References

Processor Generations
Intel

Final Edge

Engineering

November 2, 2024

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References

Processor Generations

Processor generations refer to the different iterations or advancements in a particular

family or series of processors, typically released by a manufacturer over time.
Each generation usually brings improvements in performance, power efficiency,
architecture, and features, such as better integrated graphics, enhanced support for
memory, and improved connectivity options.
Generational advancements often involve refinements in micro-architecture, process
technology (like smaller nanometer designs), and optimizations for specific
workloads or tasks.

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Intel processor generations

Intel processor generations refer to the different versions of Intel CPUs, each with
advancements in technology, architecture, and performance.
Note:
Before the
introduction of the 1st generation of Intel Core processors
in 2008, Intel had already been a leader in the CPU
market with its Pentium and Core architectures. These
earlier generations of processors established foundational
technologies such as multi-core architecture, improved
power efficiency, and enhanced processing speeds. Figure 1: Intel
Though not as advanced as modern processors, they laid
the groundwork for the Core i-series and the generational
improvements that followed.
Below are key milestones in Intel’s pre-2008 processor development:
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References

Intel 386 (1985)

The Intel 386 introduced 32-bit computing and support for multitasking, a significant
step forward from earlier processors.

EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS

For Processors: Intel 80386DX
For
Examples of Systems: IBM PS/2, Compaq Deskpro 386
KEY FEATURES
• 32-bit architecture: Allowed handling
of more data and memory than 16-bit models.
• Virtual memory support: Enabled more efficient
multitasking by simulating additional memory.

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Intel 486 (1989)

The Intel 486 integrated a floating-point unit (FPU) and pipelining technology,
improving performance for complex calculations.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel 80486DX2
For Examples
of Systems: Compaq Deskpro 486, Gateway 2000
KEY FEATURES
• Integrated FPU: Enhanced performance
in mathematical and graphics computations.
• Pipelining: Allowed multiple instructions
to be processed simultaneously, improving efficiency.

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Pentium (1993)

The Pentium introduced super-scalar architecture, enabling the execution of multiple

instructions per clock cycle.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Pentium 100 MHz
For
Examples of Systems: Dell Dimension XPS, HP Pavilion
KEY FEATURES
• Super-scalar
architecture: Improved performance by allowing
more than one instruction to be executed at once.
• 64-bit data path: Enhanced data
transfer rates compared to earlier 32-bit processors.

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Pentium Pro (1995)

Designed for high-end workstations and servers, the Pentium Pro introduced
out-of-order execution to improve multitasking.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Pentium Pro 200 MHz
For Examples of Systems: HP NetServer, Dell PowerEdge
KEY FEATURES
• Out-of-order execution:
Improved CPU performance by processing
instructions as resources became available.
• Integrated L2 cache: Faster data access by
integrating the secondary cache directly into the CPU
package.

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Pentium II (1997)

The Pentium II introduced the Slot 1 design and improved multimedia performance,
making it popular for desktop computing.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Pentium II 400 MHz
For Examples
of Systems: Dell Dimension XPS R, Compaq Presario
KEY FEATURES
• Slot 1 connector: Allowed for higher clock speeds
and better cooling.
• Enhanced MMX Technology: Improved multimedia
and gaming performance, optimized for 3D graphics
and audio.

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Pentium III (1999)

The Pentium III included Streaming SIMD Extensions (SSE), improving 3D graphics
and multimedia performance.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Pentium III 1 GHz
For Examples of Systems: IBM ThinkPad T20, HP Vectra
KEY FEATURES
• Streaming SIMD Extensions (SSE): Improved performance in multimedia,
gaming, and 3D applications.
• 512 KB L2 cache: Increased cache size, leading to better performance in complex
tasks.

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Pentium 4 (2000)

The Pentium 4 introduced the Net-Burst architecture, aiming for higher clock speeds
and improved single-threaded performance.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz
For Examples of Systems: HP Pavilion, Dell Inspiron
KEY FEATURES
• Net-Burst
architecture: Focused on achieving higher
clock speeds for better single-threaded performance.
• Hyper-Threading Technology (HTT): Enabled
a single processor to simulate multiple threads,
enhancing multitasking.

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Pentium M (2003)
The Pentium M was designed for laptops and mobile devices, with a focus on power
efficiency and battery life.

EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS

For Processors: Intel Pentium M 1.7 GHz
For Examples
of Systems: Dell Latitude D600, IBM Think-Pad T40
KEY FEATURES
• Enhanced power management:
Optimized for mobile devices, extending
battery life without sacrificing performance.
• Speed-Step Technology: Dynamically adjusted the
processor’s clock speed to balance performance and
power consumption.
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Intel Core Duo (2006)

The Intel Core Duo marked the transition to dual-core processors, enabling better
multitasking performance.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core Duo T2300
For Examples
of Systems: Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS M1210
KEY FEATURES
• Dual-core architecture: Integrated two processing
cores into a single chip, improving multitasking and
multi-threaded application performance.
• Shared L2 cache: Allowed both cores to access the
same L2 cache, reducing latency.

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Intel Core 2 Duo (2006)

The Core 2 Duo represented a leap in performance, power efficiency, and heat
reduction, becoming widely used in desktops and laptops.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
For Examples of Systems: Apple iMac, Dell XPS 410
KEY FEATURES
• 64-bit support: Increased memory addressing capability, essential for more
demanding applications.
• Enhanced SpeedStep Technology: Better power management for laptops,
balancing performance and battery life.
• Conroe microarchitecture: More efficient than previous architectures, resulting
in higher performance per clock cycle.

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Overview of Intel Processor Generations

In the following slides, we will explore the evolution of Intel’s processors from the 1st
Generation (Nehalem - 2008) to the 14th Generation (Meteor Lake - 2024).
Each slide will highlight:
• Key advancements in each generation.
• Examples of processors and systems powered by these processors.
• The technological improvements that have shaped modern computing.

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1st Generation (Nehalem, Westmere)

This was Intel’s first significant step from the Core 2 Duo era, introducing the Core
i-series (i3, i5, i7). It was introduced in the years 2008-2010.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core i7-920, Core i5-750
For Examples of Systems: Dell Studio XPS 8000, HP Pavilion Elite HPE
KEY FEATURES
• Hyper-Threading: Allows a single CPU core to handle multiple threads, improving
multitasking.
• Turbo Boost: Increases clock speed temporarily when additional performance is
needed.
• Integrated memory controller for better communication between CPU and RAM.

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2nd Generation (Sandy Bridge)

It was introduced in 2011. This brought major improvements in performance and
energy efficiency over the 1st generation.

EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS

For Processors: Intel Core i7-2600, Core i5-2500K
For Examples of Systems:
Apple MacBook Pro (2011), Lenovo ThinkPad T420
KEY FEATURES
• 32nm process
technology: A smaller manufacturing process,
which reduces power consumption and heat.
• Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics built into the
CPU, reducing the need for dedicated graphics for
general tasks.
• Enhanced Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading
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3rd Generation (Ivy Bridge)

It was introduced in 2012 with further improvements in power efficiency, with smaller
transistors and better graphics.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core i7-3770, Core i5-3570K
For
Examples of Systems: Apple iMac (2012), Dell XPS 8500
KEY FEATURES
• 22nm process
technology: Smaller transistors than Sandy Bridge,
increasing performance while consuming less power.
• Intel
HD Graphics 4000: Improved integrated graphics
for better gaming and multimedia performance.
• Lower heat generation, making it ideal for ultrabooks
and thin laptops.
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4th Generation (Haswell)

It was introduced in 2013 and focused on better battery life and efficiency, especially
for mobile devices.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core i7-4770, Core i5-4670K
For Examples
of Systems: Lenovo ThinkPad X240, Dell XPS 12
KEY FEATURES
• Power efficiency: Significant improvements
for laptops and tablets, extending battery life.
• Enhanced Integrated Graphics: Supports
high-resolution displays and better video processing.
• Support for faster RAM (DDR4) and Thunderbolt
connectivity.

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5th Generation (Broadwell)

It was introduced in 2014-2015. It dealt with refinement of Haswell with a focus on

reducing heat and enabling thinner devices.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core i7-5775C, Core i5-5675C
For Examples
of Systems: HP Spectre x360, Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro
KEY FEATURES
• 14nm process technology: More energy-efficient
transistors than the previous 22nm process.
• Further reduced
heat generation, making laptops thinner and quieter.
• Enhanced integrated graphics,
ideal for everyday use without a dedicated GPU.

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6th Generation (Skylake)

It was introduced in 2015. A redesign with better performance for desktops and
mobile devices, and support for new technologies.

EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS

For Processors: Intel Core i7-6700K, Core i5-6600K
For Examples
of Systems: Microsoft Surface Book, Dell XPS 13
KEY FEATURES
• DDR4 memory support: Faster memory
technology, improving system responsiveness.
• Better graphics
performance with Intel HD Graphics 520/530,
suitable for gaming and media consumption.
• USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 support: Faster data
transfer and charging speeds.
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7th Generation (Kaby Lake)

It was introduced in 2016. Optimization of Skylake, focusing on multimedia

performance and improved battery life.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core i7-7700K, Core i5-7600K
For Examples
of Systems: HP Spectre x360 (2017), Dell Inspiron 7000
KEY FEATURES
• 4K video playback: Better support
for ultra-high-definition video streaming and editing.
• Improved Turbo Boost: Better dynamic
clock speed adjustments for enhanced performance.
• Enhanced power efficiency for laptops and
ultrabooks.

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8th Generation (Kaby Lake R, Coffee Lake, Whiskey Lake)

It was introduced in 2017. Major increase in core counts, making processors more
powerful for multitasking and creative tasks.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core i7-8700K, Core i5-8600K
For Examples of Systems: Dell XPS 13 (2018), HP Pavilion 15
KEY FEATURES
• 6-core processors in mainstream laptops and desktops, boosting performance in
demanding applications.
• Support for Intel UHD Graphics for enhanced 4K media capabilities.
• Improved performance per watt, leading to better battery life.

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9th Generation (Coffee Lake Refresh)

It was introduced in 2018. Focused on delivering high-end performance, particularly

for gaming and overclocking.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core i9-9900K, Core i7-9700K
For Examples of Systems:
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2019), Alienware Aurora R8
KEY FEATURES
• Up to 8 cores on consumer-grade
CPUs, significantly improving multitasking.
• Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM): Better heat
dissipation for overclocking, improving performance.
• Enhanced gaming and rendering
performance with higher base clock speeds.

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10th Generation (Ice Lake, Comet Lake)

It was introduced in 2019. Two separate lines (Ice Lake for power efficiency and Comet
Lake for higher performance) aimed at balancing efficiency and power.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core i7-10700K, Core i5-10600K
For Examples
of Systems: Dell XPS 13 (2020), HP Spectre x360 (2020)
KEY FEATURES
• 10nm process technology (Ice Lake): Focus on power
efficiency, ideal for ultrabooks and thin laptops.
• Intel Iris Plus Graphics: Significant improvement
in integrated graphics for gaming and multimedia.
• Wi-Fi 6 and Thunderbolt 3 support
for faster wireless connectivity and data transfers.

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11th Generation (Tiger Lake)

It was introduced in 2020. Brings a huge leap in integrated graphics performance and
AI capabilities, focusing on laptops.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core i7-1185G7, Core i5-11600K
For Examples of Systems: Microsoft Surface Pro 7+, Dell XPS 13 (2021)
KEY FEATURES
• 10nm Super-Fin technology: Offers better performance-per-watt compared to
previous generations.
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics: Powerful integrated graphics for gaming, video editing, and
3D rendering.
• Thunderbolt 4 and PCIe 4.0: Faster connectivity and better support for
high-speed external devices.

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12th Generation (Alder Lake)

It was introduced in 2021. Introduces a hybrid architecture, combining performance
and efficiency cores for better task optimization.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core i9-12900K, Core i7-12700K
For Examples
of Systems: Asus ROG Zephyrus M16, HP Omen 16
KEY FEATURES
• Hybrid architecture: Uses both high-performance
cores (P-cores) for demanding tasks
and efficiency cores (E-cores) for background tasks.
• DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support: Future-proofed
for faster memory and data transfer speeds.
• 10nm Enhanced SuperFin process: Balances power
efficiency and performance.
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13th Generation (Raptor Lake)

It was introduced in 2022. Builds on Alder Lake’s hybrid architecture with enhanced
cores and improved performance across a wide range of tasks.
EXAMPLES OF PROCESSORS AND SYSTEMS
For Processors: Intel Core i9-13900K, Core i7-13700K
For
Examples of Systems: Dell XPS 8950, Lenovo Legion 7i
KEY FEATURES
• More performance and efficiency cores:
Increased core counts for both P-cores and E-cores,
improving multitasking and gaming performance.
• Enhanced AI performance for tasks like voice
recognition, image processing, and data analytics.
• Better thermal management and power efficiency for
high-end laptops and desktops.
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14th Generation (Expected Meteor Lake)

Expected in late 2024. Expected to bring significant advancements with a tile-based

(chiplet) architecture, allowing for better scalability and modularity.
KEY FEATURES
• Tile-based architecture: Separates
different components like GPU, CPU, and I/O onto
different “tiles” or chiplets, improving scalability.
• AI-accelerated performance:
Likely to feature enhanced AI and machine
learning capabilities for next-gen workloads.
• Further
improvements in integrated graphics performance
and energy efficiency for laptops and mobile devices.

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Meaning of Intel Processor Letters

Many Intel processors have letters in their names, which indicate specific features or
performance characteristics:
Processor Letter Meanings:
• K: Unlocked for overclocking, allowing users to increase the clock speed beyond
factory settings.
• U: Ultra-low power consumption, designed for power efficiency in laptops.
• H: High-performance graphics, typically used in mobile processors for laptops.
• G: Processor with a dedicated graphics chip (such as Intel Iris).
• T: Optimized for lower power consumption and heat output, used in desktops.
• X: Extreme performance, used in high-end desktop processors.
• Y: Extremely low power consumption, designed for ultra-thin laptops and tablets.
• Q: Quad-core processor.
• F: Requires a dedicated GPU, as it lacks integrated graphics.
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References

The intel ark site [1], intel site [2] and hp Intel site [3] hold crucial information about
processor generations.
[1] Intel Corporation. Intel ARK: Product Specifications. Accessed: 2024-09-25. 2024.
URL: https://ark.intel.com.
[2] Intel Corporation. Intel Processor Overview. Accessed: 2024-09-25. 2024. URL:
https://www.intel.com.
[3] HP Inc. Intel Processor Guide. Accessed: 2024-09-25. 2024. URL:
https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/intel-processor-guide.

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