Since 2011, Intel switched to Intel Core labeling, which began with the second line. The marking used at the moment allows the user to quickly determine the necessary processor parameters.
Based on the marking data of Intel processors, you can determine the connector for it, possible power consumption, degree of cooling, because the more powerful the processor, the better the cooler should be.
Much depends on the power being provided, since processors with possible clock overclocking can consume much more energy than conventional ones. Therefore, the power supply must correspond to the selected model.
CPU Features
The first parameter is the presence and number of cores in the chip itself: there can be two or four. Next, the number of threads is determined, usually Hyper-Threading technology is used, which controls the threads of the cores. No less important is the frequency of the processor, measured in gigahertz. This parameter is one of the few that can reflect the speed of the processor.
Starting with the i5 series, the manufacturer has introduced Turbo Boost technology, which allows you to increase the processor clock speed, which positively affects performance. Also, these are the first processors that became the owners of four cores. Unfortunately, Intel Core i3 lacks these features.
Another parameter is the cache, it is responsible for the accelerated processing of data that is often used. The cache size is from 1 to 4 megabytes.
The last parameter determines the amount of heat removed from the processor to ensure normal operation of the CPU. The higher the temperature of the processor, the more powerful the cooling.
Step-by-step processor name determination
The first item on the Intel Core processor labeling list is the name that the user pays the most attention to. Next, a series of the processor is indicated, followed by a four-digit number, where the first digit is the generation, and the other three mean the serial number. The last designation is a letter indicating the version of the processor.
For example, Intel Core i3 3200:
- Intel Core is the name of the processor.
- i3 - means the third series.
- 3 - third generation.
- 200 - serial number.
In this case, the Intel processor does not have a letter designation.
Processor Generation Features
In the marking of Intel processors, the first digit of the number means generation, each of the numbers corresponds to a specific name.
The first on the list is the Westmere generation, which supports the DDR3 RAM format with 1333 megahertz frequencies. There is no integrated video card. The manufacturing process is 32 nanometers.
The next generation is called Sandy Bridge and supports working with frequencies of RAM up to 1600 megahertz. The process technology is the same as in the previous version. The integrated graphics card is called Intel HD Graphics 3000.
The third generation is called Ivy Bridge and already has a finer 22 nanometer process. RAM is not changed. Intel HD Graphics 4000.
The following is the Haswell generation, which is completely similar in performance to the previous generation. It is located under the number 4 in the marking of Intel processors.
The fifth generation Broadwell is already working with DDR3L format memory (letter prefix means a special connector) and frequencies up to 1600 megahertz. The manufacturing process has a thickness of 14 nanometers, and the integrated graphics card is called Intel HD Graphics 6200.
The next generation, Skylake, got support for the DDR4 RAM format and a 14-nanometer process technology. The integrated graphic component has gained the three-digit designation Intel HD Graphics 580.
The next is the seventh generation of processors - Kaby Lake, which does not differ in parameters from its predecessor.
The last known generation is Coffee Lake, which has completely switched to the DDR4 RAM format and a 14-nanometer process. The integrated graphics card is called Intel UHD Graphics 630.
Differences in processor series
The most common versions of processors at the moment are Intel Core i3, i5, i7. It is clear that the highest figure means more powerful potential than a smaller figure. The i5 model is considered the most universal option, as these processors can cope with both elementary tasks and complex applications.
Decoding of alphabetic indices
At the end of almost every marking of Intel processors, there is one letter, each of which carries a certain meaning.
- H - designation of the enhanced integrated graphics processor.
- Q - from the word Quadro, means that the processor has four cores.
- U - heat sink 15-17 watts.
- M - heat sink 35-37 watts.
- T - lowering the control of heat removed to 45 watts.
- S - lowering the control of the removed heat to 65 watts.
- Y - lower control of the heat removed to 11.5 watts.
- R - amplification of the integrated video card for netbooks.
- C is an improved integrated graphics component for LGA.
- E - the presence of a chip with the function of embedding systems and a heat sink up to 45 watts.
- P - disabled video core.
- K is the overclocking potential of the processor.
- X - the presence of an Extreme chip.
- M - a mobile processor, such a prefix belongs to representatives of laptops.
- MX is a mobile processor based on the Extreme chip.
- MQ is a mobile processor with four cores.
- HQ is a laptop processor with support for high quality graphics.
- L is an energy efficient processor.
- QE - the ability to embed quad-core processors.
- ME - embedded processors for laptops.
- LE - availability of embedded processor optimization.
- UE - processors, the optimization of which is aimed at optimal energy consumption.
Intel microprocessors
This type of processor has been known since 1971.
The microprocessors of this manufacturer can be 4-bit, 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit. The latest processors have proven themselves so well that they continued to be produced with the prefix "Line". The differences between these processors not only in the width of the bus, but also in the number of transistors.