If you need to buy a new desktop computer, build your computer or upgrade an existing one, then you need to have a sound knowledge of the generation of processors.
This knowledge is also important for people who use computer/laptops daily.
This way, you will get to to know the performance difference and why there is an increase in price with the latest generation processor.
This article explains all about the generation of processors, especially the comparison of different intel process generations. So read to discover more.
Contents
What Does the Generation of Processors Mean?
The processor includes registers, control unit, and ALU. It works as a central unit in a computer.
The processor registers decode the program instructions that are copied on them, and them execute them.
There is an onboard clock whose responsibility is to synchronize these operations.
By generation, we refer to the technology type that is used in the implementation of the processors.
The different processor generations indicate a difference in the number of cores, size of the cache, clock speed, and technologies (like hyperthreading).
ADM vs. Intel Processors
Whatever the computer does is dependent on processors. Thus you need to have the best processor and the one that offers all the great features that you desire to have.
Cost
Intel processors are expensive as compared to the AMD processors.
AMD processors start at around $30. In contrast, a low-end Intel chip costs $40.
Value in Laptops
There is a huge gap between the value that these processors bring to your laptop. AMD processor doesn’t feature integrated graphics.
Thus they have Accelerated processing unit that crams the GPU and CPU cores into a single chip which results in drawing much less power.
They are mostly used in laptops that offer long battery life.
On the other hand, Intel keeps the CPU processing power as its topmost priority and graphics as the second priority.
Also, Intel processors consume more power, but they undoubtedly offer higher boots speed.
Gaming
If you intend to do gaming, then you need to buy the processors carefully.
Intel processors have integrated graphics. On the contrary, the AMD processors combine the processor cores and Radeon-branded graphics core into a single chip known as APU.
Those who do serious gaming prefer using the discrete GPU on the add-in graphics card as compared to the integrated graphics.
For this reason, Intel dominates here.
AMD chips offer excellent multithreading. They are superb at running multi-core apps.
Intel chips do the opposite of this.
They don’t offer impressive performance in heavy multi-threaded settings, but they perform great in restricted thread settings.
In such a case, Intel gets an edge. This is because games of today rarely use more than four threads.
Which One to Choose?
For a daily workload, a high-end Intel chip and a high-end AMD chip won’t create many different outcomes.
AMD offers excellent value in the mid-range and lower end spectrum while Intel chips are perfect for gaming performances and stronger single cores.
Intel Processors Generations List
The term generation used here refers to the developments in the architecture of the processor.
Intel processor models include
- Pentium 1
- Pentium 2
- Pentium 3
- Pentium 4
- Pentium M and Celeron M (These were for mobile devices)
- Core Solo and Core Duo
- Core 2 Duo
- Core 3 Quad
- Core i3
- Core i5
- Core i7
The processor generation concept came after the introduction of the core I series.
Each of the next generation processors has a brilliant feature set and fast speed than the previous Intel generations.
1st Generation – Nehalem
Nehalem was a successor to the core architecture that faced some limitations.
This microarchitecture used 45 nm process in contrast to the 65nm or the 90 nm process that the previous architectures used.
The hyperthreading technology was reintroduced here. This technology was missing in the intel core i3.
Further its processor caches were:
L1 cache: 64KB
L2 cache: 256 KB
L3 cache: 4MB to 12 MB
2nd Generation – Sandy Bridge
It used a 32 nm process. The L1 and L2 cache in this generation were similar to the previous generation. The main difference was in the L3 generation. It was from 1MB to 8MB for normal processing.
3rd Generation – Ivy Bridge
It used the 22nm process. Also, this generation processor consumed almost 50 percent less energy. Moreover, they boost performance by 25% to 68%.
4th generation – Haswell
It had from 3 percent to 8 percent performance improvement as compared to the previous generations.
It carries many new features like DDR4 technology, a new socket, etc.
Furthermore, it consumed less power, and for this reason, it can be comfortably used in portable devices.
5th generation – Broadwell
The chips int these processors were 37 % smaller than the previous ones. Also, they used the 14nm process. These chips offer improved graphics performance and faster wake time.
6th Generation – Skylake
It used the same 14nm process technology as the previous one. This generation includes an improved GPU and CPU performance and low power consumption.
7th generation – Kaby Lake
It has the same 14nm process technology. Moreover, it features higher turbo frequencies, faster CPU clock speeds, and clock speed changes.
8th Generation – Coffee Lake
Core count was increased in this generation. Also, there was an increase in the L3 cache according to the number of threads.
What is the Latest Intel Processor?
The 9th generation is the latest Intel processor.
This generation offers eight core power to laptops.
How to Find the Generation of Processor?
Windows 7 or above users can comfortably check their system’s processor generation.
To do this,
- Right click on My computer.
- Now select properties
- Now you will have the process information in front of you.
- By breaking down the process name, you ‘ll get to know the generation.
For example, if you have Core i7-4712HQ processor name appearing in the system information them break it down.
Intel Core – This indicates the brand name
i7 -This is the brand modifier. It is the processor category.
4– Now have a look at the first number after the hyphen. This is the processor generation. Thus for the above core i7-
4721HQ – the processor is of the 4th generation.
712 – These are called the SKU numeric digits
HQ – This refers to the features. It means high-performance graphics.
Final Words
The processor is regarded as the most critical and essential part of a computer.
Different processors generations mean a significant increase in the permanence.
Each generation brings its code name, technologies, and promise improvement.
This way, you can get the best computer/laptop according to your needs. While buying new computer do check the CPU name to know its performance level and the generation of the processor.
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