Components
Components
Microprocessors
A microprocessor—the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer system—processes system data and controls other devices in the system, acting as the "brains" of the computer. We offer microprocessors with one or multiple processor cores designed for desktops, nettops, workstations, servers, embedded products, communications products, notebooks, netbooks, mobile Internet devices (MIDs), and consumer electronics. The following are characteristics of our microprocessors:
- Multi-core microprocessors contain two or more processor cores, which can enable improved multitasking and energy-efficient performance by distributing computing tasks across multiple cores.
- Cache is a memory that can be located directly on the microprocessor, permitting quicker access to frequently used data and instructions. Incorporating additional amounts and/or levels of cache can enable higher performance.
- Our microprocessors can also include integrated memory controllers, which increase the speed of data transfer from cache and system memory.
During 2008, we introduced a new microarchitecture based on our 45-nanometer (nm) Hi-k metal gate silicon process technology (latest generation Intel® Core™ microarchitecture). Microarchitecture refers to the layout, density, and logical design of a microprocessor. The latest generation Intel Core microarchitecture incorporates features designed to increase performance and energy efficiency, such as:
| Feature | Performance Enhancement | |
|---|---|---|
| Intel® QuickPath Technology | Utilizes an integrated memory controller to allow faster memory access than a standard front side bus | |
| Intel® Turbo Boost Technology | Increases processor frequency when applications demand more performance | |
| Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology | Allows each processor core to process two software tasks or threads simultaneously |
During 2008, we also introduced the Intel® Atom™ processor family. These low-power processors are specifically designed for embedded solutions, MIDs, consumer electronics, and two new classes of simple and affordable Internet-focused computers called netbooks and nettops.
Chipsets
The chipset operates as the "nervous system" in a PC or other computing device, sending data between the microprocessor and input, display, and storage devices, such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor, hard drive, and CD or DVD drive. We offer chipsets designed for desktops, nettops, workstations, servers, embedded products, communications products, notebooks, netbooks, MIDs, and consumer electronics. The following are functions of chipsets:
- Chipsets perform essential logic functions, such as balancing the performance of the system and removing bottlenecks.
- Chipsets extend the graphics, audio, video, and other capabilities of many systems.
- Chipsets may also control access between the CPU and system memory.
Motherboards
We offer motherboard products designed for our desktop, workstation, and server platforms. A motherboard is the principal board within a system, and typically contains the CPU, chipset, memory, and other components. The motherboard also has connectors for attaching devices to the bus, which is the subsystem that transfers data between various components of a computer.
Wired and Wireless Connectivity
We offer wired and wireless connectivity products, including network adapters and embedded wireless cards, based on industry-standard protocols used to translate and transmit data across networks. Wireless connectivity products based on WiFi technology allow users to wirelessly connect to high-speed local area networks, typically within a close range. We have also developed wireless connectivity products for both mobile and fixed networks based on WiMAX, a standards-based wireless technology providing high-speed broadband connectivity, which links users and networks up to several miles apart.