Intel launched the new generation of Core processors

The new generation of Intel Core processors, based on the Sandy Bridge architecture, has been eagerly awaited in the IT industry at the beginning of the year because of the major improvements promised by the American producer. When the first information about the improvements was revealed the enthusiasm became even bigger. The time has now come to evaluate the new processors.

We were present when the new generation of processors was launched and in this article we will give you our impressions after having the occasion to test the new processors on desktops and laptops.

The new Intel Core generation: available models

Many of you probably know the characteristics of the new Intel Core generation, but I will shortly review the essential data here. The new generation is made out of 29 processors Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7, out of which 15 are dedicated for mobile platforms and 14 for desktops. In order to be easier to differentiate from the first generation the new processors have the number 2 in front of the name they have had until now. For example the most powerful processor, the Core i7 Extreme Edition, is now called i7-2920XM. Other name conventions include ULV for Ultra Low Voltage and K to designate processors designed for overclocking.

Second Gen Intel Core architecture is here

Packaging: everything in a single chip

The main new feature of the 2^nd Intel Core generation is the Sandy Bridge architecture built with the 32 nanometer technology that integrates the processor, integrated video card, and memory controller in the same chip. If at the level of processors we have 29 options when it comes to integrated graphics we need to settle with 2 options: the HD 2000 and the HD 3000, which are theoretically both 2 times faster compared to the old GMA 4500.

Sandy Bridge for desktops

Available technologies for the new generation

Among the new technologies introduced with this generation is the Intel Quick Sync Video which, even it does not have a suggestive name, improves the processing speed of video hardware;  InThru 3D, is a technology that allows viewing Blu-ray movies in 3D with 3D glasses, or allows 1080p playback in the Intel Wireless Display service.

Sandy Bridge for laptops

Evaluating the new processors

At the end of the presentation of the new SandyBridge platform the long expected moment also came: Intel gave us a lot of models to test, both desktop and mobile versions through the partners: Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, Hewlett Packard, Lenovo, MSI and Sony. For easy to understand reasons we could not see each PC and laptop model, but we did see that each producer comes with its own systems that try to attract the client not only due to the improved performances, but also due to the beautiful design.

The silica pill of the new Intel Core

We studied the real performances of the new line of processors with the dedicated software called CPU-Z, and the diagnostic program developed by Microsoft: Windows Experience Index. As examples a Intel Core i7 2630QM 2 GHz processor obtained a score of 7.3 on an Asus laptop, and a Intel Core i7 2720QM clocked at 2.2 GHz made a little progress with a score of 7.4 on a portable made by HP. Unavoidably I5 processors were weaker, so the Intel Core i5 2410M clocked at 2.3 GHz obtained 6.9 points on a HP notebook

Conclusions

Certainly the new generation of Intel Core processors represents a step ahead for the IT industry and the great thing is that you can already experiment the technology. The first PCs and laptops with the new processors are already in stores and more will come. Intel plans on having the new processors in over 500 PC and laptop models, so the offer will be very big adapted to different budget types.

Intel Core i3-2100 Processor 3.1GHz 3 MB Cache Socket LGA1155

• List Price: $154.70
• Current Price: $114.88
• [Details or Buy from Amazon]
  [Amazon User Reviews]

Intel Core i5-2500K Processor

• List Price: $279.90
• Current Price: $204.99
• [Details or Buy from Amazon]
  [Amazon User Reviews]

Intel Core i7-2600 Processor 3.4GHz 8 MB Cache Socket LGA1155

• List Price: $374.30
• Current Price: $264.95
• [Details or Buy from Amazon]
  [Amazon User Reviews]

Comprehensive Intel Sandy Bridge presentation: