CORE i3 (2010) - designed for entry-level variants range from 15W to 28W, prioritizing

computing. They are affordable yet efficient, energy efficiency.

making them suitable for everyday tasks like
COMMON USE CASES
web browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
Office tasks: Word processing, spreadsheets,
IMPORTANCE - Positioned as a step above Intel
and email.
Pentium and Celeron processors, and below
Intel i5, i7, and i9. They cater to budget- Multimedia: Watching HD/4K videos, basic
conscious users while providing better photo editing. Web browsing: Smooth browsing
performance than basic processors. even with multiple tabs.
TARGET AUDIENCE - Students, home users, and Casual gaming: Can handle light games like
professionals with basic computing needs. Ideal "Minecraft" or "League of Legends" on low to
for lightweight applications and energy-efficient medium settings.
systems.
COMPATIBILITY
MICROARCHITECTURE OVERVIEW - Intel Core
i3 processors are built on evolving Supported motherboards: H-series, B-series, Z-
microarchitectures, such as Nehalem, Sandy series (for overclocking models like i3-12100F).
Bridge, Ivy Bridge, Skylake, Coffee Lake, Comet RAM: Supports DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 (on
Lake, and Alder Lake. recent models).
Core and Thread Count:

• Early models (2 cores, 4 threads).

• Recent models (up to 6 cores, 8
threads).

Clock Speed:

Base clock speeds range from 2.0 GHz to 4.4

GHz, with Turbo Boost available on some
models for enhanced single-threaded
performance.

Cache Memory:

Multi-level cache (L1, L2, and L3) ensures faster

data access. Recent models have up to 12 MB of
L3 cache.

Integrated Graphics:

Early models feature Intel HD Graphics. Modern

models feature Intel UHD Graphics or Iris Xe,
capable of handling 4K video playback and
entry-level gaming.

POWER EFFICIENCY - Desktop processors have

TDPs between 35W and 65W, while laptop
INTEL CORE i5 Cores: Dual-core, Quad-core

• Intel Core i5 is a line of Intel® Threads: 4

processors widely used in desktop and
Clock Speed: Up to 3.9 GHz
laptop computers.
• Known for offering a good balance of Socket: LGA 1150
performance and affordability.
• Popular among casual users, gamers,
and professionals for everyday 5th Generation (Broadwell, 2015):
computing tasks.
Cores: Dual-core, Quad-core
• Typically ranges from 2.4 GHz to
4.4 GHz, depending on the model Threads: 4
and generation.
Clock Speed: Up to 3.7 GHz
INTEL CORE I5 GENERATIONS
Socket: LGA 1150
1st Generation (Nehalem, 2009):

Cores: Dual-core, Quad-core

6th Generation (Skylake, 2015):
Threads: 4
Cores: Dual-core, Quad-core
Clock Speed: Up to 3.6 GHz
Threads: 4
Socket: LGA 1156
Clock Speed: Up to 4.2 GHz

Socket: LGA 1151

2nd Generation (Sandy Bridge, 2011)

Cores: Dual-core, Quad-core

7th Generation (Kaby Lake, 2017):
Threads: 4
Cores: Dual-core, Quad-core
Clock Speed: Up to 3.8 GHz
Threads: 4
Socket: LGA 1155
Clock Speed: Up to 4.2 GHz

Socket: LGA 1151

3rd Generation (Ivy Bridge, 2012):

Cores: Dual-core, Quad-core

8th Generation (Coffee Lake, 2017):
Threads: 4
Cores: Quad-core, Hexa-core
Clock Speed: Up to 3.9 GHz
Threads: 8
Socket: LGA 1155
Clock Speed: Up to 4.7 GHz

Socket: LGA 1151

4th Generation (Haswell, 2013):
9th Generation (Coffee Lake Refresh, 2018): Increased Performance:

Cores: Hexa-core, Octa-core Overclocking can significantly boost

performance in CPU-intensive tasks such as
Threads: 12
gaming, video rendering, 3D modeling, and data
Clock Speed: Up to 5.0 GHz processing.

Socket: LGA 1151 Enhanced Gaming Experience:

While most games benefit more from a

powerful GPU, overclocking the CPU can lead to
10th Generation (Comet Lake, Ice Lake, 2019): smoother frame rates and improved
Cores: Quad-core, Hexa-core performance in CPU-bound games.

Threads: 8 Faster Task Execution:

Clock Speed: Up to 4.9 GHz For tasks that rely on raw computational
power—like compiling code or rendering
Socket: LGA 1200 (Comet Lake) / BGA 1449 (Ice images—overclocking can reduce processing
Lake) times and improve overall productivity.

Cost-Effective Upgrade:
11th Generation (Tiger Lake, Rocket Lake, Instead of upgrading to a more expensive
2020): processor, overclocking your existing Core i5
Cores: Quad-core, Octa-core processor can give you a noticeable
performance boost for a fraction of the cost.
Threads: 8, 16

Clock Speed: Up to 5.3 GHz

RISK
Socket: LGA 1200
Increased Heat Generation:

Overclocking raises the CPU's power

12th Generation (Alder Lake, 2021): consumption, leading to more heat. This
necessitates better cooling to prevent
Cores: P-Core (performance), E-Core
overheating and potential thermal throttling.
(efficiency)
Reduced Lifespan:
Threads: Varies by model
Running a processor at higher-than-default
Clock Speed: Up to 5.2 GHz voltages and speeds can degrade the silicon
over time, potentially shortening the lifespan of
Socket: LGA 1700
the CPU.

System Instability:
K OR KF (UNLOCK)
If not done carefully, overclocking can cause
BENEFITS system crashes, blue screens, or data
corruption,
particularly if the CPU becomes unstable under
load.

Void Warranty:

Overclocking may void the manufacturer’s

warranty on your CPU, depending on the
specific terms and conditions.
INTEL DUAL CORE - processors have two KEY VERSIONS
processing units (cores) on a single chip. This
Intel Pentium Dual-Core Series
enables multitasking and better performance
compared to single-core processors. • Uses LGA 775 socket and operates at
1.6 GHz – 2.4 GHz.
- mid-2000s, leveraging its 65-nanometer
technology. • Low-power dual-core processors for
laptops.
SPECIFICATION • Designed for energy efficiency and light
productivity tasks.
• 2 (dual-core)
• Intel 64 (for 64-bit processing) Intel Core Duo Series
• SSE2, SSE3, and sometimes SSSE3
• First-generation dual-core processors
• Clock Speed ranges from 1.6 GHz to 3.0
from Intel.
GHz
• Designed for laptops, focusing on power
• L1 Cache - 32 KB for instruction and 32
efficiency and better multitasking.
KB for data per core.
• Used Enhanced Intel SpeedStep
• L2 Cache - 512 KB to 2 MB, shared
Technology for power savings.
between the two cores.
• Front Side Bus (FSB) - Speed ranges
from 533 MHz, 800
• MHz or sometimes 1066 MHz
• Thermal Design Power (TDP) - 65W
(desktop versions), 35W (mobile
versions)

FEATURES

• On-die 1MB second-level cache for

faster data access.
• Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology
for power management.
• Support for SSE2 and SSE3 instructions
for advanced computing tasks.
• Built-in digital thermal sensors for
temperature monitoring.
• Execute Disable Bit support for added
security
INTEL CORE I7 - The Intel Core i7 processor FIRST RELEASED INTEL CORE I7
series is a high - performance CPU lineup
Model: Intel Core i7-920
designed for gamers, content creators, and
professionals who demand fast speeds, Release Date: November 2008
multitasking efficiency, and strong single-
threaded performance. First launched in 2008, Architecture: Nehalem (45nm)
the i7 series has undergone multiple Specs: 4 cores, 8 threads, 2.66 GHz base clock
architectural advancements, with Hyper-
Threading, Turbo Boost, and hybrid core designs Unique Features: Hyper-Threading, Turbo
over time. Boost, DDR3 support

COMPARED TO INTEL CORE I3, I5, AND I9, THE Why It Matters: This was the first- ever Core i7,
I7 LINEUP OFFERS: marking Intel’s shift to multi-core performance.

More Cores & Threads – Unlike i3 (low-end)

and i5 (mid-range), i7 CPUs have higher MOST FAMOUS INTEL CORE I7
core/thread counts for better multitasking and
workload handling. Model: Intel Core i7-2600K

Hyper-Threading (HT) – Found in most i7 Release Date: January 2011

models, HT doubles thread count, improving
Architecture: Sandy Bridge (32nm)
performance in tasks like video editing,
streaming, and rendering. Specs: 4 cores, 8 threads, 3.4 GHz base clock,
unlocked for overclocking
Higher Cache Memory – More L3 cache than i5,
reducing bottlenecks in computing tasks. Unique Features: Unlocked multiplier, massive
overclocking headroom
Better Turbo Boost Performance – Higher clock
speeds under load than i5, ensuring smoother Why It’s Famous: The i7-2600K became
gaming and processing. legendary due to its insane overclocking
potential, strong single-threaded performance,
More cost-effective than Core i9 – While i9
and long-lasting relevance in gaming.
offers more cores, i7 delivers a better price-to-
performance ratio, making it popular among
power users who don’t need extreme power.
MOST SOLD INTEL CORE I7
Perfect Balance of Power & Cost – Ideal for
Model: Intel Core i7-7700K
gamers who want high FPS without
overspending on i9 or needing the budget- Release Date: January 2017
friendly i5.
Architecture: Kaby Lake (14nm)

Specs: 4 cores, 8 threads, 4.2 GHz base clock

(4.5 GHz boost)

Unique Features: High clock speeds, great

gaming performance, good power efficiency
Why It Sold So Well: The i7-7700K was the go- • Hybrid Core Design = Future-Proofing – With
to gaming CPU before Ryzen arrived, the latest Performance + Efficiency core design,
dominating prebuilt PCs, gaming rigs, and i7 CPUs now handle multi-threaded workloads
enthusiast builds. better than ever.

LATEST RELEASED INTEL CORE I7

Model: Intel Core i7-14700K

Release Date: October 2023

Architecture: Raptor Lake Refresh (Intel 7,

10nm)

Specs:20 cores (8 Performance + 12 Efficiency),

28 threads, 3.4 GHz base, 5.6 GHz boost

Unique Features: Hybrid architecture, DDR5 &

PCIe 5.0 support, power efficiency
improvements

Why It’s Important: The i7-14700K offers a

huge core count increase, making it ideal for
gaming, streaming, video editing, and
workstation tasks.

SUMMARY

• Perfect Balance of Performance & Cost –

While i9 is overkill for many, i7 remains the go-
to choose for those who need power without
breaking the bank.

• Strong Gaming & Productivity Performance –

With high single-threaded speeds, i7 has
consistently been a top-tier choice for FPS-
heavy gaming and video editing.
Intel i9 - In response with the uprising AMD
Ryzen processors surfacing in the market, intel
released the core i9.

- In June 2017, intel released the first version of

i9 which is the i9-7900x

- Being part of the X series, the first core i9

variant used a different socket from i3, i5, and
i7 from the same generation.

- LGA 2066

FEATURES

• Intel coreTM i9-7900X

• 10 cores & 20 Threads
• 3.30 GHz - 4.50 GHz
• 140W TDP
• Intel Hyper-threading technology
• Intel virtualization technology (VT-x)
• $999 - $2000

ADVANTAGE

Early publications that benchmarked the i9

noticed that it has improved 10-15% compared
to previous flagship processors of intel

DISADVANTAGE

CoreTM i9 initial release is powerful but it also

more expensive
AMD 2901 - The AMD Am2901 is a 4-bit bit-slice 4-Bit ALU: Performs arithmetic and logic
microprocessor introduced by Advanced Micro operations on 4-bit words.
Devices (AMD) in 1975. It was part of the
16 Registers: Internal register file for fast
Am2900 series of bit-slice components, which
operations.
were used to build custom processors and
digital logic systems. The Am2901 combines a 4- Microprogrammed Control: Used in custom
bit ALU slice with 16 4- bit processor register CPU designs and minicomputers.
slices. It implements arithmetic, binary, and bit-
shifting operations. High-Speed Operation: Used in many high-
performance systems of the time.
HISTORY - The AMD Am2901 was released in
1975 as part of the Am2900 family of bit-slice TTL-Compatible: Designed for easy integration
processors. During the 1970s and early 1980s, with other logic components.
custom microprocessor design was expensive
and time-consuming. Engineers use bit-slice
processors like the Am2901 to create modular APPLICATIONS:
and scalable processing units. The Am2901 was • Minicomputers (e.g., Digital Equipment
widely adopted in minicomputers, military Corporation (DEC).
systems, industrial controllers, and even early
• Mainframe CPU subsystems (IBM,
graphics processors. The Am2900 family
Burroughs, and others used bit-slice
remained popular until the late 1980s when
architectures).
fully integrated microprocessors like the Intel
• Signal Processing and custom Digital
x86 series and Motorola 68000 took over.
Signaling Processing units.
AMD2900 - Am2900 is a family of integrated • Military and aerospace applications.
circuits (ICs) created in 1975 by Advanced Micro • Custom embedded systems in industrial
Devices (AMD). They were constructed with control.
bipolar devices, in a bit-slice topology, and were
SOME MACHNES THAT USE AM2901
designed to be used as modular components
each representing a different aspect of a • Tektronix 4052
computer control unit (CCU). By using the bit • Xerox Star workstation
slicing technique, the Am2900 family was able • Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) -
to implement a CCU with data, addresses, and VAX 11/730
instructions to be any multiple of 4 bits by • Atari’s Arcade Machine - Red Baron
multiplying the number of ICs. One major
problem with this modular technique was that it
required a larger number of ICs to implement
what could be done on a single CPU IC.

KEY FEATURES:

Bit-Slice Architecture: Designed to be stacked

together to create processors of various word
sizes.
AMD AM2903 • Carry Look-Ahead (CLA): Speeds up
arithmetic operations by reducing carry
What is a Bit-Slice Processor?
propagation delays.
A bit-slice processor is a type of processor that
Registers
is built using small, modular ALU chips (like the
AMD Am2903) that handle only a few bits at a • Temporary Storage: Includes a small set
time (e.g., 4-bit or 8-bit). By combining multiple of registers for holding data during
of these chips, you can create a processor that processing.
works with larger bit-widths (e.g., 16-bit, 32-bit,
or more). This allows flexibility in designing Control Logic
custom CPUs with different processing power. • Microprogrammable Control: Allows
AMD AM2903 - The AMD Am2903 is a 4-bit developers to define custom instruction
bipolar microprocessor slice, part of the AMD sets.
Am2900 family of bit-slice processors. Bit-slice • Control Signals: Manages data flow
processors like the Am2903 were used in the between the ALU, registers, and
1970s and 1980s to build custom CPUs with external memory.
variable word lengths. Data Paths
Background: The Rise of Bit-Slice Processors • 4-bit Data Bus: Transfers data between
During the 1970s, computing was evolving internal components and external
rapidly. Processors were getting more complex, systems.
but designing a fully integrated, high- • Expandable: Multiple Am2903 slices can
performance CPU was challenging due to the be combined to create wider data paths
limitations of semiconductor technology. To (e.g., 8-bit, 16-bit).
address this, engineers developed bit-slice
processors, which allowed designers to build
custom CPUs by stacking modular ALU chips.

The Am2903, released in 1976, was an

improved version of the Am2901, featuring a
barrel shifter and better support for
microprogramming. It became widely used in
high-performance computing, minicomputers,
and military applications.

AMD Am2903 Architecture Overview

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

• Function: Performs arithmetic (addition,

subtraction) and logical operations
(AND, OR, XOR).
• Width: 4-bit, processing data in 4-bit
chunks.
AMD 29000 - The AMD Am29000, often simply optimized.
29k, was a popular family of 32-bit RISC
Because the architecture uses a fixed length of
microprocessors and microcontrollers
instruction, it’s easier to pipeline. And because
developed and fabricated by AMD. They were,
it lacks complex instruction decoding logic, it
for a time, the most popular RISC chips on the
supports more registers and spends less time on
market, widely used in laser printers from a
loading and storing values to memory.
variety of manufacturers.
For chip designers, RISC processors simplify the
What is RISC?
design and deployment process and provide a
In electronics and computer science, a reduced lower per-chip cost due to the smaller
instruction set computer (RISC) is a computer components required. Because of the reduced
architecture designed to simplify the individual instruction set and simple decoding logic, less
instructions given to the computer to chip space is used, fewer transistors are
accomplish tasks. required, and more general-purpose registers
can fit into the central processing unit.

AMD Am29030

The first 29000 was released in 1988, including

a built-in MMU but floating-point support was
offloaded to the 29027 FPU. The line was
upgraded with the 29030 and 29035, which
included an 8 KB or 4 KB of instruction cache,
respectively.

AMD Am29040

Another update integrated the FPU on-die and

added a 4 KB data cache to produce the 29040.

The Floating-Point Unit is a block of logic in the

processor core that performs arithmetic with
floating-point numbers. Not all processors
require the ability to do this and so some
processor cores can be configured to include or
exclude it.

AMD Am29050

The final general-purpose version was the

29050. The 29050 also has much better floating-
Why Is RISC Important? point performance than previous 29k
microprocessors. Several portions of the 29050
RISC provides high performance per watt for designs were used as the basis for the K5 series
battery operated devices where energy of x86-compatible CPUs. The FPU was used
efficiency is key. A RISC processor executes one unmodified, while the rest of the core design
action per instruction. By taking just one cycle was used along with complex microcode
to complete, operation execution time is
to translate x86 instructions to 29k-like code on AMD Am29040
the fly.

AMD K5

The K5 is AMD's first x86 processor to be

developed entirely in-house. Introduced in
March 1996, its primary competition was Intel's
Pentium microprocessor. The K5 was an
ambitious design, closer to a Pentium Pro than a
Pentium regarding technical solutions and
internal architecture. However, the final
product was closer to the Pentium regarding
performance, although faster clock-for-clock
compared to the Pentium.

AMD Am29030

AMD Am29050

AMD Am29030-33GE
BON VOYAGE

AMD discontinued the 29K series completely in

1995. This is most likely due to the
development of the K5 and K6 processors.
There were some issues with discontinuing the
29K as many were being used in mission critical
fields (aviation mainly). To avoid hasseling with
the FAA and having to provide support for a
product they no longer were going to make,
AMD sold the 29050 design to Honeywell, a well
known aerospace and defense company.

Currently the following planes implement a

VIA using the 29050:

• Boeing 777 - All Models

• Boeing 737-600/700/800
• Boeing 717
• Federal Express MD-80s
• US Airforce KC-10
• US Airforce C5B Galaxy