Intel Core 2
- This article is about Intel processors branded as "Intel Core 2." For more information on the microarchitecture to be used in Intel Core 2 microprocessors, see Intel Core Microarchitecture.
Core 2 is an eighth-generation x86 architecture microprocessor to be produced by Intel based on an all-new CPU design called the Intel Core Microarchitecture, which will replace the Netburst architecture that has powered Intel processors since 2000. Core 2 also will mark the retirement of Intel's Pentium brand name that has been used from 1993 and the reunition of Intel's notebook and desktop product lines since Pentium M was released apart from Pentium 4 in 2003.
Unlike Netburst-based processors, such as the Pentium 4 and Pentium D, Core 2 will not stress designs based on stratospheric clock speeds but rather improvements on other CPU features, including cache size and amount of cores. Intel claims that the power consumption of these processors is to be extremely low compared to the Pentiums before.
Intel Core 2 processors will feature EM64T, Virtualization Technology, and Execute Disable. The release will also introduce LaGrande Technology, SSE4, Enhanced SpeedStep Technology, and Active Management Technology (iAMT2).
Processor Cores
Conroe
The first Intel Core 2 processor, codenamed Conroe, is scheduled to be released July 2006 for desktops, replacing the Pentium 4 and Pentium D. Conroe is to be built on a 65 nm process. Intel has claimed that Conroe will yield 40% more performance at 40% less power than the Pentium D.
The top-of-the-line Core 2 Extreme will be released first, followed by less powerful models of Core 2.
Merom
Merom, Intel's first mobile version of the Core 2 processor, will be released in August 2006 and will replace the Intel Core line of mobile processors. Merom will largely have the same features as Conroe, but with more emphasis on low power consumption to enhance notebook battery life. Intel has claimed that Merom will yield 20% more performance yet maintain the same battery-life as Core.
Intel has stated that Merom will be drop-in compatible with the current Core platform, requiring at most a BIOS update and having the same thermal envelope. [1]