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Starting with the Core i5 6xx series Intel is releasing four new processors today, of which we have one. The processor in question is the Core i5 661, while the other models include the Core i5 650 ($176), 660 ($196) and 670 ($284). Based on this naming scheme the Core i5 661 does not seem right and we wanted to know what makes it different from the 660? Furthermore, with Intel stating an MSRP of $196 for both processors, we wanted to know why you might pick one over the other.  As it turns out the Core i5 661 does not support Intel VT-d (Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O), vPro Technology or Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT), while there is one other difference between these two processors. But first we should explain something else about the new Core i5 6xx series. This new series, which is based on the Westmere architecture and goes by the codename Clarkdale, features an on-die GPU. The other key difference between the Core i5 661 and 660 processors is the frequency at which the GPU operates. Interestingly while the Core i5 661 operates its GPU at 900MHz, the other Core i5 600 series processors including the 660 only feature a GPU frequency of 733MHz. Why the Core i5 661 is the only CPU to feature a GPU clock speed of 900MHz is unknown to us at this point, but that is the way Intel are playing it. Therefore, for the first time ever it is now possible to purchase a CPU that features a built in GPU which is entirely separate from the chipset. This is known as General-Purpose computation on Graphics Processing Units (GPGPU) and is the technique of using a GPU, which typically handles computation only for computer graphics, to perform computation in applications traditionally handled by the CPU. The Clarkdale processors also have another first time claim to make and that is to be the first processor series to be built using a 32nm (2nd Generation Hi-K) design process. This will help improve the efficiency of these processors, allowing them to use less power and generate less heat than existing processors, such as those based on the Lynnfield (45nm) architecture.  Given that the Clarkdale processors feature a GPU on-die, they will require new chipsets and motherboards to support the integrated graphics. These new chipsets include the H55, H57 and Q57, while it is worth noting that the Clarkdale processors will work with existing P55 motherboards without the ability to use the integrated GPU. The Core i3 5xx series, which will make its début with just two models, features the same L2 and L3 cache with the key difference being the removal of the Turbo Boost mode. The TDP (Thermal Design Power) and GPU frequency will remain the same. The Core i3 530 (2.93GHz) is said to cost just $133 US, while the 540 (3.06GHz) is a little more pricey at $133 US. Although we have not received any official word from Intel, we believe that the “Pentium G6950” processor is also arriving this month. The Pentium G6950 is expected to operate at just 2.8GHz with a GPU frequency of 533MHz. The L2 cache will remain the same while the L3 cache will be reduced from 4MB to 3MB. It is estimated that this processor will have a MSRP of just $87. |
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