Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
time, HT-enabled processors can perform tasks at speeds 25--40% faster than non-HT-enabled
processors can. This encouraged programmers to write multithreaded applications, which would
prepare them for when true multicore processors would be released a few years later.
In 2003, AMD released the first 64-bit PC processor: the Athlon 64 (previously code-named
ClawHammer, or K8), which incorporated AMD-defined x86-64 64-bit extensions to the IA-32
architecture typified by the Athlon, Pentium 4, and earlier processors. That year Intel also released
the Pentium 4 Extreme Edition, the first consumer-level processor to incorporate L3 cache. The
whopping 2MB of cache added greatly to the transistor count as well as performance. In 2004, Intel
followed AMD by adding the AMD-defined x86-64 extensions to the Pentium 4.
In 2005, both Intel and AMD released their first dual-core processors, basically integrating two
processors into a single chip. Although boards supporting two or more processors had been
commonly used in network servers for many years prior, this brought dual-CPU capabilities in an
affordable package to standard PCs. Rather than attempting to increase clock rates, as has been done
in the past, adding processing power by integrating two or more processors into a single chip enables
future processors to perform more work with fewer bottlenecks and with a reduction in both power
consumption and heat production.
In 2006, Intel released a new processor family called the Core 2, based on an architecture that came
mostly from previous mobile Pentium M/Core duo processors. The Core 2 was released in a dual-
core version first, followed by a quad-core version (combining two dual-core die in a single
package) later in the year. In 2007, AMD released the Phenom, which was the first quad-core PC
processor with all four cores on a single die. In 2008, Intel released the Core i Series (Nehalem)
processors, which are single-die quad-core chips with HT (appearing as eight cores to the OS) that
include integrated memory and optional video controllers. Intel also introduced its Atom line of
processors, which support x86 instructions but require far less power than conventional processors.
Atom was first used in netbooks, but has since also become widely used in tablets and smartphones.
AMD also released its Phenom II series of multicore (up to six-core) processors with support for
both DDR2 and DDR3 memory in 2008. In 2011, Intel released the “Sandy Bridge” second
generation of Core i-series processors, including four-core and six-core processors with HT
Technology, supporting up to 12 execution threads. Some models include an on-die video controller
that permits dynamic switching of resources between GPU and CPU (TurboBoost 2.0), depending on
the type of processing being performed. Intel also introduced a 3D-fabrication process at 22nm for
processors: the 3D Tri-Gate transistor. In 2011, AMD introduced its Fusion processors (APUs),
which incorporate Radeon graphics, low power consumption, and acceleration for video, photo, and
web operations.
In 2012, Intel released the third-generation Core i-Series processors (Ivy Bridge) and complementing
Panther Point chipsets. Ivy Bridge uses the aforementioned 3D Tri-Gate transistor technology Intel
developed in 2011. Noted advancements also include integrated USB 3.0 support and PCI Express
3.0 support. AMD released its Socket AM3+ FX-8000 (eight-core), FX-6000 (six-core), and FX-
4000 (four-core) processors, as well as “Trinity” APUs (improved versions of its original desktop
APUs). AMD's chipsets for these new processors also include integrated support for USB 3.0. 2012
also saw the development of a tablet-optimized version of Windows, Windows RT, which uses
RISC-based ARM processors. ARM processors are produced under license by many companies and
are also used in non-Windows tablets and smartphones.
 
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