Core I7
Core i3: | Core i5: | Core i7: | Entry level processor. | Mid range processor. | High end processor. | 2-4 Cores | 2-4 Cores | 4 Cores | 4 Threads | 4 Threads | 8 Threads | Hyper-Threading (efficient use of processor resources) | Turbo Mode (turn off core if not used) | Turbo Mode (turn off core if not used) | 3-4 MB Cache | Hyper-Threading (efficient use of processor resources) | Hyper-Threading (efficient use of processor resources) | 32 nm Silicon (less heat and energy) | 3-8 MB Cache | 4-8 MB Cache |
Intel made some dramatic changes in the Nehalem microarchitecture in order to offer new features and capacity in the core i7 family processors. In the coming paragraph we will explore the details of some features and their influence on control and measurement application. Intel moved the memory controller and PCI Express controller from the northbridge to the CPU die, in order to reduce the number of external databus . These changes increase data-throughput and reduce the latency for memory and PCI Express data transactions. (Figure 1)
Intel inserts a distributed shared memory architecture using Intel QuickPath Interconnect (QPI). QPI is the new point-to-point interconnects for connecting a CPU to either a chipset or another CPU.
Intel’s decisions have more significant impact for multiprocessor systems. These improvements make the Core i7 family of processors ideal for test and measurement applications such as high-speed design validation and high-speed data record and playback.
CPU Performance Boost via Intel Turbo Boost Technology
To provide a good performance and to optimize the processor power consumption, Intel introduced a new feature called Intel Turbo Boost. Intel Turbo Boost is a new feature that automatically allows active processor cores to run faster than the operating frequency when certain conditions are met.
Intel Turbo Boost is activated when the operating system requests the highest processor performance state. The
Intel made some dramatic changes in the Nehalem microarchitecture in order to offer new features and capacity in the core i7 family processors. In the coming paragraph we will explore the details of some features and their influence on control and measurement application. Intel moved the memory controller and PCI Express controller from the northbridge to the CPU die, in order to reduce the number of external databus . These changes increase data-throughput and reduce the latency for memory and PCI Express data transactions. (Figure 1)
Intel inserts a distributed shared memory architecture using Intel QuickPath Interconnect (QPI). QPI is the new point-to-point interconnects for connecting a CPU to either a chipset or another CPU.
Intel’s decisions have more significant impact for multiprocessor systems. These improvements make the Core i7 family of processors ideal for test and measurement applications such as high-speed design validation and high-speed data record and playback.
CPU Performance Boost via Intel Turbo Boost Technology
To provide a good performance and to optimize the processor power consumption, Intel introduced a new feature called Intel Turbo Boost. Intel Turbo Boost is a new feature that automatically allows active processor cores to run faster than the operating frequency when certain conditions are met.
Intel Turbo Boost is activated when the operating system requests the highest processor performance state. The