Intel Core i7 Processor

What is a CPU?
TheCPU is the brain of every computer.
Architecture is based on Moore's Law .

Processing speed measured in(GHz) (1.8 GHz to 3.4 GHz)

The most common processor is 32-bit, 64 bit is also used.

Intel pentium,celeron and AMD

sempron,athlon,phenom etc..

Processor Types 1.Pin Grid Arrangement(PGA)

Older type of processors. Contains a set of pins. Larger in size High Power consumption. Inserted into PGA socket

2.Land Grid Array(LGA). Contails a set of Grids. Smaller in size.

Low power consumption.

750-1500 grids. LGA socket.

Intel core i7
Latest processor from Intel. Its a quad core processor, revolution in multi-core performance It is based Nehalem processor design(64 bit Architecture) Boost performance on demand and maximize data throughput. Increase performance up to 40 percent without increasing power consumption

FEATURES OF i7
1.Quad core processing CPU that includes 4 complete execution cores,installed together in one CPU package. Technology that includes two separate dual-core dies. Each core has its own cache memory. Communication between core 1, 2 ,3 and 4 using QPI(Quick Path Interconnect)

2.Intel Hyper-Threading Technology Used to improve parallelization of computations. For each processor core that is physically present, the OS addresses two virtual or logical cores. Delivers two processing threads per physical core for a total of eight threads for massive computational throughput.

With more threads available to the operating system, multitasking becomes even easier

3.Intel Turbo Boost Technology(dynamic overclocking)

Enables the processor to run above its base operating frequency via dynamic control of the CPU's "clock rate. Activated when the operating system requests the highest performance state of the processor. Implemented in Nehalem-, Sandy-Bridge and Ivy-Bridge based CPUs, including Core i5 and Core i7. Frequency increases occur in increments of 133 MHz for Nehalem microarchitecture processors and 100 MHz for Sandy/Ivy Bridge.

4. 8 MB Intel Smart Cache(L3 cache)

Its a level 2 or level 3 cache method for multiple execution cores invented by Intel. It shares the L3cache among 4 cores a single core can use the full level 3 cache, if the other cores are inactive This large last-level cache enables dynamic and efficient allocation of shared cache to all four cores. L1 cache size is 128kb and L2 cache size is 512kb for each core.

5. Intel Quick Path Interconnect(QPI) It helps to move data very quickly and efficiently . High bandwidth,low latency.
Data transfer speeds as high as 25.6 Gb/s.

6. Integrated Memory Controller

An integrated memory controller with three channels of DDR3 1066 MHz offers memory performance up to 25.6 Gb/s.
Combined with the processors efficient perfecting algorithms, this memory controllers has less latency and higher memory bandwidth delivers amazing performance for data-intensive applications.

7. 7.Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS)

Provides for more efficient processor and platform thermal control improving system performance.
The DTS continuously measures the temperature at each processing core. The ability to continuously measure and detect variations in processor temperature enables system fans to spin only as fast as needed to cool the system. Lower noise emissions from the PC.

8 Intel Wide Dynamic Execution

Improves execution speed and efficiency, delivering more instructions per clock cycle. Each core can complete up to four full instructions simultaneously.

9. Intel Smart Memory Access Improves system performance by optimizing the use of the available data bandwidth from the memory subsystem and reducing the effective latency of memory accesses.

10. A Smarter Way to Work and Play: Compute-intensive applications such as HD video encoding, want a processor that enables maximum PC performance. An unprecedented four-core, eight-thread design with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology ensures incredible performance. Double the memory bandwidth for faster memory access.

Architecture of i7

Generations of processors
First Generation Intel processor

Uses Nehalem 45nm architecture.

64 bit quad core processor Metal Gate Silicon Technology. Integrated memory controller for high speed interconnect per independent processing core. Multi-Level Shared Cache

Second Generation Intel processor

Sandy bridge architecture Have 32 nm die. Shared L3 cache. Support up to 8 physical cores or 16 logical cores through Hyper-threading Eg:core i3,i5.

Third Generation Intel processor

Ivy bridge processor

22nm architecture
Backwards-compatible with the Sandy Bridge platform Support up to 12 physical cores and cache of up to 30 MB. 128KB L1 cache,256KB L2 cache and 2-10MB L3 cache. Eg.core i7 extreme edition.

Specification of Intel core i7 Extreme Edition

Socket Known as the LGA 1366 or Socket B Contact points

 i5 PROCESSOR Vs i7 PROCESSOR
Feature Socket Turbo mode Memory support Hyper-Threading QPI L3 cache Integrated Memory Controller Price i5 processor LGA1156. Only for few versions. Dual channel 2cores(4threads) No No No 9,600-18,000 i7 procesor LGA1366 Yes(3.2 to3.9) Triple channel 4core(8thread) &6 cor e(12 threads) Yes Yes Yes 13,000-64000.

CONCLUSION

The Intel Core i7 Processor is a revolution in multi-core performance

The added processor threads and L3 Smart Cache will certainly help boost performance. The new 32nm Westmere micro architecture reduces power drain down to only 12W . Best processor in the industry.

Questions ?