Intel Quad-Core Processor

Intel Quad-Core Processor

Group 9

Jamarr Dumas, Latoria Johnson, Shana Reese, and Casey Watkins

Key Words: Quad-Core, CPU, Core 2 Extreme QX6700, Multitasking.

The Intel quad-core processor is a hardware device that features two dual-core chips, which equals four cores, in a single package that plug into a single chip socket. By combining multiple cores, each core is able to run at a lower frequency, dividing the power normally given to a single core. Quad-core processors clearly out perform single-core processors. By using quad-core processors, Intel is able to increases a computer’s capabilities and computing resources, provide better responsiveness, improve multithreaded throughput, and deliver the advantages of parallel computing to properly threaded mainstream applications.

There are two approaches to building multi-core CPUs. The first approach is the “multi-chip.” Each core is made by different chips that are put together in a single package. When one of the CPU cores wants to talk with the other, it needs to go outside the CPU package. The L2 memory cache is also separated; therefore you have to go outside of the package when you want to access data of another core. The second approach is called “monolithic”. The cores in this approach are already manufactured in only one chip. When the CPUs want to talk to each other they do not need to go outside the CPU package because they were already built together. The new quad-core CPUs from Intel mixes both technologies. It has two monolithic dual-core chips installed together in a single package. This means that cores one and two share the same memory cache, the same happening with cores three and four. If cores one or two need to communicate with cores three or four, or to access the other cache, they will need to do this externally. Though cores one and two can communicate with each other internally, and three and four can communicate internally as well.

Some of the benefits of quad-core processors are that they are designed to bring powerful performance to servers by using multiple threads that provide additional headroom for running multiple applications simultaneously. For example, say you have a virus scan running in the background while you are working on your word-processing application. This often degrades responsiveness so much that when you strike a key, there can be a delay before the letter actually appears on the screen. On multi-core processors, the operating system can schedule the tasks in different cores so that each task runs at full performance. Another major benefit comes from individual applications optimized for multi-core processors. There applications can split a task into multiple smaller tasks and run them in separate threads. For instance, a word processor can have “find and replace” run as a separate thread so doing a “find and replace” on a big document does not have to keep you from continuing to write or edit. In a game, a graphics algorithm needing extensive processing power could be one thread, rendering the next scene on the fly, while another thread responds to your comments for a character’s movements. With a quad-core processor you will get higher performance and capability along with lower energy consumption, reducing costs and improving density from every server in your infrastructure. Also, the industry will be able to make a fast transition because these quad-core processors are designed to plug into current motherboards that meet the proper thermal and electrical specifications.

Intel’s quad-core processor will be the ultimate gaming machine and multimedia processing engine for threaded applications. Gamers can expect a smoother, more exciting gaming experience through the distribution of artificial intelligence, physics, and rendering across four hardware threads. Games encompassing the quad core processors will see very detailed graphics that make the game very similar to reality. Remedy, a big producer of video games, used the quad core processor to enhances their new game titled “Alan Wake.” The game has superior details in the overall environment they simulated, such as mountains, rivers, and winds. They also produced explosions and a life-like tornado. Intel will launch their first quad-core CPU, Core 2 Extreme QX6700, in November 2006. It will operate at 2.66 GHz with a 1,066 MHz processor system bus, and 8 MB total L2 cache. The Core 2 Extreme QX6700 will be ideal for multimedia enthusiasts, gamers, and workers in demanding multitasking environments. The new processor will cost $999 in 1000-unit quantities.

Businesses will also be able to benefit from using the new quad core processor. This new hardware will support numerous businesses activities and services. Employees’ computers would be able to run at maximum speeds which lead to greater productivity from each worker. Businesses will also take advantage of the ability to run simultaneous activities such as payroll, manufacturing processes, human resources, scheduling, and other components. The new processor allows business to simultaneously run these components with minimal reductions in speed and capability. This in turn, increases productivity across the business. Client-server networks would definitely benefit greatly from this product. Especially since both client and server computers need the ability to run multiple applications at the same time.

The major disadvantage of Intel’s quad-core processor is that it’s merely two dual-core CPUs packed together. This raises the argument that it is not a “true” quad core. Some say that the memory bandwidth could be shorter because it is being shared between only two cores instead of four separate cores. However, Intel claims it will have more than enough bandwidth to feed both cores, even in heavy operation.

In conclusion, Intel will be the first in the industry to introduce a quad-core processor. It will consist of four complete execution cores within a single package. The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 will be the ideal choice for processor intensive, highly threaded applications.

References

Case, Loyd. (2006, September 28). Core 2 Extreme Quad Performance. Retrieved October 29,

2006 from the World Wide Web:

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2021888,00.asp

Shilov, Anton. (2006, September 9). Intel May Release Its Quad-Core Kentsfield in November.

Retrieved October 29, 2006 from the World Wide Web:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/cpu/display/20060906094518.html

Intel Corporation. (2006). Bringing the Performance of Quad-Core Microprocessors to Reality.

Retrieved October 29, 2006 from the World Wide Web:

http://www.intel.com/quad-core/?cid=cim:ggl|xeon_us_clovertown|k744B|c

Quad Core Processors
Group 9

1.	What company is introducing the quad-core processor?

IBM

Dell

Intel

Microsoft

2.	The two approaches to building multi-core CPUs are multi-chip and

dual-chip

B.	monolithic

C.	integration

D.	there is only one approach.

1. 3.3. 2.3.

How many cores are in the new processor?

none

4.	What is the name of the new processor?

A.	Core 2 Extreme QX6700

Intel

CPU

D.	dual memory chip

5.	When will the new processor be launched?

A.	April 2007

June 2007

C.	November 2006

D.	August 2008

6.	Who will the new processors benefit?

A.	Businesses

Consumers

Gamers

D.	All of the above

7.	Which core would share the same cache as core 1?

Core 2

Core 3

Core 4

Core 5