Core 2 i Series Processors

Before I get in to the nuts-in-bolts of the Core 2 i Series Processors if you are thinking of having one with XP, it will not run the Operating System, Windows XP.

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As technology moves forward so does R&D at Intel?, however I have read some articles that suggest "that with the current technology the introduction of new processors every 18 months and new series of processors every ten years is about to run out of steam. That is, has the computer as we know it hit the proverbial wall?"

This type of talk comes around about once every ten years or so that technology has finally reached the end as far as how small the traces in a silicone based wafer can be, something like 32- nanometer is just a little larger than an electron. Don't worry Intel? will think of something to sell us. :)

Core 2 i Series Processors Specifications:

• Transistors: Millions
• Processors: Single, Duo, Quad Core
• Cache: 512KB to 6 MB
• Clock Speed: 1.8 t0 3.3  GHz (2.4 to 3.8 GHz in Turbo Mode)
• All 2nd generation Intel? Core2 i5 processors feature:
  • Intel? Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
  • Intel? Smart Cache
  • Advanced Encryption Standard New Instructions
• Socket type: LGA 1356+
• Memory type: Third-generation Double Data Rate (DDR3) SDRAM memory technology
• Supported Memory Speed
  • 1066 MHz
  • 1333 MHz+

In addition all i Series processors have hyper-threading, the hyper-threading at the low end are two threads (the slower desktop and Mobile processors) and up to 12+ for the high end processors.

The Intel? Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 gives the Core 2 i Series processors a small increase in speed depending on the series the speed can be from .2 to .4 GHz, almost the same as overclocking with out using the BIOS settings to achieve the increase in speed. Considering that most Laptop manufactures do not have the Advanced opinions in the BIOS setup this is an added benefit.

I tested the Core 2  i5 processor in a ASUS G60j laptop, the processor is a quad with a clock speed of 2.26 GHz, the memory is 1066 MHz. (If the processor has a Turbo function then there isn't any ASUS software to turn it on, it doesn't have that option in the BIOS either).

Over all the Core 2 i Series Processors  performs as expected from a Quad Core processor, even at a lower clock speed there is no noticeable drag when using high processor intensive programs (such as a game) or drag on the video when watching a movie from the DVD (Blue Ray).

Compared to my Intel Core 2 Quad 3.0 GHz the mobile i5 is just as fast when combined with Windows 7.

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And if you need more processing power you could go to the Core 2 i7-980X Extreme, expect to pay more it has six processors, twelve processing threads with Hyper-Threading, and the speed tops out at 3.8 with Intel Turbo Boost Technology. Now that will Rock your Game!

Remember that with processor power the faster the processor the higher the power usage (as in power supply wattage), the heat produced, and of course the cost of the processor.

If you are thinking of a new computer with the i series processor the i3 2.8 or 3.0 GHz processors are the middle class processor that will give you the most bang for your buck.

Now the bad news: If you are a XP fan or Linux of older releases you will not be able to load those Operating Systems on the new i series processor equipped computers. No support in the OS for the newer processor functions. (If you happen across a version of XP that will load on a i Series computer let me know via my Support page, I am very interested in finding such a beast!)

Note: After a lot of thought and some experimenting I have figured out why XP wouldn't load on my ASUS Notebook with a i5 processor: The SATA drive parameters are set for OICH and there isn't an option to change it in the BIOS settings to Legacy or IDE which is what XP needs unless you have the capability and knowledge to slip stream (add) drivers to the install CD for the SATA drives or insure you are getting a SATA II or III drive to keep from working around this hassle.