What Is an Intel Core 2 Duo?
Core 2 architecture changed Intel Corporation's fortunes and reaffirmed its place as the leader in microprocessor technology. This article explains the Core 2 processor for desktop PCs and its significance.
The Basics
Core 2 replaced Intel's popular Core architecture. All consumer-level Core 2 products use the LGA775 socket, with the exception of mobile processors, which use mobile-specific sockets like Socket P.
Branding
There are three subsets of the Core 2 brand. Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad represent Core 2-based processors, with two and four cores respectively. The third subset, Core 2 Extreme, is part of Intel's line of high clock speed quad-core processors. It is meant for hardcore enthusiasts, and carries a hefty price tag. While Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad and Core 2 Extreme are the most recognized names, some other Intel processors also are based off this architecture. The new Pentium series processors use the architecture, but certain features have been disabled under this brand.
The History
Core 2 was introduced in July 2006, and further refined Intel's upgrade of multicore processors with more cache, faster front-side bus speeds, and lower power requirements. The Core 2 Duo processors proved to be the fastest available at the time, easily beating out products from competitor AMD.
Significance
The Core 2 re-established Intel as the leader in the consumer microprocessor market. Prior to Core 2, Intel was going head to head with AMD's Athlon X2 products, which in most cases were capable of providing better performance at a lower price. Core 2 changed all that, and once again made Intel the darling of computer enthusiasts. Since Core 2's debut, Intel has refined the processor with numerous incremental upgrades.
The New Nehalem
Released in November 2008, Nehalem is Intel's new microprocessor architecture. It is used with an array of new sockets, none of which is the LGA775. Because of this, the Core 2 Duo is now technically an obsolete component. Core 2 products, however, still are very affordable, and Intel will not release mainstream Nehalem products, which will be marketed under the brand name Core i5, until the end of 2009. This means the average computer user is still best served by Core 2, and Core 2 microprocessors will be on the market until at least the middle of 2010.
Tags: Core Core, Core architecture, Core Core Quad, Core Extreme, Core products, Core Quad, Intel Core