modest clock speeds. , but achieve higher performance per clock cycle.
  3. 64-bit design for the market - Almost all processors now support 64-bit, allowing them to run 64-bit versions of Windows and other operating systems. 64-bit support allows the use of more than 3GB of RAM, better multitasking and higher performance with large files when there is a large amount of RAM available.
  4. Support hardware virtualization. Virtualization is a convenient way to run applications or operating systems as well as legacy software and has created a race in developing microprocessors that support hardware virtualization. However, Intel and AMD have different methods: AMD integrates hardware virtualization support into almost all current and recent processors, while Intel's support for the problem Hardware virtualization in its processors is uneven and limited in some they have high cost.

In Part 1 of this series, we will introduce Intel's current desktop processors in these categories.

Learn Intel desktop processors: 2010 version Picture 1Learn Intel desktop processors: 2010 version Picture 1

In Part 2, we will introduce Intel's current mobile processors and the third part will be an introduction to current AMD processors.

Overview of Intel desktop processors

Current Intel microprocessor families include Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Core 2, Pentium and Celeron.

Note : Unlike the previous Pentium era, current Intel processor families are a confusing mix of features and models that look the same. Therefore, to determine exactly which combination of features is available in a particular processor, you need to visit ARK's Intel website to look up technical details for the processor model. there. We will provide links throughout this article to make tracking easy for you.

If you don't know what Intel processor is inside your system, you can use Intel's processor recognition utility (bootable version; Windows version).

If you're not sure if you have an Intel or AMD processor in your system, use CPU-Z.

Core i7 family

Core i7 is currently the highest peak in Intel's current processor line, which includes the largest memory cache, the fastest clock rate and the highest real performance level, along with micro-technologies. The most advanced processing, including hardware virtualization, 64-bit support, automatic overclocking on demand, and .

Core i7 and Core i7 Extreme Edition 900 Series

These processors are the fastest in the group and include the following features:

  1. 4 processing cores - Provides outstanding support for multitasking.
  2. Intel HT ( hyperthreading ) technology - When enabled, hyperthreading allows processors to manage twice as much as process thread compared to physical processing cores. In other words, this 4-core processor can manage up to 8 threads, the 2-core processor can manage up to 4 threads.
  3. 8MB smart memory cache - Any location in the unified cache is also used by processing cores.
  4. Integrated memory controller supports three channels for DDR3 memory - By integrating the memory controller in the processor core, the system performance is significantly improved.
  5. Intel HD Boost supports digital media throughput faster.
  6. Intel Quick Path Interconnect between processor and chipset - Quick Path Interconnect allows faster throughput between processor, memory and chipset compared to previous bus architecture. QPI can run at 4.8 GT / s in the Core i7 900 series; 6.4GT / s in the Extreme Edition 900 series.
  7. Intel Turbo Boost - Turbo Boost increases the speed of processors with 133MHz increments based on the largest clock rate required, essentially providing automatic overclocking capabilities approved by the manufacturer.
  8. Intel VT-x (support hardware virtualization) - Support hardware virtualization required by most new Windows Virtual PC virtualization programs for Windows 7, enabling fast virtual machine performance with chapters Virtualization supports hardware virtualization.
  9. Support for 64-bit operating systems and applications
  10. Based on "Bloomfield" architecture
To learn more, you can see more information at the ARK website of Intel: Core i7 Desktop Processor Extreme Edition, Core i7 Desktop Processor.

Core i7 800 series

These processors provide lower performance levels than the 900 series by using dual-channel memory controllers and DMI cross-connections between the processor and the old chipset (slower speed). These are the main features of this series:

  1. 4 processing cores
  2. HT (hyperthreading) technology
  3. 8MB smart memory cache
  4. Integrated memory controller, supports two channels for DDR3 memory
  5. Intel HD Boost support
  6. Intel's Direct Media Interface (DMI) supports cross-connection between processor and chipset - 2.5GT / s
  7. Intel Turbo Boost supports overclocking
  8. Intel VT-x hardware virtualization
  9. Intel 64 architecture
  10. "Lynnfield" architecture

To learn more, you can see more information at the ARK website: Core i7 Desktop Processor.


Core i5 family

The Core i5 processor family is basically a lower-end version of the Core i7 800 series. It lacks HT technology, but there are some other features:

  1. 4 processing cores
  2. 8MB smart memory cache
  3. Integrated memory controller, supports two channels for DDR3 memory
  4. Intel HD Boost support
  5. Intel's Direct Media Interface (DMI) supports cross-connection between processor and chipset - 2.5GT / s
  6. Intel Turbo Boost supports overclocking
  7. Intel VT-x hardware virtualization
  8. Intel 64 architecture
  9. "Lynnfield" architecture
To learn more, you can see more information at the ARK website of Intel: Core i5 Desktop Processor.

Core 2 family

Intel Core 2 family is Intel's first multicore desktop design to abandon the Pentium 4 architecture. All Core 2 processors have a unified memory cache and provide better throughput than microprocessors. Pentium 4 and Pentium D processors with higher clock speeds and more " cool" operations .

Despite its name, Core 2 family only includes single-core, dual-core and quad-core processors.

Core 2 Extreme

Core 2 Extreme processors are offered in three series: quad-core QX9000, QX6000 series, and dual-core X6000 series. The following sections will introduce the main features of each series.

Series Core 2 Extreme Processor QX9000

Core 2 Extreme Processor QX9000 series is Intel's fastest series until the Core i7 family appears. It includes the following key features:

  1. 4 processing cores
  2. Cache 12MB L2
  3. Support Intel VT-x
  4. Support applications and 64-bit operating systems
  5. Front side bus 1333MHz
  6. "Yorkfield" architecture
For more information, see the ARK website for Intel: Core 2 Extreme Processor QX9000 series for desktops.

Series Core 2 Extreme Processor QX6000

Core 2 Extreme Processor QX6000 series features a smaller cache size and lower clock speed range than the QX9000 series. Its main features include:

  1. 4 processing cores
  2. 8MB cache L2
  3. Support Intel VT-x
  4. Support for 64-bit operating systems and applications
  5. Front side bus 1333MHz
  6. "Kentsfield" architecture
For more information, see the ARK website for Intel: Core 2 Extreme Processor QX6000 series for desktops.

Series Core 2 Extreme Processor X6000

This "series" is the first series of Extreme processors in the Core 2 family, which also have a lot in common with the Core 2 Duo E6000 series as the processors introduced above. Its main features include:

  1. 2 processing cores
  2. Cache 4MB L2
  3. Support Intel VT-x
  4. Support operating systems and 64-bit applications
  5. "Conroe" architecture
For more information, see the ARK website for Intel: Core 2 Extreme Processor X6000 series.

Core 2 Quad

All Core 2 Quad processors have 4 processing cores, but their features are quite different. Core 2 Quad processors have three series: Q9000, Q8000, and Q6000. Their main features are described below.

Series Core 2 Quad Processor Q9000

Core 2 Quad Processor Q9000 series is based on the Core 2 Quad Extreme Processor QX9000 series, but has smaller cache (in most models) and clock speed is also slower. It has the following key features:

  1. 4 processing cores
  2. 6MB or 12MB L2 cache (depending on model)
  3. Support Intel VT-x
  4. Support applications and 64-bit operating systems
  5. Front side bus 1333MHz
  6. "Yorkfield" architecture
To learn more, you can see more information at ARK website of Intel: Core 2 Quad Processor Q9000 series for desktop.

Series Core 2 Quad Processor Q8000

Core 2 Quad Processor Q8000 series proved slower, has a smaller cache size than the Q9000 series. It has the following characteristics:

  1. 4 processing cores
  2. Cache 4MB L2
  3. Supports Intel VT-x in some models
  4. Support operating systems and 64-bit applications
  5. Front side bus 1333MHz
  6. "Yorkfield" architecture
For more information, you can see more information at ARK website of Intel: Core 2 Quad Processor Q8000 series.

Series Core 2 Quad Processor Q6000

Core 2 Quad Processor Q6000 series is slower than Core 2 Extreme QX6000 series. Its main features include:

  1. 4 processing cores
  2. 8MB L2 cache
  3. Support Intel VT-x
  4. Support operating systems and 64-bit applications
  1. Front side bus 1066MHz
  2. "Kentsfield" architecture

For more information, you can see more information at ARK website of Intel: Core 2 Quad Processor Q6000 series.


Core 2 Duo

Core 2 Duo processors are the first members of the Core 2 family and have more than two dozen models. Core 2 Duo processors are offered in four series: E8000, E7000, E6000, and E4000. Their main features are described in the following section:

Core 2 Duo Processor E8000 Series

Core 2 Duo E8000 series is the fastest line among Core 2 Duo series. It has the following characteristics:

  1. 2 processing cores
  2. 6MB L2 cache
  3. Supports Intel VT-x in some models
  4. Support for 64-bit operating systems and applications
  5. 1333MHz Front Side Bus
  6. "Wolfdale" architecture
To learn more, you can see more information at ARK's Intel website: Core 2 Duo Processor E8000 Series.

E7000 series

The Core 2 Duo E7000 series is a version with a smaller cache and slower speed than the E8000 series. It has the following features:

  1. 2 processing cores
  2. 3MB L2 cache
  3. Supports Intel VT-x in some models
  4. Support for 64-bit operating systems and applications
  5. 1066MHz Front Side Bus
  6. "Wolfdale" architecture
To learn more, you can see more information at the ARK Intel website: Core 2 Duo Processor E7000 Series.

Series E6000

This series uses the latest Core 2 Duo design, "Conroe", characterized by lower performance than the E7000 or E8000 series. Its key features include:
  1. Two processor cores
  2. 2MB L2 cache
  3. Support Intel VT-x
  4. Support for 64-bit operating systems and applications
  5. Front Side Bus 1066MHz
  6. "Conroe" architecture
To learn more, you can see more information at the ARK Intel website: Core 2 Duo Processor E6000 series.

E4000 series

This series also uses the latest Core 2 Duo design, "Conroe", with fewer features than the E6000. Its key features include:
  1. Two processor cores
  2. 2MB L2 cache
  3. Support for 64-bit operating systems and applications
  4. Front Side Bus 800MHz
  5. "Conroe" architecture
To learn more, you can see more information at ARK Intel website: Core 2 Duo Processor E4000 series.

Series Core 2 Solo

Core 2 Solo processors feature a single core and run at clock speeds below 1.5GHz. There are two series for this line: U2000 and SU3000.

Series Core 2 Solo U2000

  1. A processor core
  2. 1MB L2 Cache
  3. Support Intel VT-x
  4. Support applications and 64-bit operating systems
  5. 533MHz Front Side Bus
  6. Ultra low power requirements (5.5 w Max TDP)
  7. "Merom" architecture
For more information, see the ARK website of Intel: Core 2 Solo Processor U2000 series.

Core 2 Solo SU3000 Series

  1. A processor core
  2. 3MB L2 Cache
  3. Support Intel VT-x
  4. Support applications and 64-bit operating systems
  5. 800MHz Front Side Bus
  6. Ultra low power requirements (5.5 w Max TDP)
  7. "Penryn" architecture
For more information, see the ARK website of Intel: Core 2 Solo Processor SU3000 series.

Note : To learn more about the no longer Core Solo and Core Duo processor families, you can refer to the website.


They are Pentium E2000, E5000, E6000

Although the first Intel microprocessor called Pentium was introduced in 1993, the continuous Pentium name was a popular choice for Intel processors. Ironically, while Pentium was first used as Intel's name for a fifth-generation market processor, Pentium E-series products were lower-level versions in the new architecture. more and only used on desktops. Pentium processors are available in three series: E2000, E5000 and E6000.

Series E6000

This group of Pentium processors is a lower-end version of the Core 2 Duo E7000 series:

  1. Two processor cores
  2. 2MB L2 Cache
  3. Support Intel VT-x
  4. Support applications and 64-bit operating systems
  5. 1066MHz Front Side Bus
  6. "Wolfdale" architecture

E5000 series

This group of Pentium processors is a lower-end version of the Core 2 Duo E5000 series

  1. Two processor cores
  2. 2MB L2 Cache
  3. Support model supports Intel VT hardware virtualization
  4. Support applications and 64-bit operating systems
  5. 800MHz Front Side Bus
  6. "Wolfdale" architecture
To learn more, you can see more information at the ARK website of Intel: Pentium E5000 Series Processor.

E2000 series

The number of Pentium models in the E2000 series distinguishes lower-end processors from the Core 2 Duo E2000 series:

  1. Two processor cores
  2. 1MB L2 Cache
  3. Support applications and 64-bit operating systems
  4. 800MHz Front Side Bus
  5. "Conroe" architecture
For more information, see the ARK website of Intel: Pentium E2000 Series Processor.

Note : For more information on Intel's older Pentium label processors, you can refer to this website.

Celeron E-Series

Intel has used the name "Celeron" for low-end mobile and desktop PC processors over the last decade. The current E-series Celeron processors feature lower clock rates, smaller memory cache and lower front-side bus speeds than Pentium E-series processors, most of which are based on Core 2 Duo design.

Celeron E3000 Series

These processors have the following features:
  1. Two processor cores
  2. 1MB L2 Cache
  3. Intel VT virtualization technology
  4. Support applications and 64-bit operating systems
  5. 800MHz Front Side Bus
  6. "Wolfdale" architecture
For more information, see the ARK website of Intel: Celeron E3000 Series Processor.

Celeron E1000 Series

These processors have the following features:

  1. Two processor cores
  2. 512KB Cache
  3. Support applications and 64-bit operating systems
  4. 800MHz Front Side Bus
  5. "Conroe" architecture
Note : To learn more, you can see more information at Intel's website.
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