Intel i7 - New Generation Computers
Intel Corporation released a new CPU computing platform using the Core 2 package and integrating a host of new features that surpass all existing CPU benchmarks. The new package, known as the Intel i7, is packed with enhancements designed to increase the overall speed of the processor by as much as 60%. Intel’s CPU platform bestows new improvements to the central processing unit that increase the speed and performance, reduced power consumption, and enhances the execution of multiple applications for a new generation of computers. This new release comes just in time to help users falling prey to resource demands of antivirus programs.
The new Intel i7 chip, code named Nehalem and Tukwila, made major improvements in the overall design, but I see special cleverness in the redesign of the bus. The bus delivers data bits known as transfers to main memory and back to the CPU for processing. Up to now the limits of transfers were on the order of millions of transfers per second. Intel developed a new, point-to-point system connect known as QuickPath Interconnect or QPI for short, the new interconnect can move data at peak rates of 25GB/sec (at a 6.4 Gigatransfers per second base). This replaces the Front Side Bus (FSB) design running at 1333Mhz. The new design has an order magnitude of billions of transfers per second, also known as Gigatransfers.
Note that not all Nehalem processors will support the full theoretical bandwidth, the budget system CPUs support the slower 19GB/sec. Still we’re talking billions of bits flying down the bus instead of millions and a significant increase in the thinking speed of the CPU.
The new multi core CPU architecture has its roots in the 2007 Core 2 release, but with improvements in the bus, power utilization and loaded with cool new features like Turbo boost. Turbo boost transfers power from any idle CPU core to those that are processing data. Turbo Boost provides extra performance boost by turning off the unused cores and transferring the power to the used core. It’s like more pressure from a hose when water is turned off somewhere else in the yard. Hyper Threading has returned and new enhancements for video as well.
Intel decided desktop and server computers should begin emulating their larger cousins known as main frame computers. Back when Intel first introduced CPUs compromises needed to be made in design to keep costs down. However, as technology and chip design progress the need for compromises diminished. Now the consumer can have a CPU as powerful as or more powerful than some main frame computers.
This is not just the latest chip release, rather a revolution in computer technology. Gone are the compromises made to accommodate the home and server market, in are the ideas which increase speed and remove all obstacles hindering speed. This new chip is really quite remarkable with nearly 800 million transistors on the dye. The traces are so tiny at 45 Nano meters (45nm) it takes a microscope to see them.
The i7 is built on the Core 2 Duo platform this means more than one CPU exists in each chip. In this case the i7 is a quad core, meaning four CPUs are in one package. If you were to look at the package it looks similar to any CPU package, but under the hood is some real power.
Previous chips used front side bus architecture (FSB) to move data bits from main memory (RAM) to the CPU and back again. This process can get bogged down similar to a toil both on the Bay Bridge. Intel removed the FSB and replaced it with QuickPath Interconnect (QPI). QPI provides a wider and faster path to memory, like a main line to memory without all the arcane control processes that used to hinder the speed along the bus.
Intel has launched three new Core i7 products, at 2.66GHz, 2.93GHz, and 3.20GHz, at prices starting at $285.00 (CPU only), you’ll need a new motherboard and new DDR-3 triple-channel memory, but your investment will be worth it.
Don’t expect the latest computers using these i7 CPUs to be cheap or plentiful but you may want to check out your favorite professional, licensed, Intel approved, local computer dealer.
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