After spending the majority of their corporate life winning the battle of the megahertz over their competitors, Intel has began moving to a new strategy, Processor Numbers. It has become evident to most savvy computer users that performance can no longer be measured by CPU speed alone. While speed has long been the accepted benchmark used when comparing processors and their performance, processor technology has evolved far beyond the speed of the core and the multiplier alone. While Intel has long said, that the sum of all of it's features is far greater than the speed rating alone, now they are bringing this to the forefront of their naming (and advertising) in order to help their customers look past the Gigahertz and see the additional features that are offered across all of their different lines.

With the introduction of the "Dothan" line of CPUs Intel is shifting to a number based naming convention, "Processor Numbers", for it's desktop and notebook processors. Much like the BMW automobiles, Intel will be using the 3, 5, and 7 series designations to separate it's processor lines, not only by speed, but also by usage model, brand, and features (clock speed, FSB, cache, and future (undefined) Intel technologies). The naming of the processor line is so closely based on the BMW model that representatives from Intel had several discussions with BMW in the interest of respecting the intellectual property of the automaker.

While current products will retain their same names, new products (including the Extreme Edition CPU) will take on the new naming scheme as they are introduced. Mobile CPU's, and Desktop CPU's will be separated into their own respective categories, and then broken down into subgroups by the different features that they contain. Both the mobile and desktop CPU's will follow the same basic sub-grouping pattern: 300 Series = Low End (Budget), 500 Series = Mid Range (Mainstream), 700 Series = High End (Performance).

With the new naming scheme you will see the processors broken down first by processor family, and then the processor number will be added to the end. While this does not make deciphering the specs of the CPU very easy at a glance, it does force you to completely disregard purchasing the CPU based solely on the speed rating alone.

Distributor Involvement

Intel is working hard to encourage their distributors and channel partners to get more involved with educating their customers on the features of their processors instead of just the different speeds. By working with the customers to help determine their actual needs, they can also be better prepared to explain and guide the customer towards the right usage model, brand promise, and finally the SKU Level.

Just as it sounds, the Usage Model determines what the CPU is going to be used for. This could be a standard desktop PC, a performance gaming machine, or a notebook.

Brand Promise helps to determine which Intel brand would best fit your needs, be it an Extreme Edition CPU, or a Celeron M. SKU Level narrows down the choice to features. If you're looking for high FSB speed, or tons of cache, Intel will have the right unit for you.

SKU Level will get even more important (and complicated) when Intel introduces Vanderpool Technology for virtualization and LaGrande Technology for security enhancements.

What Processor Numbering Is and Isn't

For more information and reference charts for processor numbers, please see our support site www.asisupport.com