up vote 2 down vote favorite
1
share [g+] share [fb]

What are the main differences between each processor generation of Intel processors/chipsets? Is there a performance difference?

I've already seen processors from first to sixth generation, however I don't know/understand the exact differences.

link|improve this question
99% accept rate
Not a real question???? Whats the matter? – Diogo Jul 25 '11 at 12:55
Didn't vote, but it is kind of broad though (borderline case in my opinion). – slhck Jul 25 '11 at 12:57
I dont think, it seems to be a autentic question, it would be a recorrent doubt of other users as it was for me. – Diogo Jul 25 '11 at 13:01
@Diogo_Rocha For the record, I am generally against closing more than 3/4 of the questions they close here (they use NO common sense when looking at the questions, but only know how to scream "FAQ, shopping, etc."), so while I made a comment in my answer regarding it being broad, it was only to highlight the dichotomy that the other question was actually specific and should not have been closed as it was. I did not vote to close, and actually followed my standard: If I answer your question, you were upvoted. – KCotreau Jul 25 '11 at 13:19
For that I understood, the other question was closed because of shopping reasons, however I am asking about technical reasons, im not being generic or vague. Anyway, thank you KCotreau. – Diogo Jul 25 '11 at 13:25
show 1 more comment
feedback

3 Answers

up vote 5 down vote accepted

The term Generation is loosely applied to Intel processors to mean new and significant developments in processor architecture or functions.

  • A second generation Core processor is the family of processors known as Sandy Bridge, which among other things introduced shared cache and placed the memory controller, graphics and CPU on the same die. The first generation was composed the Core i3, i5 and i7 processors launched early last year.

  • The term can also be seen sometimes applied to processor families. The Core family of processors can sometimes be talked about as having had 3 generations (Lyndfield, Clarkdale and Sandy Bridge). But some processors like the i7, had more or different families (the Bloomfield and Gulftown). Example.

  • It can also be used to name different factory models within a similar architecture. Again, sticking to Core processors, The Core 2 Duo, Quad and Extreme being mentioned as one generation different than the i3, i5 and i7, while the sandy Bridge being the 3rd generation of Core processors. Example

All in all the term is not officially connoted to the media. Intel does seem to favor the term as meaning significant architecture and factory processing changes within the same family of processors. And they are ultimately the ones deciding what is named 2nd, 3rd, 4th and so on generation. They do it often. But the term has come to mean other things too, since Intel itself has never tried to enforce it. Hence being a term that can have both official and loose connotations, depending on the context.

link|improve this answer
feedback
up vote 3 down vote

This question is very broad, but the often the biggest difference is that they have been able to miniaturize the transistors, allowing for less energy usage, and less heat.

Of course, they can also change features, but this will vary with every comparison you could put forward. Here is a comparison of the i3:

Intel introduced the 1st generation Core i3 processors in 2010 and the 2nd generation Core i3 processors in 2011. The 2nd generation Core i3 processors are built on the Intel’s Sandy Bridge architecture, which is 32nm microarchitecture, while 1st generation Core i3 processors were built on Intel’s Nehalem architecture. Additionally, 2nd generation Core i3 processors include new features for improving the graphics performance of the processors such as Intel Quick Sync Video, Intel InTru 3D / Clear Video HD and WiDi 2.0 that were not available in 1st generation Core i3 processors.

http://rapidhow.com/2011/06/12/intel-core-i3-vs-2nd-generation-intel-core-i3-processors/

link|improve this answer
So actually 2nd genaration used to be better than 1st generation??? Can we assume this for all processor families? – Diogo Jul 25 '11 at 12:43
1  
Well, I would clearly assume that Intel would, or any manufacturer would not knowingly take steps backward. Does it guarantee it, no, but it is probably a safe assumption that 2nd generation is better than first barring something very freaky. – KCotreau Jul 25 '11 at 12:44
I will say this: Given a choice, I would always take the newer one. I would probably be right 99% of the time. – KCotreau Jul 25 '11 at 12:45
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

Wikipedia has a timeline of "generations", CPU models and new features introduced in them. But note that its generation count already disagrees with yours (it goes up to 9) and doesn't correlate with any clear technical property such as bus size or CMOS process size.

IMO the word "generation" as applied to CPUs is poorly defined and marketing driven - just a fancy way to say "this isn't just a new model, it's fundamentally better, so you must buy it!"

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.