Intel Core micro architecture

Core micro architecture

The first announcement of the new micro architecture was during the fall 2005 edition of Intel’s Developer Forum (IDF). From now on the core micro architecture will be the foundation of a new generation of processors for desktops, laptops and servers. The original promises were at least ambitious: for desktops Intel promised 40% higher performance with 40% less power usage, compared to Pentium D processors. Our tests already confirmed that Intel kept its promise. The power usage of Intel’s current Core Duo mobile processors is already very low, but nevertheless Intel promised a 20% increase of performance while staying in the same power envelope.

The new core micro architecture is a brand new design, but is based on various existing Intel technologies. The designers took several aspects of the Pentium 4/D - including the fast frontside bus and the 64 bit extensions - but also used and improved many of the power efficient technologies within the Pentium M. Also other technologies like Intel’s Virtualization Technology are incorporated in the new micro architecture.

The most important technologies that make sure the new architectures delivers high performance and low power usage are Wide Dynamic Execution, Intelligent Power Capability, Advanced Smart Cache, Smart Memory Access and Advanced Digital Media Boost. On the following pages we will explain all these aspects of the micro architecture.