Intel Core i7 Performance Is Enhanced With Turbo Boosting Technology

Nehalem architecture in Core i7 includes Turbo Boosting Technology which improves the performance as well as reduces excess heating of processor. It automatically allows the each core to work more efficiently than the base operating frequency. When the processor is working below specified limits of power & temperature then the turbo boost technology comes into action of Intel i7. The Turbo Boosting Technology depends upon the number processor core active or disabled. Hyper Threading Technology is quite depends on turbo boosting technology, Together they increases the performance of multi-threaded and single threaded workload of Intel i7. When the Operating System requests the processor for highest performance state in Intel i7, Turbo boost technology is activated.

As the workload on processor & operating system, and performance needs changes, Accordingly Turbo Boosting Technology executes. The maximum frequency of Turbo Boost Technology truly depends upon the active cores. (This maximum frequency in Intel i7 is calculated by specific software)

The availability of the Turbo Boosting Technology on each core depends on following factors-

- The estimated Power Consumption of the processor
- The Temperature of the processor
- The number of Active Cores.

Turbo Boosting

As this processor operating is below these specified limits results in increased work load, the processor dynamically increases the frequency by 133 MHz by short and regular intervals. This is done so as to match the user workload or possible met with the upside active cores. As conversely, if the frequency of processor exceeds (or reaches the limits) then it automatically decreases the frequency by 133 MHz which is the basic used in Turbo Boosting of i7.

Features like Overclocking & Hyper Threading of Nehalem Architecture in Intel i7 are quite depend upon this Turbo Boosting Technology. Together all these technologies results in enhanced performance as well as reduced power consumption eliminating the effects of overheating of processor.

Quick Path Technology Adopted In Core i7

The Very first Question popping up in our Minds will be ‘What does this Term Quick Path Technology mean?’

The name Quick means FAST, Path means a Particular Route. So Intel Core i7, acquired this Technology for point-to-point high-speed links to distributed shared memory.

It is rightly said: A small thinking can change the world. A small change in Architecture has increased our Working speed to Unimaginable thoughts.

Early a kind of Action to performed were sent by the Control signals and then to the Memory Controller to Processor to Memory Controller to Main Memory. This process was quite Time consuming, But Nehalem and Tukwila Architecture introduced Memory Controllers attached directly to the Processor hence decreasing Time for a particular Process and increasing the Speed.

Quick Path Architecture

The above combination of Nehalam and Tukwila Architecture includes memory controllers integrated into the microprocessors, which are connected together with a high-speed, point-to-point Interconnect. The Quick Path Interconnect provides High Bandwidth and Low Latency.

Quick Path Architecture

Processor Interface

Earlier Intel began with, Front-Side bus that consist of single shared bi-directional bus. To further increase the bandwidth of the Front-side bus based platforms, the single-shared bus approach evolved into Dual Independent buses. The DIB approach was extended to its logical conclusion with the introduction of dedicated high-speed interconnects (DHSI).

Then came the Fastest Technology of the Universe, the Quick Path Technology.

The Quick Path Interconnect is a High-speed point-to-point interconnect. The processor may have one or more cores. When multiple cores are present, they may share caches or have separate caches. The processor also typically has one or more integrated memory controllers.

There are Two Unidirectional Inter-connects one for sending-out the Signals and other for Receiving the Incoming Signal. Hence the Processors need not wait in times of Sending and Receiving Signals at a particular instant of Time. As earlier it had to first send or receive signals and perform the alternative process according to the Priority.

So from above all we can easily say that Quick Path Technology features an integrated Memory Controller and High-Speed Interconnect, Linking processors and other components to deliver:
Dynamically scalable interconnect bandwidth.
Outstanding memory performance and flexibility.
Tightly integrated interconnect reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS).
Optimal balance of price, performance, and energy efficiency.

Such New changes can be Key Ingredient in keeping Pace with the Next Generation of Microprocessors. So keep Thinking and Reading……..

Overclocking Considerations for Intel Core i7

Concept of Overclocking
The process of running the computer system at higher clock speed than their original speed is termed as Overclocking. (E.g. a CPU is running at a speed of 1.4GHz which is supposed to work at 1.2GHz or 200MHz CPU at 233MHz). Core i7 have some significant components which needs further improvement in traditional processor’s overclocking.

Focus and Manipulation
Most of the regular user buys low speed computer components and they overclock to higher speeds. They mainly focus their efforts on computer components like Processor, Chipsets, Motherboards,  Video cards and Random Access  Memory (RAM) during the clocking. But to be more concentrated, Manipulation on the motherboard front side of bus and especially on the CPU’s multiplier is done for major overclocking to impact. It is done till it reaches the required frequency. It can be done by replacing the Front Side Bus with the QPI (Quick Path Interconnect) because Intel Core i7 have its maximum use & often this is called the Base clock (BCLK).  Also overclocking in Core i7 is much affected by CPU multipliers, bus dividers, voltages, thermal loads & cooling technology.

Overclocking Consideration for Core i7:

1. The clock rate should be having the low speed than the CPU’s speed.
2. Ensure that component should supplied with proper power supply
3. Excess power can also damage the component.
4. Perfection in tolerance is must.
5. Expensive mother boards need advanced settings that computer enthusiasts are likely to use that will also have built-in overclocking capabilities.

Advantages
Due to overclocking there is faster access of the data on the hard disk.
On the cheaper component we can increase the speed.
Overclocking itself is an engaging body and supports dedicated online communities.

Some bottleneck system where overclocking of component carries full potential than the limiting hardware is overclocked.
Improved performance in Gaming, Encoding, Editing with no additional expenses. Overclocking can increase the time before upgrade is needed.

Overclocking increase the speed of the Core i7 system significantly. Cooling techniques can reduce damage due to overheating. Even the graphics cards can be also clocked .The other option to clocking is flashing and unlocking to video cards. It has to be noticed that Core i7 have not only introduced new technologies like Turbo boosting and Quick Path, But also have totally new Nehalem microarchitecture, these factors will lead to serious changes in traditional overclocking techniques.

So folks, take proper precautions before overclocking this Nehalem Based Processor.

Intel i7 Overcoming The Features of AMD’s K8 Architecture

As the world is aware that AMD and Intel are the rivals in developing semiconductors (Processor in this case) but ,this time with the launch of Core i7, Intel has again proved that they are masters in developing fastest processors.

Core i7

Fiver years back, AMD made changes in its original K8 architecture with its Athlon 64 and Phenom. They have added for the first time on die memory controller, changed many things with their narrow chips interconnected in face to face interconnect known as Hyper Transport; also they have eliminated front side bus. These changes made them significantly high performing graphic supportive technology owners.

But, this time Intel has not only replicated the on die memory system but also they have increased performance with their newer chips named Core i7. The architecture is now known as Nehalem.
Significant Changes in Core i7 that Overcame AMD Features are as Follows:

1. Four cores into a single chip, which brings memory controller on board.

2. Low latency point to point interconnect introduction on board know as Quick Path Technology which replaced the front-side bus.

3. Intel has managed to modify the chip to take advantage of this new system infrastructure, altering it throughout to provide the increased flow of data and instructions through its four cores.

4. Hyper-Threading has redesigned the memory subsystem and cache hierarchy, which increases performance in bandwidth and potential on single socket.

Comparison with AMD’s Chips:
AMD’s is having chips have 463 million transistors on its quad-core Phenom but occupy a larger die area of 283 mm² as they are made on process of 65 nm and have a higher ratio of logic to cache transistors (Compared to i7).

Now if we scan through Intel’s chip, an estimated 731 million transistors arranged into a 263 mm² area via the same 45nm process, ‘Penryn’ Core 2 chips produced with high-k fabrication process. Penryn has roughly 410 million transistors and a die area of 107 mm & two Penryn dies are used to make one quad core processor.

So this is how the Intel has managed to improve the performance through its new Core i7 Processor, Hope we’ll see something big next time from AMD. But till then Intel Core i7 will surely rocks!!!

General Hardware Considerations for Intel’s 64 Bit Processor Core i7

Intel Core i7 is a 64 bit processor having its excellent speed capabilities with its 4 core technology, based on Intel’s Nehalem architecture which is also recognized as Intel 64 architecture has some of its unique features which takes your computing experience to another higher level.

Following are the tips before you move to this 64 Bit Processor:

1. Computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications enabled for Intel 64 architecture are must for this new 64-bit computing on Intel architecture.

2. 64 bit BIOS is also a must for this architecture because it will not at all work on any 32 bit environment.

3. Intel’s four core technology is based on their Virtualization Technology, which requires system with Intel’s virtual machine monitor i.e. VMM support for running specific software. And it also varies according to configuration.

4.  User should take notice that many of VMM applications are still under development process.

5. Intel’s HT Technology i.e., Hyper Threading Technology support must be enabled for your system so as to enjoy the Core i7 for your all types of software and hardware configuration.

6. Core i7 has Execute Disable Bit functionality, so your hardware configuration should be supportive for this technology as well as operating system which supports the same. So do check this information before buying Core i7.

7. Intel’s Core i7 works only with DDR3 RAM check whether your PC hardware configuration is suitable for DDR3, before upgrading.

8. Rather than upgrading you can go for a whole new computer system as it will have all supports from VMM, 64 Bit requirement as well as the DDR3 slots.

Intel Core i7 has Demand Based Switching which increases its multi tasking and decreases the chances of your PC to hang. Its four cores give you the best multi tasking speed. Its best compatibility with other hardware is yet to reveal its peak performance, as this Core i7 is new in the market. But we’ll let you know soon.

Till then enjoy the best tips for your processors at The Intel i7 Blog.

Hyper Threading Technology With Core i7

The Hyper Threading Technology is Intel’s proprietary technology used to improve the parallelization computation means the multitasking ability of microprocessor. To improve performance of microprocessor  in past threading was enabled in software by splitting the instructions into multiple stream. But now a days, In Hyper-Threading Technology you get thread-level parallelism on each processor resulting in more efficient use of processor resources, higher processing throughput and improved performance on today’s multithreaded software.

Simple Hyper Threading Scheme

Concept of Hyper Threading:
Hyper-threading enabled processor is treated by the operating system as two processors instead of one means that only one processor is physically present but the operating system works with two processors ( One virtual & One Actual ), and shares the workload between them But  Hyper-threading requires both Operating system and CPU support. Conventional multiprocessor support is not enough.

For example, Intel does not recommend that hyper-threading be enabled under Windows 2000 although it supports multiple CPUs.

Gaming And Multimedia:
HT Technology enables gaming enthusiasts to play the latest titles and experience ultra-realistic effects and game play. And multimedia enthusiasts can create, edit and encode graphically intensive files while running background applications such as virus scan in the background–all without slowing down.

Improving Enterprise Environments & Online Business:
In HT Technology, multithreaded server software applications can execute threads in parallel within each processor in a server platform and with HT Technology in enterprise and e-business environments, Businesses can Improve business productivity by doing more at once without slowing down, provide faster response times for Internet and e-Business applications, enhancing customer experiences,Increase the number of transactions that can be processed simultaneously and Utilize existing technologies while maintaining future readiness with compatibility for existing 32-bit applications and OSS while being prepared for the future of 64-bit.

Features of Nehalem Micro Architecture used in Core i7

The Nehalem architecture is first time introduced in a processors by Intel named core i7. Core i7 is a 64 bit Quad Core Processor.

Its four cores enable multitasking with enhanced speed and decreases the chances of hanging the computer applications. That is why Core i7 is today’s one of the fastest processor. The code name of Nehalem’s 45 nm process is ‘Penryn’ which is fast enough for the corporate consumers.

Features of Nehalem Based Processor
This micro architecture is having an ‘on-die Memory Controller’. Nehalem also represents unprecedented processor performance and dynamic scalability. The die size of Nehalem is 263 mm2. This architecture is designed to acquire the advantage of Metal Gate Silicon Technology.

The Intel Nehalem has a parallel processing enabled by ‘Intel Quick Path Technology’ providing an integrated memory controller and high speed interconnect per independent processing core.

Being aware that four cores can consume maximum amount of energy, ‘Nehalem Processor Design’  has managed to save power, so it can  be used in mobile technologies as well as in highly scalable, ultra high performance servers.

This is where the Nehalem comes in picture despite of being large size & more complex die, it is internally split into parts that in theory can be mixed and matched like simple building blocks.

Understanding Nehalem architecture

‘Not just power saving but also making efficient use of power drawn by CPU’ is the prime aim of Nehalem Processor.

Nehalem is capable of executing two or more threads at time that is called as ‘Hyper Threading’ (HT Technology).  This HT Technology brings high-performance applications into mainstream computing, with 1-16+ thread is optimized for a next generation ‘Multi-Core’ processor architecture. ‘Multi-Level Shared Cache’ improves performance and efficiency by reducing the frequently used data. These chips are not compatible on ordinary motherboards. In Nehalem micro architecture the DDR3 RAM speed is up to 1600 MHz, while it has Triple Memory Channel.

The diversity for introducing these chips is for speed. As these are costlier than other chips, but they have sophisticated power saving modes as they can replace zero mode. These are one of the fastest processors in market till today known as Core i7

It’s not like older micro architectures were not sufficient, but Nehalem Processor have taken the processor technologies to a new level which is not only faster but also energy efficient.