Intel® Multi-Core Technology

Permanently altering the course of computing as we know it, Intel® multi-core technology provides new levels of energy efficient performance, enabled by advanced parallel processing and 2nd generation high-K + metal gate 32nm technology. Incorporating multiple processor execution cores in a single package delivering full parallel execution of multiple software threads, Intel multi-core technology enables higher levels of performance, dividing the power typically required by a higher frequency single core processor with equivalent performance.

With Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, depending upon the work load, the power and frequency can be distributed across many cores or focused on fewer cores through the use of power gating—an internal power management unit that can “turn off” power to entire cores. An Intel® Turbo Boost Technology enabled processor can boost performance on the core or cores still active by raising the clock speed. Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology can additionally increase efficiency by executing two software threads on a single core to get more done with less power than if separate cores where active. Together, these technologies provide a breakthrough experience in performance and responsiveness for notebook and desktop PCs, workstations, and servers.

By innovating future architectures that can hold dozens or even hundreds of processors on a single die, we're ensuring that Intel® technologies will continue to keep pace with demands well into the future.

• The future: Tera-scale computing
• Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
• Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology
• Demo: How Intel® multi-core technology works

Two, four, eight, and more cores

Current 32nm Intel® technology provides for one, two, four, and eight cores in a single processor. And Intel has already demonstrated a 32nm-based six core desktop processor to be introduced in 2010. Ideal for multitasking and multimedia, Intel multi-core technology delivers exceptional energy efficient performance for the ultimate computing experience.

Defining your digital life

Get more information on multi-core Intel® processors.

Laptop

• Laptop processors
• See multi-core Intel® processor family mobile performance benchmarks

Desktop

• Desktop processors
• See multi-core Intel® processor family energy efficient performance benchmarks

For business: intelligent performance

Build a scalable, flexible infrastructure with servers based on Intel® Xeon® processors and Intel® Itanium® processors.

• Multi-core Intel® server processors
• Future eight-core server processor

See how companies like yours are being successful with multi-core and other Intel® technologies.

• Intel Reference Room