Multi core Processor Primer:
By putting multiple execution cores into a single processor (as well as continuing to increase clock frequency), chip manufacturers are
able to provide even greater multiples of processing power.
Using multi-core processors can dramatically increase
a computer’s capabilities and computing resources, providing
better responsiveness, improving multithreaded throughput,
and delivering the advantages of parallel computing to
properly threaded mainstream applications.
Multi-core processors take advantage of a fundamental relationship between power and frequency. By incorporating multiple cores, each core is able to run at a lower frequency, dividing among them the power normally given to a single core. The result is a big performance increase over a single core processor. The illustration at the right is based on Intel lab experiments with commonly used workloads—illustrates this key advantage.
Increasing clock frequency by 20 percent to a single core delivers a 13 percent performance gain, but
requires 73 percent greater power. Conversely, decreasing
clock frequency by 20 percent reduces power usage by 49
percent, but results in just a 13 percent performance loss.
Adding a second core on the under clocked
processor results in a dual-core processor
that at 20 percent reduced clock frequency effectively
delivers 73 percent more performance while using
approximately the same power as a single-core
processor at maximum frequency.
This fundamental relationship between power and frequency can be effectively used to multiply the number of cores from two to four, and then eight and more, to deliver continuous increases in performance without increasing power usage.
What about 65, 45 and 32 nm... what does that mean?
"nm" stands for nanometer, it is a silicon process technology that increases transistor density by making things smaller. Core architecture debuted in 2006 at 65 nm, in 2008 Intel went to 45 nm and even plans a 32 nm by 2010. A major problem with making transistors smaller is electrical current leakage. The 45 nm process not only packs more transistors on the chip, but also uses a new hafnium-based silicone technology called, "high-k"gate that reduces electrical current leakage by 1,000% and increases transistor switching speed by 20%!
What else does 45 nm technology do for me?
Improving the memory subsystem and optimizing data access in ways that ensure data can be used as fast as possible among all cores. This minimizes latency and improves efficiency and speed. Adding massive amount of L2 cache aid in boosting the memory sub-system to previously unreachable levels.
Optimizes the interconnect fabric that connects the cores to improve performance between cores and memory units.
Optimizing and expanding the instruction set to enhance the capabilities of Intel® architecture and enable the industry to deliver advanced applications with greater performance and lower power requirements. Some of these instructions can effectively dedicate a core to deliver specific capabilities.
Not exactly. Much of all this performance we are talking about is actually wasted because of how the OS and programs deal with the additional cores. To really get the full benefit from all the additional technology and subsequent dollars invested in it, you really need to optimize the OS and programs the end user is going to use. Rest assured, Killer Notebooks optimizes every system to its fullest potential and you can help do even more! 