Intel® Multi-Core Technology

Intel's family of multi-core processors offers scalable performance in a space- and power-efficient design. Essentially, this means that multiple execution cores are packaged into a single chip and can operate at the same power level and in the same footprint as previous single-core processors.

Improved performance per watt

Each of the execution cores on a multi-core chip plugged into a processor socket is clocked slower than a single core processor. The slower clock rate results in lower input voltage, which essentially means that multiple cores consume the same amount of power as a single core processor, but deliver a much higher level of performance. This is critical for communications and embedded systems, where performance per watt is becoming vital to the delivery of ever-smaller devices, as well as ruggedized systems that are used under extremely harsh operating conditions.

Compatible with previous generations of Intel® Architecture processors

Along with these advanced processing capabilities, Intel's multi-core processors remain software-compatible with previous 32-bit Intel® Architecture processors.

Assign separate applications and operating systems to separate cores

Since each execution core functions as a distinctly separate processor, developers can use a multi-core processor to run multiple applications and/or operating systems on a single chip. For example, it is possible to run real-time tasks or a real-time operating system on a dedicated execution core, unencumbered by tasks that would otherwise compete for CPU resources. Using virtualization technology with multi-core processing, it is also possible to run two non-SMP operating systems and unmodified software stacks for increased aggregate performance.

Use parallel instructions for compute-intensive applications

In a single compute-intensive or data-intensive application environment, Intel multi-core technology can enhance performance by enabling the developer to decompose the application into parallel instruction and/or data streams. Intel® Software Development Products ease the transition from sequential to parallel processing by assisting the developer in identifying threading opportunities and in tuning threaded application performance.