Intel Core 2

Intel Core 2 Duo brand logo

This article is about Intel processors branded as "Intel Core 2." For more information on the microarchitecture to be used in Intel Core 2 microprocessors, see Intel Core Microarchitecture.

Core 2 is an eighth-generation x86 architecture microprocessor to be produced by Intel based on an all-new CPU design called the Intel Core Microarchitecture, which will replace the Netburst architecture that has powered Intel processors since 2000. Core 2 also will mark the retirement of Intel's Pentium brand name that has been used from 1993 and the reunion of Intel's notebook and desktop product lines since Pentium M was released apart from Pentium 4 in 2003.

Unlike Netburst-based processors, such as the Pentium 4 and Pentium D, Core 2 will not stress designs based on stratospheric clock speeds but rather improvements on other CPU features, including cache size and number of cores. Intel claims that the power consumption of these processors is to be extremely low compared to the Pentiums before.

Intel Core 2 processors will feature EM64T, Virtualization Technology, and Execute Disable. The release will also introduce LaGrande Technology, SSE4, Enhanced SpeedStep Technology, and Active Management Technology (iAMT2).

Processor Cores

Woodcast

The first Intel core-architechture processor to be launched on the market will be the new Xeon, codenamed Woodcast. It is now scheduled to be release on June 19. At launch the following models will be available:

Xeon 5110(1.6GHz/4MB L2/1066MHz FSB)

Xeon 5120(1.86GHz/4MB L2/1066MHz FSB)

Xeon 5130(2GHz/4MB L2/1333MHz FSB)

Xeon 5140(2.33GHz/4MB L2/1333MHz FSB)

Xeon 5150(2.66GHz/4MB L2/1333MHz FSB)

Xeon 5160(3GHz/4MB L2/1333MHz FSB)

All the new Xeon will use socket LGA 771 and have a maximum TPD of 80W, which is much less than the previous generation of 130W. All models will support Intel EM64T, Intel Execute Disable Bit, and Intel Virtualization Technology with Demand-Based Switching only on Xeon 5140 or above.

Conroe

The first Intel Core 2 processor, codenamed Conroe, is scheduled to be released July 2006 for desktops, replacing the Pentium 4 and Pentium D. Conroe is to be built on a 65 nm process. Intel has claimed that Conroe will yield 40% more performance at 40% less power than the Pentium D.

File:Intel Core 2 Extreme.jpg

Intel Core 2 Extreme brand logo

Conroe XE

The Intel Core 2 Extreme Edition processor is powered by the Conroe XE core and will replace the Pentium 4 Extreme Edition and the dual-core Pentium Extreme Edition processors. The Extreme Edition will have the highest clock and front-side-bus speed out of all of the Core 2 processor models released.

The top-of-the-line Core 2 Extreme will be released first, followed by less powerful models of Core 2.

Merom

Merom, Intel's first mobile version of the Core 2 processor, will be released in August 2006 and will replace the Intel Core line of mobile processors. Merom will largely have the same features as Conroe, but with more emphasis on low power consumption to enhance notebook battery life. Intel has claimed that Merom will yield 20% more performance yet maintain the same battery-life as Core.

Intel has stated that Merom will be drop-in compatible with the current Core platform, requiring at most a BIOS update and having the same thermal envelope. ^[1]

See also

• List of Intel Core 2 microprocessors
• Intel Core

References

• ^ Anandtech IDF 2006 Report

External links

• Announcing Intel Core 2 Duo
• Conroe Performance Comparison Versus 2.8GHz Overclocked AMD Athlon 64 FX-60
• The second coming of Intel's Core Duo
• Intel Core Microarchitecture
• Intel's press release announcing Core 2
• Intel's Core 2 page