The cost factor we have discussed in our last post may be the factor for consideration which can be only seen after its launch. Because cost matters for common man.

Technical Updation With Estimated Prices:As per the sources Core i7 950 will run at 3.06GHz having 130MHz faster speed than its 940 predecessor, and will be priced again at $562 in quantities of 1000.

Similarly, the Core i7 Extreme 975 is supposed to run at 3.33GHz, roughly 133MHz faster than its 965 Extreme predecessor, and will be priced again at $999 ( In quantities of 1000)

Extreme edition may have unclocked multiplier which will be the premium cost factor for Intel. Better overclocking potential is promised with the D0 stepping of Intel.

Moreover, some internal testing has been done by motherboard manufacturers in Taiwan who have reported significant overclocking potential over the C0 stepping launched back in November. A few days ago, Intel also revealed that it will launch its Core i7 920 D0 revision on March 2nd.

We can expect higher overclocking potential from this chip as well, although no specific performance increases are known as of yet. This chip will be priced again at $284 in quantities of 1000.

Fact of consideration is both stepping updates that are C0 and D0 are priced at same with high overclocking technology. What matters at the consumer’s end is does it is really giving the increased performance or not.

Let us see what this two new processor can have in their basket. We have to wait till its launch.

As we know that, this new processor was most awaited by gaing geeks, extreme end users, corporate world as well as application based computing users.

Intel’s Turbo Boosting, Quick Path Technology, Hyper Threading have made it today the fastest processor on the planet. No doubt it is high on its performance. Technically speaking it is one of the masterpiece made with semiconductors.

But we have to take look at largest market of that home users who are not gamers and geeks nor the corporates. Where Intel i7 920 cost’s around $299, Core i7 Extreme edition which is fastest today cost more that $800 which is far out of reach of common man.

If we consider the last few launches like Core 2 Duo or Dual core from Intel, they were so affordable that they are now on 40% of the PC’s in the world. But if we compare the scenario with Core i7, it is only limited to the corporate world, Because only they can afford it.

No doubt, it is cost effective, it gives best performance, better for gamers and for all types of graphic usage too. But still $800 should not be the costing of i7.

Intel have to think over this facts and they should either launch a low cost version or they need to make some changes in its hardware to reduce the cost. Because without which it can not spread in the market as Core 2 Duo.

None the less they should consider their rival AMD which is offering quad core  2 at very low cost compared to i7. They can surely bring new technology to beat the i7, and if they manage to reduce its cost; Intel can have serious commercial problems with core i7.

So this are some of the financial aspect which are related to common PC users, Not even the users Intel should also think over it again.

Consider the Following Scenario, “I just bought new computer parts with the intention of assembling a computer with Core i7 I ran into a number of problems which I have overlooked.

Following question you should ask while choosing Core i7 as your upgradable processor:

Is my Intel Desktop Board Compatiable?

Which Motherboard is properly compatible?

Is this an issue with the processors itself, (something like heat sink)?

If it is just the heatsink, would simply replacing the heatsink with one that is ATX compatible solve my problem?

Is there any proper process for changing motherboard later on? ”

Here is the motherboard  configuration for core i7 which can be helpful for more details:

Motherboard Details

So here, with this article we have covered some of the question that can arise if you are buying or upgrading to core i7. Even if you are thinking of overclocking the core i7 to 3.5 or more this questions can help you to survice from disaster.

Core i7′s cutting edge technology is   best when it is based blended with compatible motherboard. And so intel itself is packing the whole core i7 PC package. Nvidia is trying to build Motherboard for i7 and many are interested in it. But today best you can bet on buying and complete i7 package rather than upgrading.

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.

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……..

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.