May I have extra helpings of the CORE, please ?

First we had the x86s. Then the Pentiums. And, now, we have the CORES.

Multi-Core is the buzzword today !

Multi-Core processors are best for multi-threaded applications e.g. 3D designing software. They also give us a much better experience while we try to run a virus scan, surf the internet, download music and run an MS Office application at the same time !!!

Intel Pentium D, Intel Pentium Extreme, Intel core duo, Intel Core 2 Duo and Intel Pentium Dual-Core are all members of the Intel Multi-Core Processor's Family.

One family, so many members. And the above mentioned are not the only members of the family. We have quite a few more.

Ever felt confused hearing all these names: core 2 duo, dual-core, core duo etc. ? Well, I sure did!

Come, lets get to know a bit about the family.


Pentium D: This was the first, announced, multi-core processor. The initially released products (Code named-Smithfield) were released in May 2005. The clock speeds ranged from 2.66 GHz to 3.2 GHz.These used 1 MB of L2 Cache per core.
Their later releases with the Presler core ranged from 2.8 GHZ to 3.73 GHz, with 2 MB of L2 cache per core.Pentium D didnot have Hyperthreading enabled.

Pentium Extreme: Introduced in the second quarter of 2005, based on the Pentium D processor, these had hyperthreading enabled, resulting in the operating system showing 4 processors (2 physical cores + 2 virtual cores)! Again, two flavours: Smithfield running at 3.2 GHz and Presler with clock speeds ranging from 3.46 GHz to 3.73 GHz.

Core: Core Duo - code named Yonah was released in January, 2006. This was a replacement for the Pentium M brand using the same technology as the M. With its launch Intel dropped the Pentium brand.This was the world's first low power Dual-core processor. With a clock speed from 1.06 till 2.33 GHz it featured an L2 cache of 2MB shared by both the cores.

Core Solo - this was the same as the Core Duo with one change. One of the cores was deactivated.
Yonah doesnot support 64-bit.
The XEON LV and CELERON M 400 are derivatives of Yonah.

Core 2 Duo: The next generation of Core Duo processors. Their first line was launched in July 2006. Code named CONROE for desktops and MEROM forlaptop use they have a 4 MB L2 cache - there are two exceptions: E6300 and E6400 versions which have half of it disabled.The speeds range from 1.86 to 2.67 GHz

Core 2 Quad: Released in late 2006 and code named KENTSFIELD features 2.67 GHz and has 4 MB of L2 cache. It is basically a 4 cored CONROE.

Core 2 Extreme: Launched in late 2006, it features an L2 cache of 4 MB, four CONROE cores and 2.93 GHz of clock speed.

Pentium Dual-Core: This is a very recently launched processor. It was released in early 2007. It offers clock speeds of 1.6 GHz and 1.73 GHz with an L2 cache of 1 MB (shared). Currently meant for entry level laptops, it is being offered by companies like DELL, Compaq/HP, Toshiba etc.

It is unclear as to why INTEL chose to re-use the Pentium brand name. I am sure, they must have had a very good reason.

Phew ! Thats a big family, wont you say so ?

Right ! We'll peep into AMD's multi-core house at a later time. Thats a promise !


Check the source out !