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!!!