Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Intel (Nehalem) Core i Processors
The Core i processor family replaced the Core 2 and includes two different microarchitectures: The
first generation of Core i processors is based on the Nehalem microarchitecture, and the second
generation uses Sandy Bridge microarchitecture.
Nehalem Architecture
The Nehalem microarchitecture's key features include the integration of the memory controller into
the processor, and in some models, the entire North Bridge including an optional graphics processor
in a separate core on the processor die (see
Chapter 12
, “
Video Hardware
,” for details). The first
Core i Series processor was the Core i7 introduced in November 2008. Initially built on a 45nm
process, later Core i Series processors were built on an improved 32nm process allowing for smaller
die, lower power consumption, and greater performance. All support DDR3 memory and include L3
cache, and some models include support for HT Technology. See
Table 3.18
for details.
Table 3.18. Core i Series Family Processors Using Nehalem Microarchitecture
There are two main variants in the first-generation (Nehalem) Core i Series Family: high-end
versions that use Socket LGA1366 and more mainstream models that use Socket LGA1156. The latter
mainstream models include a fully integrated North Bridge, including a dual-channel DDR3 memory
controller, graphics interface, and even an optional full-blown graphics processor (Larrabee).
Because the entire North Bridge functionality is integrated into the processor, Socket LGA1156 chips
use a slower 2GBps DMI as the FSB connection to the South Bridge component on the motherboard.
Core i 900 Series processors using Socket LGA1366 include a triple-channel DDR3 memory
controller and a high-performance FSB called QPI (Quick Path Interconnect) that connects to the
North Bridge component (called an I/O Hub or IOH) on the motherboard (see
Figure 3.35
). The IOH
implements the PCIe graphics interface.
