Intel finally came up with its new processors based on its long previewed Nehalem architecture. Intel’s first processors to be based on Nehalem architecture areBloomfield quad-core Core i7 900 series processors. So finally we see new Intel processors with the latest dual- and quad-core Clarkdale (desktop) and dual-core Arrandale (laptop) CPUs. Intel came up with 27 different chips and seven individual chipsets. For the very first time intel opted to bury a graphics processing unit alongside the CPU on consumer platforms.
The new processors insure smaller motherboard form factors, lower power consumption, and better cooling systems. These CPUs would definately do their part to usher out the company’s Core2 processor family. The Core i7 family doesn’t just mean new CPUs, they use a system bus, a new chipset, and a new socket structure. In short, it’s a whole new ballgame for the new age computing.
Core i7 highlight
It has a structure consisting 45nm design with 8MB of on die Level 3 cache.
Intel’s existing Front Side Bus architecture is replaced with its QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) technology that ferries files at a peak rate of 25GB per second to help speed the data’s journey. That is the just the theoretical limit, but not all the new Nehalem CPUs will approach that speed. There is an Integrated memory controller that supports three channels of DDR3 memory per socket.
The green factor kept in mind confirms dedicated processor that regulates power management which helps keeping a check on thermals and power use and maintaining peak efficiency. To improve graphics and reduce times for transcoding videos Intel has also made its move towards setting up Streaming SIMD Extensions. Intel’s two new processors-Core i7 CPUs ratify mid-range counterparts to its top of the line Core i7 900-series chips. The existing Core i7 900-series processor lineup, codenamed Bloomfield, now features three separate products: 3.33 GHz Core i7 975, 3.06-GHz Core i7 950, and 2.66-GHz Core i7-920 processors.
What’s new in Intel i7
In the design department Intel took a big leap when it launched Core i7 900 series processors. The front side bus architecture was replaced by a new QuickPath Interconnect syste and a new triple channel memory controler integrated into a chip was introduced. For an increased system performance come back of hyperthreading was supported that splits the chip’s four physical cores into eight virtual cores and increases the performance of the PC. To reap the benefits of Core i7 900 series platform one has to invest into new motherboards as the new i7 900 series chips were based on new Intel X58 chipset and LGA1366 socket. A direct media interface memory controller had been imported dropping back the QuickPath interconnect and tripple channel memory controller.
The benefits that this move brings to the living rooms of aspiring PC purchasers include advanced optimizations for HD playback and new supported features picture and picture Blu-ray capabilities and dual-monitor support via HDMI or Display Port connections, to name a few.
The ability to switch between integrated and discrete graphics on the fly is quite unique to the Arrandale lineup. Although both Clarkdale and Arrandale processors feature low power consumption than previous Intel CPUs, combination of speedy discrete graphics and a low power overhead improves the laptop gaming performance while still keeping the best interests of the power management in mind.
