Intel Core

Will.Spencer · 05-09-2006, 10:55 PM

Later this year, Intel is expected to release the first of it's new Core processors.

These processors, previously known as the "Conroe", "Merom", and "Woodcrest" processors, should revolutionize Intel's aging x86 product line.

The Core CPU's are designed for specific purposes:

Conroe - Desktops
Merom - Notebooks
Woodcrest - Servers

Core is also known as NGMA (Next Generation Micro Architecture).

Aside from sheer performance, the Core processors are designed to significantly improve performance-per-watt, as Intel becomes increasingly focused on cooling issues.

The new Core processors are built using a 65nm process with a simplified 14-stage pipeline.

A major goal of the new Core architecture is the ability for multiple processor cores to work together efficiently. This should help Intel to compete with AMD's HyperTransport architecture.

Will.Spencer · 07-29-2006, 03:40 AM

Woodcrest shipped last month, Conroe has been shipping for two weeks, and Meroms are now shipping to some customers.

Fry · 08-13-2006, 11:21 PM

Which notebooks will have the Merom?
I wish I had waited to buy a notebook now...

Will.Spencer · 08-14-2006, 12:44 AM

Pretty much every notebook manufacturer will be coming out with Merom models.

Dell has also released a BIOS update which allows some current Dell notebook owners to upgrade to a Merom CPU.

Fry · 08-14-2006, 01:20 AM

Would you have to take the notebook to Dell to upgrade the CPU?
ive never done my own notebook hardware upgrades myself.. I imagine it would be slightly difficult?

Will.Spencer · 08-14-2006, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fry

Would you have to take the notebook to Dell to upgrade the CPU?

Apparently not, which is kind of cool!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fry

ive never done my own notebook hardware upgrades myself.. I imagine it would be slightly difficult?

You just need smaller screwdrivers.

Fry · 08-17-2006, 10:04 PM

Im scared I will break something. Im great with PC hardware.. but am at a loss with notebooks!
Does the CPU look the same as the PC ones?

Will.Spencer · 08-18-2006, 01:49 AM

As I currently understand it:

Conroe uses a LGA775 socket, also known as Socket T.

Woodcrest uses Socket 771.

Merom's currently use Socket M (FCPGA6) but will soon be migrating to the new Socket P.

So, they will all look just a bit different.