Intel Processor Generation Explained In Simple Terms
Intel Processor 13th Generation are now available in Nepal after their global launch in winter 2022. But, do these new generations really make a big difference, or is it all just hype? Let’s talk about Intel processors
Intel Core Processor Names and Numbers
The name of an Intel Core processor might look confusing, but it contains important information:
- Brand: This tells you the product line, which could be Core, Xeon, Pentium, or Celeron.
- Brand Modifier: Found in the Core series (i3, i5, i7, i9), it indicates the processor’s performance level. Higher modifiers mean better performance.
- Generation Indicator: In the processor number (4 or 5 digits), the first digit(s) show the generation. For example, 8XXX or 9XXX for 8th or 9th gen, and 10XXX or 11XXX for 10th or 11th gen. This indicates when it was released and other attributes.
- SKU: This signifies the model number, usually the last 3 digits. Higher SKUs usually mean more features, but you can’t compare SKUs across different brands or generations.
- Product Line Suffix: The letter at the end highlights key features. Here’s a list of suffixes and what they mean.
The name of an Intel Core processor might look confusing, but it contains important information:
| Suffix | Description |
|---|---|
| C | Desktop processor with high-end graphics |
| F | High-performance processors used with discrete graphics cards (e.g. Gaming) |
| H | High-performance graphics |
| K | Unlocked for overclocking |
| M | Mobile |
| Q | Quad-core |
| R | Desktop processor, BGA1364 (mobile) package, high-end graphics |
| S | Performance-optimized lifestyle |
| T | Power-optimized for best desktop computing |
| U | Ultra-low power for laptop efficiency |
| X | Extreme unlock for high desktop performance |
| Y | Extremely low power |
Let us now continue to discuss the different Intel Core generations.
Intel Processor Generations
Intel processor generations simply have an enhanced feature set and speed compared to previous generations. Let’s discuss each generation separately.
Intel Processor Generations
Intel processor generations represent advancements in features and speed compared to previous generations. Let’s go through each generation:
- 1st Generation Intel Processors – Nehalem (2010):
- Nehalem followed the initial Core architecture and addressed limitations like clock speed and pipeline efficiency.
- Used a 45-nanometer process, improving upon the previous 65nm or 90nm processes.
- Reintroduced hyper-threading technology.
- Featured a 64 KB L1 cache, 256 KB per core L2 cache, and 4 MB to 12 MB L3 cache shared among all processor cores.
- Supported the 1156 LGA socket and 2-channel DDR3 RAM.
- 2nd Generation Intel Processors – Sandy Bridge (2011):
- Introduced to replace Nehalem architecture.
- Utilized a 32-nanometer process, enhancing performance by about 11.3% compared to Nehalem.
- Shared the same 64 KB L1 cache and 256 KB per core L2 cache but varied in L3 cache size, typically ranging from 1MB to 8 MB, and even up to 15 MB for extreme processors.
- Supported the 1155 LGA socket and 2-channel DDR3-1066 RAM.
- 3rd Generation Intel Processors – Ivy Bridge (2012):
- Released in September 2012, Ivy Bridge processors are faster and use a 22-nanometer process, compared to Sandy Bridge’s 32 nm.
- They consume up to 50% less energy and offer a performance boost of 25% to 68% over Sandy Bridge processors.
- However, they may emit more heat than Sandy Bridge processors.
- Ivy Bridge uses the same 1155 LGA socket and supports DDR3-1333 to DDR3-1600 RAM.
- 4th Generation Intel Processors – Haswell (2013):
- Haswell, released in June 2013, also uses the 22-nm process.
- Performance improvement over Ivy Bridge ranges from 3% to 8%.
- Haswell introduces new features like support for new sockets (LGA 1150, BGA 1364, LGA 2011-3), DDR4 technology, and a redesigned cache.
- It’s known for its low power consumption, making it suitable for ultra-portable devices.
- 5th Generation Intel Processors – Broadwell (2015):
- Released in 2015, Broadwell uses 14-nm process technology, 37% smaller than its predecessors.
- Promised improved battery life, up to 1.5 hours longer.
- Faster wake times and better graphics performance were also features of Broadwell.
- Supported the 1150 LGA sockets with 2-channel DDR3L-1333/1600 RAM.
- 6th Generation Intel Processors – Skylake (2015):
- Skylake, introduced in August 2015, is a redesign of the 14-nm technology used in Broadwell (5th generation).
- 7th Generation Intel Processors – Kaby Lake (2016):
- Kaby Lake, released in 2016, is essentially a refresh of the Skylake architecture with some efficiency and power improvements.
- It uses a 14-nm process architecture and introduced a new graphics architecture to enhance 3D graphics and 4K video playback.
- Kaby Lake does not officially support operating systems older than Windows 10.
- It uses 1151 LGA sockets and supports dual-channel DDR3L-1600 and DDR4-2400 RAM slots.
- 8th Generation Intel Processors – Kaby Lake R (2017):
- In 2017, Intel introduced a refresh of Kaby Lake processors as their new 8th generation release.
- It is similar to the 7th Generation Intel Processors, but some 8th generation chipsets have support for DDR4-2666 RAM while lacking DDR3L RAM support.
- 9th Generation Intel Processors – Coffee Lake (2017):
- Coffee Lake processors, introduced in late 2017, include Intel’s first i9 processors.
- They broke the 4-core limit, supporting up to 8 cores per CPU.
- To manage the heat generated by these cores, Intel attached an integrated heat spreader (IHS) directly to the CPU die instead of using thermal paste as in earlier processors.
It uses 1151 LGA sockets with altered pinouts to support more than 4 cores along with up to 16 MB of L3 cache.
- 10th Generation Intel Processors – Cannon Lake/Ice Lake:
- Cannon Lake, Intel’s 10th generation architecture, introduced new 10-nanometer technology in late 2017.
- Ice Lake is the 2nd generation of 10-nm processors.
- They use BGA1526 sockets and support DDR4 3200 and LPDDR4X 3733 RAM.
- This architecture includes integrated support for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Thunderbolt 3.
- 11th Generation Intel Processors – Tiger Lake (2020):
- Tiger Lake, the 11th generation, is the third generation of 10-nm transistor technology, released in September 2020.
- It offers up to 19% performance gains compared to Ice Lake and introduces L4 cache for improved performance.
- This generation features Intel Iris Xe graphics for significant gaming performance improvements.
- 12th Generation Intel Processors – Alder Lake:
- Alder Lake, the 12th generation, also uses 10-nanometer transistor technology but with hybrid capabilities, including power cores (P-cores) and efficiency cores (E-cores).
- It supports DDR5 memory, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and WiFi 6E (Gig+).
- Intel claims it provides an average of 13% performance gains in gaming and offers up to twice the content creation performance compared to its predecessor.
13th Generation Intel Processors – Raptor Lake (2022):
- Raptor Lake was released on October 20, 2022, with 10nm Enhanced Superfin technology.
- Key SKUs include Core i9 13900K, Core i9 13900, Core i7 13700K, Core i7 13700, Core i5 13600K, and Core i5 13400.
- The Core i9 13900K is the high-end processor with 24 cores (8 P-cores and 16 E-cores) and 32 threads.
- Some variants feature integrated GPUs with overclocking support for K series processors.
- Raptor Lake supports both DDR4 (up to 3200 MHz) and DDR5 (up to 5600 MHz) memory modules.
Upcoming Generations:
- The 14th generation Intel processor, codenamed “Meteor Lake,” is planned for release in 2023.
- The 15th generation, codenamed “Arrow Lake,” is set for release in 2024.
- These upcoming generations will introduce new socket technology.
How to Check Processor Generation on your Windows PC
- Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “msinfo32” into the Run dialog and press Enter.
- The System Information window will open.
- In the left pane, expand “Components,” then click on “Processor.”
- In the right pane, you should see information about your processor, including its name, manufacturer, and other details.
You can use this information to determine your processor’s generation based on the details provided in previous responses. If you have any specific questions about your processor or need further assistance, please feel free to ask.
Intel makes different kinds of processors, like Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron. Core processors are faster and have more features than Pentium and Celeron processors, which are more budget-friendly.
Intel also makes processors called Xeon Scalable for powerful computers and servers.
In conclusion, I hope this explanation helps you choose the right processor for your needs. If you have any questions or if I missed anything, please let me know in the comments below.