This is a review of the Intel Core 2 i5 series processor.
Before I get in to the nuts-in-bolts of the Core 2 i Series processors if you
are thinking of having one with XP, it will not run the Operating System, Windows XP.
As technology moves forward so does R&D at Intel, however I have read some
articles that suggest "that with the current technology the introduction of new
processors every 18 months and new series of processors every ten years is about
to run out of steam. That is, has the computer as we know it hit the proverbial
wall?" This type of talk comes around about once every ten years or so that
technology has finally reached the end as far as how small the traces in a
silicone based wafer can be, something like 32- nanometer is just a little larger
than an electron. Don't worry Intel will think of something to sell us. :)
Specifications:
Transistors: Millions
Processors: Quad Core only
Cache: 3 to 6 MB
Clock Speed: 2.3 t0 3.3 GHz
All 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5 processors feature:
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
Intel® Smart Cache
Advanced Encryption Standard New Instructions
Socket type: LGA 1155
Memory type: Third-generation Double Data Rate (DDR3) SDRAM memory
technology
Supported Memory Speed
1066 MHz
1333 MHz
In addition all Core 2 i Series processors have hyper-threading, the
hyper-threading at the low end are two threads (the slower desktop and Mobile
processors) and up to 8 for the high end processors.
The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 gives the processors a small increase in
speed depending on the series the speed can be from .2 to .4 GHz, almost the
same as overclocking with out using the BIOS settings to achieve the increase in
speed. Considering that most Laptop manufactures do not have the Advanced
opinions in the BIOS setup this is an added benefit.
I tested the i5 processor in a ASUS G60j laptop, the processor is a quad
with a clock speed of 2.26 GHz, the memory is 1066 MHz.
Over all the processor performs as expected from a Quad Core processor, even at
a lower clock speed there is no noticeable drag when using high processor
intensive programs (such as a game) or drag on the video when watching a movie
from the DVD (Blue Ray).
Compared to my Intel Core 2 Quad 3.0 GHz the mobile i5 is just as fast
when combined with Windows 7.
Of the three Core 2 i Series processors the i5 is the least
powerful (why did Intel do this? unknown), then i3 is the medium, the
i7 is the high end processors. (The two top speed i7 processors have
12 channels for hyper-threading , where as the low end i5 has two channels
for hyper-threading).
And if you need more processing power you could go to the Core
2 i7-980X Extreme, expect to pay more it has six processors, twelve processing
threads with Hyper-Threading, and the speed tops out at 3.6 with Intel Turbo
Boost Technology. Now that will Rock your Game!
Remember that with processor power the faster the processor the higher the power
usage (as in power supply wattage), the heat produced, and of course the cost of
the processor.
If you are thinking of a new computer with the i series processor the
i3 2.8 or 3.0 GHz processors are the middle class processor that will give
you the most bang for your buck.
Now the bad news: If you are a XP fan or Linux of older releases you will not be
able to load those Operating Systems on the new i series processor equipped
computers. No support in the OS for the newer processor functions. (If you
happen across a version of XP that will load on a i Series computer let me know
via my
Support page, I am very interested in finding such a beast!)
This site contains a lot of information. As
with any publication not all information is available due to space, time, or
subject constraints.
If you have a question that you did not find the answer
on this web site you a can
ask your question here and we will endeavor to get you the most up to date
answer possible!
2 i7-980X Extreme, expect to pay more it has six processors, twelve processing
threads with Hyper-Threading, and the speed tops out at 3.6 with Intel Turbo
Boost Technology. Now that will Rock your Game! 
