Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 3.17 Core 2 Family Dual-Core Processors
Table 3.18 Core 2 Family Quad-Core Processors
Intel (Nehalem) Core i Processors
TheCoreiprocessorfamilyreplacedtheCore2,andincludestwodifferentmicroarchitec-
tures: 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 con-
trollerintotheprocessor,andinsomemodels,theentirenorthbridgeincludinganoptional
graphics processor in a separate core on the processor die (see
Chapter 12
, “
Video Hard-
ber 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.
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.Thelattermainstreammodelsincludeafullyintegratednorthbridge,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 in-
tegrated 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
memorycontrollerandahigh-performanceFSBcalledQPI(QuickPathInterconnect)that
