Overview of Intel processor lines by parameters: series, generation, number, version, name
What are Intel processors: characteristics of Intel processors Intel processor designations: processor versions Processor series Processor generations Main processor lines: Atom, Y/Core m, Celeron/Pentium, Core i, Xeon Conclusions and recommendations when purchasing Intel processors
Intel has been operating since 1968 and is considered one of the best processor manufacturers. Since many CPU modifications have been produced over a long period, it is sometimes difficult to choose the right "chip." This article will help solve this problem.
What are Intel processors: characteristics of Intel processors
Intel processors use designations consisting of letters and numbers. The first digit is the generation number, and the next three are the model code. The letters indicate the CPU line and designations. All these symbols are closely related to the characteristics of the devices.
Intel processor designations: processor versions
In the processors of this manufacturer, 9 letters are used to denote different versions.
M– mobile processor. It differs from classic CPUs by having a slightly lower frequency and lower heat dissipation rates, which means it does not require strong cooling. Often installed in laptops to increase battery life.
U– ultra-mobile processor. Models with this designation are used in tablets, smartphones, and budget ultrabooks, but there are also quite powerful versions. The heat dissipation rating of these CPUs is only 15 W.
Y– a processor with extremely low power consumption: on average 11.5 W, but that is not the limit. Expecting "cosmic" performance from such processors is not recommended.
Q– a quad-core processor with various modifications. A good example is the i5-7440: 4 cores, decent frequency, and affordable.
X– an extreme processor. The highest-end solution on which you can build a great workstation for video editing, graphic and audio work. Ideal for gaming with future-proofing, providing ultra-high graphics and stable FPS.
H– processor for packaging. The CPU designation with this letter indicates an improvement in the integrated graphics unit. These types of models will not replace a full-fledged graphics card, but their integration quality within the system is higher than in competing products.
K– a processor that can significantly overclock its frequency. This allows the chip to better utilize its potential under heavy loads.
T– a processor with a reduced clock frequency and reduced design requirements regarding heat dissipation. Such processors are easy to install even in basic computers.
F– a processor without an integrated graphics chip. To render 3D or play games at high settings, you need to buy a good graphics card.
Processor series Marked with a number. The higher the number, the more powerful the device. The first digit of the number indicates the generation to which the model belongs. The following digits represent the device's modification – the higher they are, the better the performance.
Processor generations To understand which generation is the best, it is worth looking at the table.
Year of release
2009– Nehalem: the beginning of a new development stage, quad-core processors without an integrated graphics unit.
2010– Westmere: processors with two cores, support for Hyper-Threading.
2011– Sandy Bridge: processors with increased performance compared to their predecessors.
2012– Ivy Bridge: processors with 22 nm manufacturing technology.
2013– Haswell: fourth generation with high energy efficiency.
2015– Broadwell: 14 nm processors.
2017– Skylake: performance increase thanks to 14 nm technology.
2019– Coffee Lake: new processors with four cores in Core i3.
2020– Ice Lake: 10 nm processors with higher performance.
2021– Tiger Lake: new Xe-LP cores and improved graphics.
Main processor lines
There are three main lines of processors. They differ in specifications and purpose.
1. Atom
Microscaled processors based on architecturex86ix86-64.
Initially produced using 45 nm technology, but since 2014 using 14 nm technology.
Installed in tablets, netbooks, and nettops.
These models are only suitable for working with documents and browsing the internet, but they stand out for their high energy efficiency, which ensures a long battery life.
2. Y / Core m
Another version of mobile processors.
Most commonly found in thin laptops without a fan.
Perfect for writing texts and browsing the internet.
It is worth noting that these models hardly ever overheat, so in most cases they do not require a fan.
3. Celeron / Pentium
Celeron— the cheapest dual-core processors. They are not suitable for gaming, but are great for office tasks and browsing the internet. ModelG4900is quite good.
Pentium— also dual-core, but with higher performance than Celeron. A good choice for home and office use. With an adequate amount of RAM and a mid-range graphics card, such asGTX 1050You can play modern games, but on low graphic settings.
4. Core i
Core i3— a versatile processor with multitasking support. Up to the 8th generation, these were dual-core processors operating at standard frequencies, but later the number of cores doubled.
Core i5— more powerful processors that provide a solid foundation for building efficient computers. From the generationSkylakeAll processors have at least four cores. For examplei5-9600KIt already has 6 cores.
Core i7— powerful processors that can handle practically any task. This is one of the best solutions for professional tasks and gaming. They usually have 4 cores and 8 threads, but this is not the maximum number of cores. For exampleIntel Core i7-9700KIt has 6 cores and 12 threads.
Core i9— the most powerful Intel processors, which offer a large power reserve. The simplest model in the line isi9-9900Kwith 8 cores and 16 threads. The most powerful modeli9-7980 XEIt has 18 cores and 36 threads. There are practically no tasks that would be too difficult for such a processor, and the situation is unlikely to change in the next few years.
5. Xeon
LineXeonIt has been present on the market since 1998, but as a separate entity it appeared only a few years ago.
Previously, processors from this line were labeled as "processor name + Xeon," which meant that they were an enhanced variant of the processor.
TodayXeonIt is a separate line of premium processors, designed for demanding applications such as servers or workstations.
For example,Intel Xeon Gold 5220is the ideal solution for modern applications based on artificial intelligence, thanks to the technologyDeep Learning BoostIt has 18 cores, 6 RAM memory channels, and 25.75 MB of L2 cache.
6. X-series
At the end of 2019, a completely new series of processors appeared.Intel XThese are processors with an unlocked multiplier, which allows for even greater performance and the ability to work with the most demanding applications, such as creating special effects in 4K quality films.
ProcessorsX-seriesThey are also great for game developers. They can handle maximum graphic settings as well as ray tracing.
Until 2021, these are Intel's most powerful processors, with up to 18 cores and 36 threads. Thanks to the technologyTurbo Boost Max 3.0The system can increase the performance of individual threads by handling the most difficult tasks.
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