Intel's Desktop Dual Core Processors Arrive!

Recently, Intel announced and began shipping their first "Dual Core" processors for desktop computers with more to follow in the coming quarters, especially in Q1 2006. ASI has slowly started to receive the dual core Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition for PC enthusiasts and systems using the 955X chipset, and the dual core Intel® Pentium® D processor for mainstream PC users using the 945 chipset family.

The new Pentium D processor brand name was formerly code-named "Smithfield" in case you heard that name. The Pentium Processor Extreme Edition, which includes a new brand logo, differs from the Pentium D solely by including Hyper-Threading technology, which gives the capability of processing four threads or instructions simultaneously versus single and dual threads from one and two-core processors. The more than 15 dual/multi-core processor projects underway will be the engines that fuel Intel’s digital home, digital office, mobile and enterprise platforms, which address new and different multi-tasking, multi-user and usage opportunities for our customers and their end-users.

The Need for Dual Core Desktop Processors:

Whether performing video editing functions, playing graphic intensive games or running multiple background tasks simultaneously, users today have high expectations for their PC's performance with little tolerance for degradation in this experience. For people who run multiple demanding applications simultaneously, Intel's new dual core processors are the preferred desktop processor for this usage model. Intel's dual-core processors provide two execution cores in one physical processor, both running at the same frequency, both cores share the same CPU packaging and the same interface with the chipset/memory.

These changes allow the platform to do more in less time, provide exceptional functionality and performance so consumers get the most productivity and enjoyment from their PCs when one or more people are running multiple applications at the same time. Imagine that a dual-core processor is like a four-lane highway — it can handle up to twice as many cars as its two-lane predecessor without making each car drive twice as fast.

Similarly, with an Intel dual-core processor-based PC, people can perform multiple tasks such as downloading music and gaming simultaneously. In a technical nutshell, Intel believes multi-core processing will support several key capabilities that can enhance the user experience, including the number of PC tasks a user can do at one time, and the ability to do multiple bandwidth-intensive activities and increase the number of users utilizing the same PC at the same time.

Intel Desktop Dual Core Product Info Chart - LGA775, 90nm technology

Processor Family	Processor Number	ASI SKU	Clock Speed	Intel Product Code	Bus Speed	L2 Cache	HT	XD	EM64T	Enhanced Intel Speedstep Technology (EIST)
	840	37376	3.20 GHz	BX80547PG3600FT	800 MHz	2 x 1MB	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
	840	37375	3.20 GHz	BX80551PG3200FN	800 MHz	2 x 1MB	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
	830	37374	3.00 GHz	BX80551PG3000FN	800 MHz	2 x 1MB	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
	820	37373	2.80 GHz	BX80551PG2800FN	800 MHz	2 x 1MB	No	Yes	Yes	No

Understanding Multi-Core Processor Architecture & Difference to Hyper-Threading

Explained most simply, multi-core processor architecture entails silicon design engineers placing two or more processor “execution cores,” or computational engines, within a single processor. This multi-core processor plugs directly into a single processor socket, but the operating system perceives each of its execution cores as a discrete logical processor, with all the associated execution resources.

The idea behind this implementation of the chip’s internal architecture is in essence a “divide and conquer” strategy. In other words, by divvying up the computational work performed by the single processor execution core in traditional microprocessors and spreading it over multiple processor execution cores, a multi-core processor can perform more work within a given clock cycle. Thus, it is designed to deliver a better overall user experience. To enable this improvement, the software running on the platform must be written such that it can spread its workload across multiple execution cores. This functionality is called thread-level parallelism or “threading,” and applications and operating systems (such as Microsoft Windows XP) that are written to support it are referred to as “threaded” or “multi-threaded.”

A processor equipped with hardware thread-level parallelism can execute completely separate threads of code simultaneously. This can mean one thread running from an application and a second thread running from an operating system, or parallel threads running from within a single application. (Multimedia applications are especially conducive to thread-level parallelism because many of their operations can run in parallel.) As software developers continue to design more threaded applications that capitalize on this architecture, multi-core processors can be expected to provide new and innovative benefits for PC users, at home and at work. Multi-core capability can also enhance the user experience in multitasking environments, namely, where a number of foreground applications run concurrently with a number of background applications such as virus protection and security, wireless, management, compression, encryption and synchronization.

Like other hardware-enhanced threaded capabilities advanced at Intel, multi-core capability reflects a shift to parallel processing — a concept originally conceived in the supercomputing world. For example, Hyper-Threading (HT) Technology, introduced by Intel in 2002 enables processors to execute tasks in parallel by weaving together multiple “threads” in a single-core processor. But whereas HT Technology is limited to a single core’s using existing execution resources more efficiently to better enable threading, multi-core capability provides two or more complete sets of execution resources to increase overall compute throughput. As more multithreaded applications come to market, Intel dual-core processor-based PCs will be ready to deliver better computing experiences and will really shine.

As seen in the chart below, the top graphic shows that a Pentium D (Dual-Core processor without Hyper-threading) can process two threads concurrently in parallel (one by each processing core). The bottom graphic shows a Pentium Processor Extreme Edition (Dual-Core processor with Hyper-threading) can process 4 threads in parallel.

Intel's new Dual Core Processors includes several new performance
enhancing features

	Dual-core: The Power of dual-core Delivers Exceptional Benefits to Your Platform: Intel dual-core processors have two complete execution cores in one processor package running at the same frequency. The two physical cores in one package have their own set of registers and cache.
	Level 1 Execution Trace Cache: The Intel Pentium D processor features two 16KB data caches. In addition to the data cache, each core includes an Execution Trace Cache that stores up to 12K decoded micro-ops in the order of program execution. This increases performance by removing the decoder from the main execution loop and makes more efficient usage of the cache storage space since instructions that are branched around are not stored.
	2MB Level 2 Cache (2 x 1MB): The Intel Pentium D processor based upon Intel 90nm process technology has a 1MB L2 Advanced Transfer Cache for each core (2MB total) enabling improved overall system performance by allowing each processor core to have faster access to larger amounts of the most often used data.
	Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST): Available on Intel Pentium D processors 830 and higher (not available on the Intel Pentium processor Extreme Edition); when running applications that demand less processor power, the Operating System will slow the processor clock speed down. Enabling of EIST can lead to power efficient systems that can run quieter and cooler³. (This feature only available on certain Intel processors)
	Intel® EM64T: Intel® EM64T provides an enhancement to Intel’s 32-bit architecture by enabling the desktop processor platform to access larger amounts of memory. With appropriate 64-bit supporting hardware and software, platforms based on an Intel processor supporting Intel EM64T can enable use of extended virtual and physical memory.
	Execute Disable Bit: This feature, combined with a supported operating system, allows memory to be marked as executable or non-executable. If code attempts to run in non-executable memory the processor raises an error to the operating system.
	Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 (SSE3): Single Instruction Multiple Data Extensions significantly accelerate performance of 3-D graphics and include additional integer and cache ability instructions that improve other aspects of performance.
	90nm Process Technology: The 90nm process technology is the latest in Intel manufacturing and technology leadership allowing for next generation transistor advantages, such as strained silicon lattice to deliver faster transistors and potentially increase performance.
	Hyper-Threading Technology (HT Technology) * ONLY on Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition * In addition to the above features the Intel Pentium processor Extreme Edition supports HT Technology. In desktop PCs and entry-level workstations, HT Technology takes advantage of threaded applications already in the market, and will deliver benefits from the next generation multi-threaded software applications. Multithreaded software divides workloads into processes and software threads that can be independently scheduled and dispatched.

Dual-Core Platform Component Selection:

Motherboard Selection:

Motherboards used with the Pentium D processor in the LGA775 package must specifically support the Intel NetBurst micro-architecture 800MHz system bus. Also, the Pentium D processor in the 775-land package must be used in a motherboard with a LGA775 socket (Socket-T). It is important to verify that the specific motherboard model and revision support the specific Pentium D Processor number being used. Currently Intel 955X and the 945G/P chipset families can support the new Intel Dual Core Desktop processors.

Motherboards that support the Pentium D processor and are based on the ATX form factor specification utilize power supplies that follow the ATX12V power supply design guide. Similarly, microATX form factor motherboards that support the Pentium D processor utilize power supplies that follow the ATX12V or SFX12V power supply design guides. Both the ATX12V and SFX12V power supply design guides are available on the Form Factors website.

Chassis Selection:

Systems based on the Pentium D Processor in the LGA775 package must use a chassis that complies with the ATX specification (revision 2.01 or later) or microATX specification (revision 1.0 or later), depending on the motherboard form factor. Intel recommends system integrators using ATX form factor motherboards to choose a chassis that complies with the ATX specification (revision 2.01 or later). Likewise, system integrators using microATX form factor motherboards should choose a chassis that complies with the microATX specification (1.0 or later).

It is recommended to use a chassis on the Tested Chassis List to ensure proper chassis airflow, electrical support (ATX12V or SFX12V power supply), and compatibility with boxed Intel Pentium 4 processors using an Intel® Desktop Board. Chassis that pass this thermal testing provide system integrators with a starting place for determining which chassis to evaluate.

Power Supply Selection:

Power supplies must comply with either the ATX12V or SFX12V design guidelines (see the Form Factors website for details) and supply additional current on the 12V power rail through a 2x2 connector.. All Pentium D processor-based systems require either the standard 2x10, 20-pin ATX power connector or the new 24 pin ATX power connecter as well as the 2x2, 4-pin 12V connector. The Intel® Pentium® Extreme Edition processor requires a power supply with a 2x4 connector instead of the 2x2 connector.

Additionally there are specific current requirements for the 12v rails. See table below. Consult the motherboard documentation to determine additional power supply requirements. Intel tests power supplies to determine a minimum level of electrical compliance. Consult the Tested Power Supply List for more information.

Power Supply Requirements:

System Classification	Value	Mainstream	Performance
Power supply requirement for 12V rail	13A Continuous, 16.5A Peak for 10ms	16A continuous, 19A peak for 10ms	Two 12v rails each rated at: 8A continuous, 11A peak for 10ms
Board (chipset specific)	945 Chipset	945/955X Chipset	955X Chipset
Chassis	TAC 1.1	TAC 1.1 Tested for PCG 05B platform See tested chassis list	TAC 1.1 Tested for Extreme Edition CPU See tested chassis list

Intel’s Roadmap for Multi-Core Processors

Intel is deploying multi-core processors across key product lines as a pivotal piece of its new platform focus. Intel plans to deliver additional dual-core desktop processors based on its 65nm process technology in the first half of 2006. Initial plans for the server arena in the first quarter of 2006, Intel intends to deliver two optimized Intel Xeon™ dual-core processors with Intel® EM64T designed for dual-processor and multi-processor platforms. Intel expects to begin shipments of its first mobile dual-core processor, codenamed “Yonah,” in late 2005 and go into volume production in 2006. Based on a mobile-optimized micro-architecture and 65nm process technology, “Yonah” is designed to provide power management capabilities and enhanced performance for multiple demanding applications and multi-threaded applications