Making of Intel Core i7

Intel Core i7 Overclocking Tutorial (NCIX Tech Tips #19)

Intel® Pentium® Processors E5300 and E2160

Intel® Pentium® processors include the innovative features of Intel® Core™ microarchitecture to deliver energy-efficient dual-core performance for cost-sensitive embedded designs. Available in both 45nm and 65nm process technology, two complete execution cores in one physical package provide simultaneous computing for multi-threaded applications and multi-tasking environments. The 800 MHz front-side bus speed helps support fast data transfer between the processor and the chipset.

These dual-core processors are well suited for a wide range of performance-intensive, low-power embedded applications in smaller form factors such as retail and transaction solutions (i.e., point-of-service terminals and ATMs), gaming platforms, industrial control and automation, and print imaging. While incorporating advanced processor technology, these processors remain software-compatible with previous IA-32 processors.

Intel® Pentium® processors are validated with a variety of chipsets for a selection of graphics, security, manageability, power-efficiency and performance capabilities:

• Intel® Pentium® processor E5300Δ (45nm) is validated with the Intel® G45 Express, Intel® G41 Express, Intel® Q45 Express and Intel® Q35 Express Chipsets
• Intel® Pentium® processor E2160Δ (65nm) is validated with the Intel® Q35 Express and Intel® Q965 Express Chipsets

Intel® Xeon® Processors

The Intel® Xeon® processor is the solution for specific communication applications that require the highest levels of processing performance - such as web-serving, storage (NAS, SAN), search engines, telecommunications servers, network management, security, voice, and load balancing. When coupled with the Intel® E7500, Intel® E7501 or Intel® E7520 chipsets, the Intel Xeon processor provides high memory bandwidth, high memory capacity, and high I/O bandwidth. With 1M or 512K L2 Advanced Transfer Cache, the Intel Xeon processor along with the Intel E7500, Intel E7501 or Intel E7520 chipset creates a balanced platform that is ideal for delivering unparalleled price-performance, scalability and flexibility.

Low Voltage Intel® Xeon® Processors - The Low Voltage Intel® Xeon® processor has the added benefit of lower thermal design power making it ideal for thermally-sensitive, space-constrained environments. When coupled with the Intel E7500, Intel E7501 or the E7520 chipsets, the Low Voltage Intel Xeon processor delivers compelling value in a variety of network infrastructure applications including web-serving, search engines, telecommunications servers, network management, security, voice, and load balancing.

Intel® Pentium® M Processor

The Intel® Pentium® M processor utilizes a new microarchitecture to meet the current and future demands of high-performance, low-power embedded computing, making it ideal for medium-to-large enterprise communications applications, transaction terminal, interactive client, and industrial automation applications. While incorporating advanced processor technology, it remains software-compatible with previous members of the Intel® microprocessor family.



The Intel Pentium M Processor on 0.13u process technology is validated with the Intel E7501 and Intel 855GME chipsets. The Intel Pentium M Processor on 90nm process technology is validated with the Intel E7501, 855GME, E7520, E7320 chipsets, Mobile Intel® 915GME Express Chipset and Intel® 3100 (see table for details). These unique platform combinations help address a variety of customer requirements.

Intel® Atom™ Processor N270

The Intel® Atom™ processor N270Ω, implemented in 45nm technology, is power-optimized and delivers robust performance-per-watt for cost-effective embedded solutions. Featuring extended lifecycle support, this processor offers an excellent solution for embedded market segments such as digital signage, interactive clients (kiosks, point-of-sale terminals), thin clients, digital security, residential gateways, print imaging, and commercial and industrial control. The processor remains software compatible with previous 32-bit Intel® architecture and complementary silicon.

This single-core processor is validated with the mobile Intel® 945GSE Express Chipset, consisting of the Intel® 82945GSE Graphics Memory Controller Hub and Intel® I/O Controller Hub 7-M. The chipset features power-efficient graphics with an integrated 32-bit 3D graphics engine based on Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 architecture with SDVO, LVDS, CRT, and TV-Out display ports. It provides rich I/O capabilities and flexibility via high-bandwidth interfaces such as PCI Express,* PCI, Serial ATA, and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity.

Pentium® Processors with MMX™ Technology

From point-of-sale (POS) terminals and retail kiosks to advanced networking equipment, Pentium® processors with MMX™ technology enable developers of embedded systems to step up to new levels of performance. To make these designs even easier and more flexible, Intel is making the performance advantages of MMX technology available at a choice of integration levels.

	The upgrade path for embedded Intel® architecture includes longer life cycle support for the 200 MHz and 233 MHz Pentium processors with MMX technology.
	Intel offers 166 MHz and 266 MHz Low-power Pentium processors with MMX technology. Both are available in thin HL-PBGA packaging, as well as PPGA packaging. The 166 MHz Pentium processor is also available in extended temperature range -40ºC to +115ºC.
	Also, the Intel 430TX PCIset now supports synchronous DRAM [SDRAM] in embedded applications.

Intel® Xeon® Processors LV and ULV

The Intel® Xeon® processor LV and Intel® Xeon® processor ULV are members of Intel’s growing product line of multi-core processors. Each dual-core processor combines the benefits of two high-performance execution cores with intelligent power management features to deliver significantly greater performance-per-watt over previous single-core Intel Xeon processor-based platforms. The dual-core/dual-processor capabilities are ideal for a wide range of low-power communications and embedded applications.

Intel® Celeron® Processors for Embedded Computing

With an advanced microarchitecture and core frequency of 2.0 GHz and 2.5 GHz, the Intel® Celeron® processor is ideal for scalable performance embedded computing, including communications, transaction terminal and industrial automation applications. While incorporating new features and improvements, it remains software compatible with previous members of the Intel® microprocessor family.

Intel® Pentium® 4 Processors

The Intel® Pentium® 4 processor, Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with HT Technology¹, and Intel® Pentium® 4 processor - M for embedded computing with Intel NetBurst® microarchitecture deliver the performance you need to meet the growing demands of a new generation of leading-edge embedded products, with scalability that helps minimize your total cost of ownership. Networking, communications and storage appliances, sophisticated interactive clients, industrial automation solutions, digital security surveillance platforms, and imaging devices impose heavy application demands, and these leading-edge embedded processors provide the performance headroom you need.

Rapid platform development is supported by the latest operating systems, applications and Intel® Architecture development tools, as well as a variety of validated reference designs from Intel. While incorporating Intel's most advanced embedded processor technologies, the Intel Pentium 4 processor, Intel Prentium 4 Processor with HT Technology, and Intel Pentium 4 processor - M are software-compatible with previous Intel® Architecture processors.

Intel® Pentium® III Processor

The Pentium® III processor is ideal for high performance applied computing. It supports highend communications, transaction terminal, and industrial automation applications. While incorporating new features and improvements, the Pentium III processor remains software compatible with previous members of the Intel microprocessor family. The Pentium III processor is validated with multiple chipsets for maximum flexibility and scalability. Combined with the Intel 840 chipset, the Pentium III processor provides high performance and bandwidth including dual processing and a second PCI bus. The 815, 815E, 810 and 440BX chipsets provide a scalable platform supporting a wide selection of Celeron® and Pentium III processors ranging from 66 to 133 MHz processor side bus speeds. The 440BX AGPset supports ECC for the highest data integrity and ISA for legacy I/O. The Intel 815, 815E and 810 chipsets utilize Intel Graphics Technology, an integrated graphics platform which provides more stability, higher quality graphics and a reduced OEM bill of materials cost.

Intel® IOP348 I/O Processor

High-performance I/O processor and flexible SAS/SATA I/O controller on a single chip.

With an integrated power-efficient, high-performance Intel XScale® processor, the Intel® IOP348 I/O Processor is a storage system-on-a-chip that delivers enterpriseclass SAS and IOP RAID with significant flexibility and interoperability. The IOP348 integrates an I/O processor with a SAS/SATA I/O controller, combining RAID and SAS technologies to deliver a new level of storage performance for internal and external storage products. As part of a flexible family of storage products, the IOP348 brings SAS RAID into the mainstream, enabling businesses of all sizes to benefit from its protection, performance, and power-efficiency.

For more information see the Product Brief.

Product highlights High-performance RAID system-on-a-chip with an integrated 3 Gb/s SAS/SATA II controller Fourth generation Intel XScale® Processor with core speeds up to 1200 MHz and 512 KB L2 cache 8 port, 3 Gb/s SAS/SATA engine supporting industry standard SSP, STP, SMP, and direct attached SATA Hardware RAID 6 acceleration with near RAID 5 performance Pin compatibility with Intel® IOP341 I/O Processor, Intel® IOP342 I/O Processor, Intel® IOC340 I/O Controller, Emulex IOP 504 I/O Processor,* Emulex IOP 502M I/O Processor,* and Emulex IOC 504 I/O Controller* Emulex's Service Level Interface (SLI*) technology providing a driver compatible API Multi-ported 400/533 MHz DDR2 memory controller supporting up to 2 GB of 64-bit ECC protected memory Three application DMA units with XOR, RAID 6 P+Q, CRC32C Dual- or single-interface PCI-X* and PCI-Express* host bus interface options Dual 128-bit/400 MHz internal buses, providing over 12 GB/s internal bandwidth

Intel® IXP420 Network Processor

The Intel® IXP420 network processor is a single-chip integrated processor that meets the needs of high-performance and cost-sensitive applications ranging from home gateways, small office/ home office (SOHO) routers and wireless access points to industrial control and networked imaging applications.
The Intel IXP420 network processor feature set integrates an Intel XScale® core, high-performance PCI interface, USB controller and two 10/100 Ethernet MACs. This network processor enables cost-effective implementations that extend the processing power, low power consumption and flexibility of the Intel® IXP425 network processor into targeted market segments. The Intel XScale core performance levels are 266 MHz, 400 MHz and 533 MHz commercial temperature and 266 MHz extended temperature.

Common IXP4XX Product Line Architecture for Application Flexibility
All IXP4XX processors have a unique distributed processing architecture that speeds development for a range of applications. Each processor combines a high-performance Intel XScale® core with additional Network Processor Engines (NPEs) to achieve wire-speed packet processing performance. See the complete product brief to learn more.

Product Highlights

• Member of the Intel® IXP4XX product line for residential and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) applications
• Intel XScale core at 266, 400 and 533 MHz commercial temperature and 266 MHz extended temperature
• Two integrated 10/100 Base-T Ethernet MACs with MII interface for design flexibility and cost effective wire-speed performance
• 33/66 MHz PCI v2.2 host and option interface for glueless connection of up to four devices
• SDRAM controller supports from 8 to 256 Mbytes of SDRAM memory
• Low system power consumption (1.0 - 1.5 Watt typical)
• USB version 1.1 device controller
• Two high-speed UARTS: can support 921 Kbaud each
• Sixteen GPIO pins
• 16-bit configurable expansion bus
• Commercial temperature (0° to 70° C)

Intel® IXP421 Network Processor

The Intel® IXP421 network processor is a versatile single-chip processor that meets the needs of high-performance and cost-sensitive data and Voice over IP (VoIP) applications ranging from residential gateways, Integrated Access Devices (IADs) and small office IP/PBX systems to industrial control and networked imaging applications.
The Intel IXP421 network processor feature set integrates a 266 MHz Intel XScale core, high-performance PCI interface, USB controller, UTOPIA 2 interface, two high-speed serial (HSS) ports and one 10/100 Ethernet MAC. These features provide developers with the processing power, low power consumption, cost-effectiveness and flexibility to address the needs of data plus VoIP applications

Common IXP4XX Product Line Architecture for Application Flexibility
All IXP4XX processors have a unique distributed processing architecture that speeds development for a range of applications. Each processor combines a high-performance Intel XScale® core with additional Network Processor Engines (NPEs) to achieve wire-speed packet processing performance. See the complete product brief to learn more.

Product Highlights

• Member of the IXP4XX network processor product line for residential and small-to- medium enterprise (SME) applications
• Intel XScale® core at 266 MHz provides headroom for customer-defined applications
• DSP software library on Intel XScale core supports 2-4 voice channels and reduces system cost
• Two high-speed serial (HSS) ports for VoIP SLIC/CODEC or T1/E1
• One integrated 10/100 Base-T Ethernet MAC with MII interface for design flexibility and cost-effective wire-speed performance
• UTOPIA 2 interface supports up to four xDSL PHYs (ADSL, G.SHDSL or VDSL)
• 33/66 MHz PCI v2.2 host and option interface for glueless connection of up to four devices
• SDRAM controller supports from 8 to 256 Mbytes of SDRAM memory
• Low system power consumption (1.0 - 1.5 Watt typical)
• USB version 1.1 device controller
• Two high-speed UARTS: can support up to 921 Kbaud each
• Sixteen GPIO pins
• 16-bit configurable expansion bus
• Commercial temperature (0° to 70° C)

Intel® IXP423 Network Processor

The Intel® IXP423 network processor is a versatile single-chip processor that meets the needs of high-performance and cost-sensitive data and Voice over IP (VoIP) applications ranging from residential gateways, Integrated Access Devices (IADs) and small office IP/PBX systems to industrial control and networked imaging applications. The Intel IXP423 network processor is a member of the IXP4XX product line, providing cost-effective implementations that extend the rich performance and features of the Intel® IXP425 network processor into targeted market segments.

The Intel IXP423 network processor feature set integrates a 266 MHz Intel XScale core, high-performance PCI interface, USB controller, UTOPIA 2 interface, two high-speed serial (HSS) ports and two Ethernet MACs. These features provide developers with the processing power, low power consumption, cost-effectiveness and flexibility to address the needs of data plus VoIP applications.

Common IXP4XX Product Line Architecture for Application Flexibility
All IXP4XX processors have a unique distributed processing architecture that speeds development for a range of applications. Each processor combines a high-performance Intel XScale® core with additional Network Processor Engines (NPEs)

Intel® IXP425 Network Processor

Intel® IXP425 network processor is a highly integrated, versatile single-chip processor that can be used in a variety of products that need network connectivity and high performance to run their unique software applications. The Intel IXP425 network processor combines integration with support for multiple WAN and LAN technologies in a common architecture designed to meet requirements for high-end gateways, Voice over IP (VoIP) applications, wireless access points, SME routers, switches, security devices, Mini-DSLAMs (Digital Subscriber line Access Multiplexers), xDSL line cards, industrial control and networked imaging applications.
Common IXP4XX Product Line Architecture for Application Flexibility
All IXP4XX processors have a unique distributed processing architecture that speeds development for a range of applications. Each processor combines a high-performance Intel XScale® core with additional Network Processor Engines (NPEs) to achieve wire-speed packet processing performance. See the complete product brief to learn more.

Product Highlights

• Member of the IXP4XX network processor product line for enterprise, small-to-medium enterprise (SME), residential and other networking applications
• Intel XScale® core at up to 533 MHz provides headroom for customer-defined applications
• Integrated hardware acceleration of popular cryptography algorithms (SHA-1, MD5, DES, 3DES, AES) for secure applications
• DSP software library on the Intel XScale core supports 2-4 voice channels and reduces system cost
• Two high-speed serial (HSS) ports for VoIP SLIC/CODEC or T1/E1
• Two integrated 10/100 Base-T Ethernet MACs with Media Independent Interface (MII) for design flexibility and cost-effective wire-speed performance
• UTOPIA 2 interface with multiple ADSL/G.SHDSL or VDSL support
• 33/66 MHz PCI v2.2 host and option interface for glueless connection of up to four devices
• SDRAM controller supports from 8 to 256 Mbytes of SDRAM memory
• Low system power consumption (1.0 -1.5 Watt typical)
• USB version 1.1 device controller
• Two high-speed UARTS support up to 921 Kbaud each
• Sixteen GPIO pins
• 16-bit configurable expansion bus
• Commercial (0° to 70° C) and extended temperature (-40° to +85° C) versions

Intel® IXP422 Network Processor

The Intel® IXP422 network processor is a versatile, single-chip processor that integrates robust security features with the necessary interfaces, wire-speed performance and processing headroom to meet demanding applications including wireless access points, residential gateways, VPN firewall appliances, SME routers and switches, industrial control and networked imaging applications.

The Intel IXP422 network processor is a member of the IXP4XX product line, providing cost-effective implementations that extend the rich performance and features of the Intel IXP425 network processor into targeted market segments. It offers IPsec-enabled Network Processor Engine (NPE) to accelerate cryptography and authentication algorithms.

Common IXP4XX Product Line Architecture for Application Flexibility
All IXP4XX processors have a unique distributed processing architecture that speeds development for a range of applications. Each processor combines a high-performance Intel XScale® core with additional Network Processor Engines (NPEs) to achieve wire-speed packet processing performance. See the complete product brief to learn more.

Product Highlights

• Member of the Intel® IXP4XX product line for residential and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) applications
• Intel XScale® core at 266 MHz provides headroom for customer-defined applications
• Integrated hardware acceleration of popular cryptography algorithms (SHA-1, MD5, DES, 3DES, AES) for secure applications
• Two integrated 10/100 Base-T Ethernet MACs with Media Independent Interface (MII) for design flexibility and cost-effective wire-speed performance
• 33/66 MHz PCI v2.2 host and option interface for glueless connection of up to four devices
• SDRAM controller supports from 8 to 256 Mbytes of SDRAM memory
• Low system power consumption (1.0 - 1.5 Watt typical)
• USB version 1.1 device controller
• Two high-speed UARTS: can support up to 921 Kbaud each
• Sixteen GPIO pins
• 16-bit configurable expansion bus
• Commercial temperature (0° to 70° C)

Embedded and communications processors

The Intel® IXP460 network processor is a member of the Intel® IXP46X product line for SME communications and embedded networking applications. The Intel IXP460 is an addition to the Intel® IXP4XX product line of network processors, and extends Intel XScale technology into a broad range of applications that require communications functionality. The consistency of the Intel IXP4XX product line software and hardware architecture protects customers' development investments and speeds development of a standards-based product portfolio.

The highly integrated, single-chip design of the IXP460 network processor provides a unique combination of performance, reliability and flexibility. The IXP460 network processor combines Intel XScale technology with a variety of built-in communications features to support requirements for routers, networking gateways, industrial control and automation applications, interactive clients, test and instrumentation, RFID readers, and networked print imaging applications.

Product Highlights

	Member of Intel® IXP46X product line of network processors for small-to-medium enterprise (SME) communications and embedded networking applications
	Intel XScale® core speeds of up to 667 MHz provides scalable processing headroom for target applications
	Integrated support for time synchronization and ECC memory improves performance and reliability
	Consistent Intel® IXP4XX product line software and hardware architecture protects customers’ development investments and speeds deployment of a standards-based product portfolio
	Robust development environment minimizes time-to-market

Embedded and communications processors

The Intel® IXP465 network processor is a member of the Intel® IXP46X product line for SME communications and embedded networking applications. The Intel IXP465 network processor is an addition to the Intel® IXP4XX product line of network processors, and extends Intel XScale® technology into a broad range of applications that require communications functionality. The consistency of the Intel IXP4XX product line software and hardware architecture protects customers' development investments and speeds development of a standards-based product portfolio.

The highly integrated, single-chip design of the IXP465 network processor provides a unique combination of performance, reliability and flexibility. The IXP465 network processor combines Intel XScale technology with a variety of built-in communications features to support requirements for modular routers, security appliances, line cards for telecommunications infrastructure, industrial control and automation applications, interactive clients, test and instrumentation, RFID readers, and networked print imaging applications. The high-performance Intel XScale core provides processing headroom to flexibly support a broad range of OEM applications while minimizing power consumption. Integration of multiple 10/100 Ethernet interfaces and built-in hardware acceleration for time synchronization reduces overall system cost and simplifies development.

Product Highlights

	Member of Intel® IXP46X product line of network processors for small-to-medium enterprise (SME) communications and embedded networking applications
	Intel XScale® core speeds of up to 667 MHz provides scalable processing headroom for target applications
	Built-in LAN and WAN, I2C and Synchronous Serial Port (SSP) interfaces reduce overall system cost and simplify development
	Integrated support for cryptography, time synchronization and ECC memory improves performance and reliability
	Consistent Intel® IXP4XX product line software and hardware architecture protects customers’ development investments and speeds deployment of a standards-based product portfolio
	Robust development environment minimizes time-to-market

Embedded and communications processors

Intel® Atom™ Processor N270

The Intel® Atom™ processor N270Ω, implemented in 45nm technology, is power-optimized and delivers robust performance-per-watt for cost-effective embedded solutions. Featuring extended lifecycle support, this processor offers an excellent solution for embedded market segments such as digital signage, interactive clients (kiosks, point-of-sale terminals), thin clients, digital security, residential gateways, print imaging, and commercial and industrial control. The processor remains software compatible with previous 32-bit Intel® architecture and complementary silicon.

This single-core processor is validated with the mobile Intel® 945GSE Express Chipset, consisting of the Intel® 82945GSE Graphics Memory Controller Hub and Intel® I/O Controller Hub 7-M. The chipset features power-efficient graphics with an integrated 32-bit 3D graphics engine based on Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 architecture with SDVO, LVDS, CRT, and TV-Out display ports. It provides rich I/O capabilities and flexibility via high-bandwidth interfaces such as PCI Express,* PCI, Serial ATA, and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity.

Product highlights

• Intel Atom processor N270 at 1.6 GHz core speed with 533 MHz AGTL+ front-side bus and 2.5 watts thermal design power¹ (TDP)
• Intel hafnium-based 45nm Hi-k metal gate silicon process technology reduces power consumption, increases switching speed, and significantly increases transistor density over previous 65nm technology
• Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology² (two threads) provides high performance-per-watt efficiency in an in-order pipeline and increased system responsiveness in multi-tasking environments. One execution core is seen as two logical processors, and parallel threads are executed on a single core with shared resources
• Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology reduces average system power consumption

Product Name	Core Speed	Front-Side Bus Speed	L2 Cache	L1 Cache	Thermal Design Power	Tjunction	Package
Intel® Atom™ processor N270	1.6 GHz	533 MHz	On-die 512 KB, 8-way	32 KB instruction cache 24 KB write-back data cache	2.5 W	0 to 90° C	437-ball lead-free FCBGA8 22 mm x 22 mm

Ω Intel® processor numbers are not a measure of performance. Processor numbers differentiate features within each processor family, not across different processor families. Seewww.intel.com/products/processor_number/ for details.

¹ The TDP specification should be used to design the processor thermal solution. TDP is not the maximum theoretical power the processor can generate.

² Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) requires a computer system with an Intel® processor supporting Intel HT Technology and an Intel HT Technology enabled chipset, BIOS, and operating system. Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware and software you use. See www.intel.com/products/ht/hyperthreading_more.htm for more information including details on which processors support Intel HT Technology.