Intel Core 2 Duo Processor

The Intel Core 2 Duo processor was developed to meet the insatiable demand for increased performance from PC users running multiple intense software applications simultaneously.

In the office, PC usage has changed from data entry and word processing to e-Commerce, online collaboration, and an ever-increasing need for continual security and virus protection.

In the home, interests have shifted from low-bandwidth photos and Internet surfing to downloading and viewing high-definition videos, as well as advanced photo and video editing.

Intel’s new 45nm manufacturing technology, with hafniuminfused Hi-k transistors, enables even more processor performance by doubling the transistor density, improving efficiency and speed relative to the previous generation, and increasing cache size by up to 50 percent.

These new Intel Core 2 Duo processors deliver more performance without using more energy.

Built on the innovative Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, the Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor delivers revolutionary dual-core performance and breakthrough processor energy efficiency.

With Intel® Wide Dynamic Execution, Intel® Smart Memory Access, Intel® Advanced Smart Cache, and Intel® Digital Media Boost, this new processor is designed to do more in less time.

Additional features,which support enhanced security, virtualization, and 64-bit computing, make the Intel Core 2 Duo the most impressive processor developed for an increasingly multimedia-centered, high-definition world.

Energy Efficiency

Design changes in the Intel Core 2 Duo processors that improve performance also increase processor energy efficiency by operating at lower frequencies that require less power to run.

Intel® Intelligent Power Capability, a feature that optimizes energy usage of the processor cores, turns on computing functions only when needed. These more energyefficient processors support smaller, more capable, and quieter desktop PCs to conserve critical power resources.

Better Acoustics

Intel® Core™2 Duo processors are equipped with a Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) that enables efficient processor and platform thermal control.

Thermal sensors located within the processor measure the maximum temperature on the die at any given time. Intel® Quiet System Technology, included in the Intel® Express Chipset families1, uses the DTS to regulate the system and processor fan speeds.

The acoustic benefit of temperature monitoring is that system fans spin only as fast as needed to cool the system, and slower spinning fans generate less noise.

Core 2 Duo

• Core microarchitecture
• Desktop CPU
• Dual coreUp to 3.33 GHz
• Up to 6 MB L2 cache
• Up to 1333 MHz FSB
• 64-bit
• Execute Disable bitSSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1
• Virtualization
• Trusted Execution
• Socket 775

Intel History

Intel is the largest manufacturer of microprocessors in the world, and they got their start by being the brains behind the world's most advanced consumer calculator.In 1972, the Busicom high-powered business calculator was released, and it was powered by an Intel 4004 chip, Intel's first microprocessor.Shortly after, in 1974, Intel broke into the personal computer market when they put their 8080 microprocessor in the Altair 8800, the first successful personal computer ever released.In 1978, Intel struck a deal with IBM to produce the 8088 microprocessor chip to power the brand-new IBM PC for home and small business use. With an ad campaign that featured a re-creation of Charlie Chaplin's "Little Tramp" character, the IBM PC went on to be a huge success and established Intel as a premier microchip manufacturer.

Significance

In 1982, Intel released the 80286 microprocessor, which it eventually shortened to just the 286. This was the first attempt by Intel to create a microchip that could run any of the software written for previous Intel processors. Prior to the release of the 286, none of the Intel processors were backwards compatible--able to run programs written for previous generations of processors. The ability to be backwards compatible with all previous generations is now standard with Intel products. The expanded compatibility of the 286 resulted in the sale of over 15 million personal computers throughout the world.

Time Frame

The 386 generation of microprocessors was released in 1985, and it was the first processor to allow a computer to multi-task, which is the ability to run more than one program simultaneously. The programs were simple, and they were limited to only two or three at one time, but this was a huge jump in technology for home computing.The next generation 486 was released in 1989, and this processor had a built-in math co-processor that allowed it to do complicated computations at a fraction of the time of previous generations. The 486 also allowed for a wider array of colors, and it also allowed for the introduction of true point-and-click technology.Prior to the 486, it was necessary to purchase a math co-processor separately to get the maximum speed out of an Intel microprocessor.

Effects

The Pentium processor was first introduced in 1993 at speeds of 60 Mhz and 66 Mhz. It contained over 3 million transistors that greatly expanded the processor's computing capability and that increased its speed.In 2000, Intel introduced the Pentium 4 family of processors, which featured an initial speed of 1.5 Ghz.Intel continued to make design changes to the Pentium line, which included introducing dual core and quad core processors that were the equivalent of two processors in one and four processors in one.In 2009, Intel finally retired the Pentium name and introduced a new core technology called Merom.

Considerations

The Pentium line of processors was actually going to be called the 586 line, but Intel found it difficult to put patents on a product that was referred to only by a number, so they decided to use the Pentium name instead. The name "Pentium" was created by a marketing firm named Lexicon Branding in 1992 and then used by Intel in its 1993 release. The very first line of Pentium processors was not very successful. A floating point error in the processor caused it to miscalculate on a regular basis, and this prompted one of the largest recalls in the history of the computer industry. It wound up costing Intel over $450 million to recall the defective chips. To avoid the problem ever happening again, Intel created a quality control division that checks each microprocessor before it leaves the factory.

AMD Phenom II Processors

Visual Experience

Live your life in HD. AMD Phenom™ II is for high definition entertainment, gaming, creativity, and beyond. With AMD Phenom™ II processors as the foundation, you'll enjoy a new level of responsiveness and visual intensity. AMD puts high definition computing within everyone’s reach.

Superior technologies for HD video. Enjoy a superior high definition experience for HD videos on you PC. AMD Phenom™ II processor are the powerful engine behind your fidelity, high definition video entertainment experience. Only AMD puts the Ultimate Visual Experience™ for HD video within your reach.

Enjoy entertainment beyond your media library. Get HD content online, offline, wherever you want it, however you want it. Your system can handle whatever you dish out - and serve it up on screen in full, high definition glory.*
Perfect chemistry. Combine AMD Phenom™ II processors and ATI Radeon™ HD graphics to really see the difference. Enjoy smooth video, brilliant videos and immersive games. AMD unleashes visual clarity and responsiveness for what you want to do.

Performance

Do it all. AMD Phenom™ II processors have the power to do it all. Featuring next-generation quad-core design, they crush even the most demanding tasks. So design it, render it, play it, create it, stream it, HD it.* With AMD Phenom™ II processors, if you can imagine it, you can do it.

Energy Efficient

Make a choice you can feel good about. AMD Phenom™ II processors were designed with energy efficiency in mind. Capitalizing on AMD's leadership in energy efficiency, they incorporate all of the latest technology that gives you performance when you need it and save power when you don’t.

AMD Athlon X2

Take multi-tasking to a whole new level with the AMD Athlon™ X2 dual-core processor

AMD Athlon™ X2 dual-core processors put the power of dual-core technology on the desktop. Dual-core processors contain two processing cores, residing on one chip, that perform calculations on two streams of data to increase efficiency and speed while running multiple programs and the new generation of multi-threaded software. For end-users this means a significant increase in response and performance when running multiple applications simultaneously.

Better Multi-Tasking Means Increased Office Productivity

Productivity in today’s workplace requires smooth, efficient and seamless multi-tasking. AMD Athlon™ X2 dual-core processors deliver TRUE multi-tasking, allowing users to switch from one program to another without always pausing for the computer to catch up and reducing annoying processing pauses.

Setting the Pace in Digital Media

Digital media software demands simultaneous processing of data streams, the perfect use for the incredible multi-tasking power of AMD64 dual-core technology. Dual-core technology is like having two processors working together, each one taking care of different applications, so power-users can actually experience greater performance when multiple applications are running. Digital media enthusiasts can usher in the next generation of digital media software for amazing high-definition video and photo editing, content creation, and audio mixing. With an AMD Athlon™ X2 dual-core processor, your PC can perform up to 80% faster than an AMD Athlon™ 4000+ processor on the latest power-hungry digital media software applications.

Get more Power using less Power

Energy-efficient AMD processors with AMD PowerNow!™ Technology (Cool’n’Quiet™ Technology) enable smaller, sleeker, more energy-efficient PC’s. In March 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded AMD PowerNow!™ Technology (Cool’n’Quiet™ Technology) special recognition for the advancement of energy-efficient computer technologies. AMD expects that systems built using energy-efficient AMD desktop processors can meet, and in many instances, exceed the new system requirements from the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Version 4 computer specification, effective July 20, 2007.

All the Proven Benefits of AMD64 Technology

Enhanced Virus Protection with Windows® XP Service Pack 2 and Vista™ Enhanced Virus Protection is a feature enabled by AMD64 technology. Enhanced Virus Protection in conjunction with modern operating systems can help prevent the spread of certain viruses, like MSBlaster and Slammer to significantly reduce the cost and down-time associated with similar viruses and improve the protection of computers and personal information against certain PC viruses.

AMD Athlon Processor Architecture Performance

HyperTransport™ Technology can increase overall system performance by reducing I/O bottlenecks, increasing system bandwidth, and reducing system latency. A fully integrated memory controller helps speed access to memory by giving the processor a direct connection to the main memory. As a result, end users can enjoy quicker application loading and extraordinary application performance.

Ready for the 64-bit future

Like all the processors in the AMD64 family, AMD Athlon™ X2 dual-core processors are designed for people who want to stay at the forefront of technology and for those who depend on their PCs to keep them connected, informed, and entertained. Systems based on AMD64 processors can deliver leading-edge performance for demanding productivity and entertainment software today and in the future.

With AMD64 technology, AMD Athlon™ X2 dual-core processors are fully compatible with existing software, while enabling a seamless transition to 64-bit applications. Both 32- and 64-bit applications can run simultaneously and transparently on the same platform. AMD64 technology enables new, cinematic computing experiences and capabilities, in addition to increased performance. AMD64 technology allows end users to take advantage of new innovations such as real-time encryption, more life-like games, accurate speech interfaces, cinema-quality graphic effects, and easy-to-use video and audio editing.

AMD Turion

Enhanced Memory and Processing

With true multi-core technology, notebook PCs based on AMD Turion™ X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processors and AMD Turion™ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processors can deliver significantly greater bandwidth with support for power-optimized HyperTransport™ 3.0 Technology and PCI Express® 2.0, increasing data throughput and improving system performance while helping to extend battery life.

Next-Generation Power Management

Get long battery life with performance on demand. Enhanced AMD PowerNow!™ Technology dynamically switches performance states (processor core voltage and operating frequency) based on processor performance requirements enabling today's more mobile and demanding PC user to extend battery life. With AMD Dynamic Power Management, each processor core, and the integrated memory controller and HyperTransport™ Technology controller are powered by a dedicated voltage plane to give you the performance you need while multitasking on the go. Independent Dynamic Core Technology extends battery life by dynamically optimizing the operating frequency for each core in the processor based on end-user application needs. And AMD CoolCore™ Technology extends notebook usage while on battery by turning off processor features that are not being used.

Range Of Products Provide Smarter Choices For The Money

Choose the right performance for your mobile lifestyle. Mobile solution options include AMD Turion™ X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processors, which are designed to enable extreme performance and mobility, and AMD Turion™ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processors, which deliver exceptional performance and long battery life. All to give more choices to today's more mobile PC users.

The Security And Reliability You Want With The Value You Expect For The Long-Term

Run the 32-bit applications of today and the 64-bit applications of tomorrow. Get the advantage of today's powerful applications in a power-efficient notebook PC with the forward-thinking technology to support the advanced applications of the future. Take comfort in security innovations such as Enhanced Virus Protection.