Intel has
finally released the new 3rd generation series of Intel Core processors. This
3rd generation of the Intel Core processors brings many new features and
improvements over the earlier 2nd generation of
processors. In this article, I am going to point out some of
these exciting features that every computer enthusiast ought to know.
What is the name of the new processor series from Intel?
Ivy Bridge
is the codename of Intel’s new processor family. Ivy Bridge supersedes the
earlier Sandy Bridge processor family. While Sandy Bridge is considered as the
2nd generation Intel Core processor family, Ivy Bridge is the 3rd generation of
the Intel Core processors.
What is the main difference between Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge?
The main difference is the the
process architecture. Ivy Bridge uses the 22 nm architecture while Sandy Bridge
uses 32 nm architecture. This means that Ivy Bridge can pack more electronic
components in a smaller area, giving better power efficiency and performance.
Intel has also introduced a new 3D
transistor technology in the Ivy Bridge processors. They are also called
tri-gate transistors. According to Intel, this new architectural design would
result in Ivy Bridge providing better performance while consuming significantly
less power compared to an equivalent Sandy Bridge processor.
How much faster are the Ivy
Bridge processors?
Intel has not yet released all the
Ivy Bridge processors. At the time of writing this article, only the high-end
i7 and i5 processors have been released. The base clock frequency of these
processors ranges from 2.8 GHz (for Core i5-3450S) to 3.5 GHz(for Core
i7-3770K). Later this year more affordable entry-level i5 and i3 processors
would be released.
What other notable features are
present in Ivy Bridge?
1. HD graphics – Ivy Bridge processors
have in-built GPU chip inside them. The GPU supports DirectX 11 (Sandy Bridge
supports version 10.1), OpenGL 3.1 (Sandy Bridge supports version 3.0). Ivy
Bridge processors have the Intel HD4000/HD2500 GPU chips. This means that you
do not need an add-on graphics card.
2. QuickSync Video – This feature is
introduced in the Intel 3rd generation processors. It uses dedicated media
processing to make video creation and conversion faster and easier. Whether you
want to create DVDs, create, convert and edit 3D/2D videos, upload to your
favorite social networking sites – everything is done in a jiffy.
3. WiDi 3.0 – Wireless Display
technology allows you to stream media content to a multitude of of your WiFi
connected display devices. You can share a 1080p 60FPS video using WiDi.
4. Turbo Boost Technology
2.0 –
Using the Turbo boost technology, you can make your Ivy Bridge processors run
faster than their base frequency. For example, a 3.5GHz iCore i7 can be made to
run at 3.9 GHz for some time.
Do I need a new socket or
motherboard for Ivy Bridge processors?
Not necessarily. The Ivy Bridge
processors use the same LGA1155 socket that is used by the Sandy Bridge
processors. This means that you can fit a new Ivy Bridge processor in your
older 2nd generation motherboard.
But by using your new Ivy Bridge
processor in an older 2nd generation motherboard/socket, you will not be able
to use all the new features introduced in Ivy Bridge. For example, Ivy Bridge
has inbuilt USB 3.0 and PCIe 3.0 support which will not work with older boards.
So it is suggested that you invest in a new motherboard to get the maximum
performance from your new processor. If you are going to buy a new motherboard,
then you should know that the 3rd generation Core i7, Core i5 and Core i3
processors are best matched with the Intel Z77, H77 and H61 chipset boards
respectively.
What kind of RAM is supported
by the Ivy Bridge?
Ivy Bridge processors support the
standard DDR3 RAM modules of up to 1600 MHz frequency.
How many cores do the Ivy
Bridge processors have?
All the presently released
processors are quad-core processors., i.e., they all have four cores. Some of
the processors also support eight threads. Although threads are not physical
cores but they work like your processor’s simulated cores. This is possible
through the Intel Hyper Threading technology which lets multiple threads run on
each of the cores of a processor.
There is a speculation that the
entry-level Core i3 Ivy Bridge processors, which would be released later this
year, will have only two cores.
What different types of the Ivy
Bridge processors are available?
There are many types of processors
in the Ivy Bridge family. The type is indicated by putting a suffix to the CPU
model name. The following list explains these suffixes -
§ K – Unlocked, ready to
be overclocked.
§ S – Performance
optimized. Low power consumption.
§ T – Power optimized.
Ultra low power consumption.
§ M – Mobile processors
for mobile devices.
§ Q – Quad core
processors.
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