![]() ![]() Quad-core processors have four processing units that connect with internal cache. For example, each core might get its own L2 cache, there might be two L2 chips that two cores share, or all four cores might share the same L2 cache. The Level 2 (L2) cache differ the most among quad-core processors. In most configurations, each core gets its own Level 1 ( L1) cache memory, and all four cores share the same Level 3 (元) cache if it's included. ![]() However, the way in which the processor cache is implemented can vary from one CPU offering to the next. The processors usually include their own cache to speed up performance. Manufacturers that build quad-core processors typically integrate the cores onto a single semiconductor wafer or onto multiple wafers within a single integrated circuit package. ![]() Applications that are lightly threaded or that do not support multithreading do not receive the same benefit from a quad-core processor. Multithreading can enhance application performance, but only for threaded applications that are built for parallel processing. In this way, the processor can support multithreading, a form of parallelization in which multiple threads are processed simultaneously by different cores. How does a quad-core processor work?Įach core in a quad-core processor can run its own set of instructions at the same time as the other three cores run theirs. Intel and AMD are among the top manufacturers of these processors. Some high-end servers feature up to 128 cores. Quad-core CPUs continue to be popular in all types of systems, including smartphones, computers, PC gaming and data center servers. Quad-core processors were the second step in the move into multicore systems that started with dual-core processors in 2005. Inside the chip, each core operates in conjunction with other circuits, such as cache, memory management and input/output ports. Core 2 Extreme QX6700.A quad-core processor is a chip with four independent units called cores that read and execute central processing unit (CPU) instructions, such as add, move data and branch. Those with a 'Q' prefix are quad-core models, eg. For these processors, the CPU model numbers give away its pedigree. What may be initially confusing however is that both Conroe and Kentsfield enthusiast parts will be named Core 2 Extreme. This naming convention is based on the fact that the Kentsfield processors are in the same generation as the dual-core Conroe and Allendale - hence, 'Core 2' designates the processor series and the 'Duo' or 'Quad' suffix designating the number of cores. Whether the corresponding Core 2 Duo processors will receive price cuts remain to be seen as nothing has been announced yet. The QX6700 will be followed by the mainstream 2.4GHz Core 2 Quad Q6600, tentatively set to be released first quarter of 2007 and rumored to be priced around US$851. The first Kentsfield processor to be available at launch will start with the top-end 2.66GHz Core 2 Extreme QX6700 priced at US$999, which is the same as the 2.93GHz Core 2 Extreme X6800 during its launch. The official name of the Kentsfield series will be Core 2 Quad in the mainstream segment and the Core 2 Extreme in the enthusiast segment. Quad-core processing has indeed arrived in the consumer space as Intel increases its leadership position even more. During the recent IDF Fall 2006, Intel confirmed the launch and we were even given the opportunity for a hands-on performance preview, which you can check out here. The news that have been most anticipated within tech circles however, has been the talk of Intel's upcoming quad-core part, codenamed Kentsfield. Despite the rave journalistic buzz however, the Core 2 Duo is still a dual-core processor and dual-core processors themselves aren't anything new (Intel's Pentium D and AMD's Athlon 64 X2 have been around since early 2005), not to mention that three and a half months is hardly enough time for the Core 2 Duo to really penetrate the retail channels. Intel's Core 2 Duo processor family bearing the new Core microarchitecture broke new grounds when it was launched a scant four months ago, catapulting Intel back into the driver's seat of the microprocessor industry, a 'show hand' that arch-rival AMD has yet to deliver a response till date. ![]()
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