Overview
This lecture covers the history and technological advancements of Intel CPUs, from the first microprocessor in 1969 to the latest Core Ultra series in 2024.
Early Intel Processors
- Intel's first microprocessor was the 404, debuted in 1969, with 2,300 transistors and a 740 kHz clock speed.
- The Intel 808, released in 1972, was the first 8-bit microprocessor for terminals and calculators.
- The 8080 chip powered the Altair 8800, the first successful personal computer in 1975.
Emergence of x86 and 32-bit CPUs
- The 8086 (1976) was Intel's first 16-bit and first x86 processor, influencing industry standards.
- Intel 386 (i386) introduced 32-bit processing and was released in 1985 with 275,000 transistors.
The Pentium Era
- Original Pentium launched in 1993 with 3.1 million transistors; set the foundation for modern PCs.
- Pentium II (1997) and Pentium III (1999) increased transistor counts and efficiency; Pentium III hit 1 GHz in 2000.
- Pentium 4 (2000) reached 1.5 GHz and prioritized clock speed increases.
Multi-Core Advancements
- Pentium D (2005) was Intel's first dual-core processor, but had limited software support for its architecture.
- Core 2 Extreme (2006) introduced quad-core processing, enabling greater performance and efficiency.
Core Series & Process Shrinks
- Core i7 debuted in 2008 with hyperthreading and four cores/eight threads, using a 45nm process.
- Each new generation (i7 2600K, 3770K, 4770K) shifted to smaller manufacturing nodes (32nm, 22nm) and higher transistor counts.
- 2015's Core i7 6700K introduced "Skylake" architecture and the efficient 14nm process.
High-End and Modern CPUs
- Core i9 series launched in 2017, offering 10+ cores and high thread counts for demanding tasks.
- Stagnation occurred as Intel remained on the 14nm process until 2021, leading to modest upgrades and efficiency issues.
- Alder Lake (12th gen) and Raptor Lake (13th gen) moved to hybrid architectures with performance and efficiency cores.
Core Ultra Series
- The Core Ultra 9 285K, released in October 2024, emphasized efficiency and stability over peak performance, using 17 billion transistors and 24 cores.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Microprocessor — The central processing unit (CPU) on a single chip.
- x86 — A processor architecture introduced by the Intel 8086, foundational for PCs.
- Transistor — A tiny electronic switch; higher counts enable greater processing power.
- Hyperthreading — Technology allowing one CPU core to run multiple threads.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power) — Maximum amount of heat a processor is expected to generate.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the evolution of Intel CPUs for exam preparation.
- Research the impact of manufacturing process sizes on CPU performance and efficiency.