Processor i7

ABSTRACT

The Intel Core i7 processor is the latest in cutting edge processor with fastest, intelligent, multi core technology for the desktop PC. Intel Core i7 processor delivers four complete execution cores within a single processor, delivering unprecedented performance and responsiveness in multi-threaded and multi-tasking business and home use environments. More instructions can be carried out per clock cycle, shorter and wider pipelines execute commands more quickly, and improved bus lanes move data throughout the system faster. Their performance is almost always higher, which is especially evident in case of multi-threaded load and their power consumption is comparable with that of their predecessors. Over clocking the core i7 processors also seems to be easier. Servers will also likely benefit greatly from using an i7 - the memory bandwidth is simply insane. Core i7 is first processor using Nehalem Micro-architecture, with faster, intelligent, multi-core technology that applies processing power where it's needed most, new Intel Core i7 processors deliver an incredible breakthrough in PC performance. They are the best desktop processor family on the planet. It is the combination of Intel Turbo Boost technology and Intel Hyper-Threading technology, which maximizes performance to match our workload.

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 What is Processor ?

A processor is multipurpose, programmable device that read binary instructions from memory, accepts binary data as input and processes data according to that instruction, and provides results as output. It can be viewed as data processing unit of a computer. It has computing and decision-making capability.

1.2 Generation of Processor

In this section we discuss main generations of processor of Intel family. Intel 80386: Intel 80836 is the first 32-bit microprocessor incorporating several main frame computer Features. It has extensive memory management capabilities. Semiconductor manufacturing process technology used is 1.0m (micrometer).It has integrated memory management unit. Intel 80486: It is the first Intel microprocessor with internal cache memory. It instruction pipeline is more sophisticated than that of 80386 specially. Internal data conversion logic for both 8 bit subsystem and 16-bit subsystem. Semiconductor manufacturing process technology used is 1.0m and 0.8m (micrometer). Pentium processor: The Pentium is highly sophisticated compared to 80486. Pentium processor has several new feature as compared to 80486; they are Superscalar architecture, Power management, 3.3v operation. Pentium Processor is also abbreviated as Pentium Pro. Semiconductor manufacturing process technology used is 0.8m and 0.6m and 0.35m (micrometer).

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Pentium II processor: The Pentium II is a Pentium pro with on chip MMX. It has four low power states: Auto halt, Stop Grant, Sleep and Deep sleep. Available also as a boxed processor along with heat sink. Semiconductor manufacturing process technology used is 0.35m and 0.25m (micrometer). Pentium III processor: The dual processing Pentium Xeon processor is now available at speeds upto 1 GHz and provides best choice for the entry to mid- range servers and workstations Solution. It utilizes a 133 MHz system bus. Semiconductor manufacturing process technology used is 0.25m and 0.18m (micrometer). Pentium 4 processor: The Pentium 4 microprocessor is externally superior microprocessor based on The Intel Net Burst micro-architecture. The Pentium 4 microprocessor provides high performance for high end applications. Semiconductor manufacturing process technology used is 0.18m and

0.13m(micrometer)and 90nm and 65nm(nanometer).

Core processor: Core processor means it having more than one core working simultaneously to complete the operation within time. It uses the size of manufacture technology 65 nm. It includes dual core processor and core to duo processor. Semiconductor manufacturing process technology used is 65nm (nanometer).

Core 2 processor: Core 2 processor uses quad core architecture. It uses the 65nm and 45nm size of core size. As it is quad core so 4 cores working simultaneously to work faster. Semiconductor manufacturing process technology used is 65nm (nanometer).

Core i7 processor: Core i7 processor also uses four core. It is the fastest processor on the planet. Semiconductor manufacturing process technology used is 45 nm (nanometer).

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2. INTEL CORE i7
Core i7 is first processor using Nehalem Micro-architecture, with faster, intelligent, multi-core technology that applies processing power where it's needed most, new Intel Core i7 processors deliver an incredible breakthrough in PC performance. They are the best desktop processor family on the planet.

You will multitask applications faster and unleash incredible digital media creation. And you'll experience maximum performance for everything you do, thanks to the combination of Intel Turbo Boost technology and Intel Hyper-Threading technology, which maximizes performance to match your workload. Following figure shows internal representation of core i7 processor.

Fig.01 - Internal representation of processor i7

Among the key peculiarities of the new CPU we absolutely have to point out the following:

Native quad-core structure. Single processor die contains four cores with 32-KB L1 cache for each and 256KB L2 cache each and 8MB shared L3 cache for all of them.

Memory controller built into the CPU supports triple-channel DDR3 SDRAM. Each channel can work with two unbuffered DIMM modules.

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There is SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading) technology It allows each Core i7 core to process two computational threads simultaneously, so the operating system sees the processor as an 8core one.

Integrated PCU microcontroller that independently adjusts voltages and core frequencies and can automatically over-clock some cores when others arent loaded too heavily.

Core i7 is manufactured with 45nm process, consists of 731 million transistors.

Nehalem is the codename for an Intel processor micro-architecture, successor to the Core micro-architecture. The first processor released with the Nehalem architecture is the desktop Core i7.

Various sources have stated the specifications of processors in the Nehalem family:

Two, four, six, or eight cores

o

731 million transistors for the quad core variant

45 nm manufacturing process Integrated memory controller supporting two or three memory channels of DDR3 SDRAM Simultaneous multithreading (SMT) by multiple cores which enables two threads per core. Intel calls this hyper-threading.

Native (monolithic, i.e. all processor cores on a single die) quad- and octa-core processors. The following caches:
o o o

32 KB L1 instruction and 32 KB L1 data cache per core. 256 KB L2 cache per core.
48 MB L3 cache shared by all cores

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3. FEATURES AND BENEFITS

3.1 Quad-Core Processor:

Provides four complete execution cores in a single processor with 256KB of L2 cache and 8MB of L3 cache. Eight dedicated, physical threads help operating systems and applications deliver additional performance, so end users can experience better multi-tasking and multi-threaded performance across many types of applications and workloads.

3.2 8 MB Intel Smart Cache:

This large last-level cache enables dynamic and efficient allocation of shared cache to all four cores to match the needs of various applications for ultra efficient data storage and manipulation. It provides a higher-performance, more efficient cache subsystem. Optimized for industry leading multithreaded games.

3.3 Intel Hyper-Threading Technology:

The processor supports Intel Hyper-Threading Technology which allows an execution core to function as two logical processors. While some execution resources such as caches, execution units, and buses are shared, each logical processor has its own architectural state with its own set of generalpurpose registers and control registers. This feature must be enabled using the BIOS and requires operating system support. Intel recommends enabling Hyper-Threading Technology with Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP Professional/Windows XP Home, and disabling Hyper-Threading Technology using the BIOS for all previous versions of Windows operating systems.

3.4 Intel 64-bit architecture:

Intel 64-bit architecture delivers 64-bit computing on server, workstation, desktop and mobile platforms when combined with supporting software. Intel 64 architecture improves performance by allowing systems to address more than 4 GB of both virtual and physical memory.

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3.5 Intel Turbo Boost Technology:

Intel Turbo Boost Technology is one of the many exciting new features that Intel has built into core i7 processor. It automatically allows processor cores to run faster than the base operating frequency if it's operating below power, current, and temperature specification limits. The maximum frequency of Intel Turbo Boost Technology is dependent on the number of active cores. The amount of time the processor spends in the Intel Turbo Boost Technology state depends on the workload and operating environment, providing the performance you need, when and where you need it. Any of the following can set the upper limit of Intel Turbo Boost Technology on a given workload:

Number of active cores Estimated current consumption Estimated power consumption Processor temperature No special hardware support is necessary for Intel Turbo Boost Technology. BIOS and the

operating system can enable or disable Intel Turbo Boost Technology.

3.6 Integrated memory controller:

Integrated memory controller enables three channels of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, resulting in up to 25.6 GB/sec memory bandwidth. This memory controller's lower latency and higher memory bandwidth delivers amazing performance for data-intensive applications.

3.7 Enhanced Intel Speed-Step Technology:

Running a processor at high clock speeds allows for better performance. However, when the same processor is run at a lower frequency, it generates less heat and consumes less power. In many cases, the core voltage can also be reduced, Further reducing power.

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4. SPECIFICATIONS AND INSTRUCTION SET

4.1 Specifications:
Clock frequency Code name Cores Core Stepping Core Voltage Bus/Core Ratio Thermal Specification Typical heat(thermal design power) Manufacturing technology No of Transistors Chipset support Instruction set Intel Hyper-Threading Technology Intel Turbo Boost Technology Intel Virtualization Technology Enhanced Intel Speed Step Technology Execute Disable Bit Intel 64-bit architecture Intel smart cache Processor Integrated Memory Controller Number of Memory Channels 2.66 GHz to 3.33GHz Bloomfield & Lynnfield 4 C0 1.18V-1.21V 20 62.2C 105 W 45 nm 731 million Express 58 MMX,SSE,SSE2,SSE3, SSSE3,SSE4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 8MB Yes 3 (DDR3 1066 MHz)

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4.2 Instruction Set:

An instruction set is a list of all the instructions, and all their variations, that a processor can execute. A single instruction, multiple data (SIMD) machine is one in which a single instruction stream has the ability to process multiple data streams simultaneously. These machines are useful in applications such as general digital signal processing, image processing, and multimedia applications such as audio and video. Originally, supercomputers known as array processors or vector processors provided SIMD processing capabilities. Almost all computers today implement some form of SIMD instruction set. Intel core i7 processors implement the MMX, Streaming SIMD Extensions (SSE), Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 (SSE2), and Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 (SSE3), Supplemental Streaming SIMD Extensions 3(SSSE4), Streaming SIMD Extensions 4(SSE4) instruction sets that are capable of processing multiple data elements in a single clock. The multiple data elements are stored in the floating point registers. A multiple instruction, multiple data (MIMD) machine is capable of is executing multiple instruction streams, while working on a separate and independent data stream. The instruction set MMX is 64-bit instruction set. The instruction set SSE is 128-bit instruction set.
Name MMX SSE SSE2 SSE3 SSSE3 SSE4 Description MMX SIMD instructions Streaming SIMD Extensions (SSE) instructions Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 instructions Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 instructions Supplemental Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 instructions Streaming SIMD Extensions 4 instructions

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5. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES 5.1 Advantages:

Big cache size:

This processor has 8 Mb last level caches shared among four cores. This helps to increase Instruction execution speed.

Very fast:
Using the combination of Intel Turbo Boost Technology and Intel Hyper-Threading Technology processor speed is becomes faster. It is very fast processor as compared to other processor.

Better cooling system:

A 4-pin connector is included for fan speed control to help minimize the acoustic noise levels generated from running the fan at higher speeds for thermal performance. For the cooling of processor it provides Cooler running technology, less heat and less noise. Supplied with Intel reference heat-sink & fan, as temperature increase speed of fan get become increase.

5.2 Disadvantages

Cost:
The main disadvantage of core i7 processor is its cost, It a expensive processor as compared to previous processor. Its cost is over 15000 Rs.

Power Consumption:
Power consumption of core i7 processor is not better as compared with the core 2 duo processors.

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6. COMPARISON BETWEEN i3, i5 and i7

Fig.3 - Processors i3, i5 and i7

Intel Core i3 Processor

This particular Intel processor is the entry level processor of this new series of Intel processors. While it may not be the fastest one of the bunch, it can get the job done, at least for most applications.

Uses 4 threads. Yes, it uses hyperthreading technology which is the latest craze due to its improved efficiency over earlier processors that were put on the market. This processor consists of 2-4 cores, depending on which one you get your hands on. Contains A 3-4 MB Cache Uses less heat and energy than earlier processors, which is always a good thing in this day and age.

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Intel Core i5 Processor

This is the mid-size processor of this bunch, recommended for those who demand a little speed, but not quite enough where the user will be running resource-intensive applications.

As with the Core i3 processor, this comes with 2-4 cores, the main difference is that it has a higher clock speed than the Core i3. This is also a heat and energy efficient processor, but it does seem to be better at this particular job than the Core i3 processor. The number of threads used in this is no different than the Core i3 with 2-4 threads, and it also uses hyperthreading technology for a boost in performance. The cache of the Core i5 is bigger than the Core i3, its at 3-8 MB. The Core i5 is where the turbo mode is made available, this provides users with the opportunity to turn off a core if its not being utilized.

Intel Core i7 Processor

This is for the users that demand power, yes it does provide more power and Great for gamers and other resource intensive users.

The cache on this one is 4-8 MB. This processor comes with 8 threads, definitely enough to get the job done quickly, may be even at the speed of light if youre lucky. It also utilizes hyper-threading technology as well as turbo boost technology. You will have four cores to take advantage of with this particular series. And just like the other ones in this Intel series of processors, it is more energy efficient and produces less heat.

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8. CONCLUSION
We have finally got acquainted with the new Core i7 processors, the first solutions on Nehalem micro architecture targeted for desktop systems. This processor is brilliant from multiple standpoints. It supports new interesting technologies, such as SMT and Turbo Boost, and has an integrated memory controller with unprecedented performance. In most applications except a few gaming titles, the new processors turned out faster than Core 2 processors working at the same clock speed. New Core i7 are indisputably better in most aspects than Core 2 Quad processors of comparable price. Their performance is almost always higher, which is especially evident in case of multi-threaded load and their power consumption is comparable with that of their predecessors. Over-clocking the core i7 processors also seems to be easier. Servers will also likely benefit greatly from using an i7 - the memory bandwidth is simply insane. It is more energy efficient and produces less heat. The core i7 utilizes Hyper-Threading technology as well as Turbo Boost Technology. Core i7 is first processor using Nehalem Micro-architecture, with faster, intelligent, multi-core technology that applies processing power where it's needed most, new Intel Core i7 processors deliver an incredible breakthrough in PC performance.

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9. REFERENCES

1. http://www.intel.com/

2. http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corei7

3. www.intel.com/technology/turboboost/index.html

4. www.hexus.net

5. www.neoseeker.com 6. Intel Core Processor i7 (research) - Digit Magazine

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