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 every "tick" cycle, 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.
Sustained microprocessor leadership
In the last "tock," Intel vastly improved mainstream gaming, HD video, Web, and other user experiences with the Intel® microarchitecture code name Sandy Bridge, manufactured with the 32nm process technology.
The following "tick" introduced the embedded 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor with mobile Intel® HM76/QM77 Express Chipsets, which is a low-power platform that provides remote manageability/security, ECC memory, and power-saving functions ideal for mobile intelligent applications.
Predictable processor advancements
Intel design teams work in parallel around the globe to deliver coordinated technology advances inspired by the tick-tock model. A yearly product cadence moves the industry forward in a predictable fashion that can be planned in advance.
22nm 3-D transistors: Offering unprecedented performance and efficiency >
Investing in the industry
Thousands of vendors depend on Intel® processors for product development. To help them forge ahead with new product advancements, Intel invests heavily in research that drives innovations at the silicon level and establishes new, industry-wide standards. Combined with the predictability of Intel’s tick-tock model, these efforts promote faster, more efficient innovation throughout the industry—year-in and year-out.
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