Intel Tick Tock Model

The Tick-Tock Model Through the Years

Intel’s “tick-tock” model inspires confidence in the future of microprocessors and the devices that depend on them. Following this model, Intel commits to—and has successfully delivered—continued innovations in manufacturing process technology and processor microarchitecture in alternating “tick” and “tock” cycles.

A tick advances manufacturing technology

With a “tick” cycle every couple of years, look for Intel to advance manufacturing process technology and continue to deliver the expected benefits of Moore’s Law to users. The typical increase in transistor density enables new capabilities, higher performance levels, and greater energy efficiency—all within a smaller, more capable version of the previous “tock” microarchitecture.

For example, a “tick” coincided with the Intel introduction of 3D tri-gate transistors with the 22nm manufacturing process technology. This new technology delivers better performance and extends the battery life of smartphones, tablets, and the new, incredibly slim Ultrabook™ devices.

A tock delivers new microarchitecture

In alternating “tock” cycles, expect Intel to use the previous “tick” cycle’s manufacturing process technologies to introduce the next big innovation in processor microarchitecture. Intel® microarchitecture advancements seek to improve energy efficiency and performance as well as functionality and density of features such as hardware-supported video transcoding, encryption/decryption, and other integrated capabilities.