Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor

Overview
The Intel® Core™2 Quad processor is the latest in cuttingedge
processor technology for the desktop PC. Based on
the new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, the Intel Core 2 Quad
processor delivers four complete execution cores within a
single processor, delivering unprecedented performance and
responsiveness in multi-threaded and multi-tasking business
and home environments.
The unprecedented performance of the Intel Core 2 Quad
processor is made possible by each of the four complete
execution cores delivering the full power of Intel Core
microarchitecture. More instructions can be carried out

per clock cycle, shorter and wider pipelines execute commands
more quickly, and improved bus lanes move data throughout
the system faster. This quad-core processor represents Intel’s
continued leadership and drive of multi-core processing and
more parallel computing.
The latest versions, built on Intel’s 45nm manufacturing
technology, take these benefits to a whole new level. This
new technology uses hafnium-infused Hi-k transistors,
enabling even more processor performance by doubling the
transistor density, improving efficiency and speed relative to
the previous generation, and increasing cache size by up to
50 percent. These new Intel Core 2 Quad processors deliver
even more performance without using more energy

Doing More with Intel® Quad-Core
The Intel Core 2 Quad processor is at the center of today’s
most interactive and content-rich software experiences. The
evolving set of threaded multimedia applications, including
digital content creation, will shine as users are able to complete
tasks faster. Game play can achieve even greater visualization
and realism as tasks such as artificial intelligence (AI), physics,
and rendering can be distributed across each of the four
complete execution cores and run in parallel.

Features and Benefits of the Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor

Quad-Core Processor Provides four complete execution cores in a single processor with up to 12 MB of L2 cache and up to a
1333 MHz Front Side Bus. Four dedicated, physical threads help operating systems and applications deliver
additional performance, so end users can experience better multi-tasking and multi-threaded performance
across many types of applications and work loads.
Intel® Wide Dynamic Improves execution speed and efficiency, delivering more instructions per clock cycle. Each of the four
Execution cores can complete up to four full instructions simultaneously.
Intel® Smart Memory Access Optimizes the use of the data bandwidth from the memory subsystem to accelerate out-of-order execution.
A newly designed prediction mechanism reduces the time in-flight instructions have to wait for data. New
pre-fetch algorithms move data from system memory into fast L2 cache in advance of execution. These
functions keep the pipeline full, improving instruction throughput and performance. 45nm versions further
improve this feature, with more efficient methods of loading and storing data in main memory.
Intel® Advanced Smart Provides shared level 2 cache across each pair of cores that can be dynamically allocated to each processor
Cache1 core, within the pair, based on workload. This efficient implementation increases the probability that each
core within the pair can access data from fast L2 cache, significantly reducing latency to frequently used
data and improving performance.
Intel® Advanced Digital Accelerates the execution of Streaming SIMD Extension (SSE) instructions to significantly improve the
Media Boost performance on a broad range of applications, including video, audio, and image processing, and multimedia,
encryption, financial, engineering, and scientific applications. The 128-bit SSE instructions are now issued
at a throughput rate of one per clock cycle effectively doubling their speed of execution on a per clock
basis over previous generation processors. 45nm versions include a new Super Shuffle Engine, which
improves existing SSE instructions while enabling significant gains on the latest SSE4 instruction set.
SSE4-optimized applications, such as video editing and encoding in high-definition resolution, will see
additional performance improvements.
Intel® Virtualization Allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. Intel® VT improves manageability,
Technology (Intel® VT)2 limiting downtime and maintaining worker productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.
Intel® 643 Architecture Allows the processor to access larger amounts of memory. With appropriate 64-bit hardware and software,
platforms based on an Intel processor supporting Intel® 64 architecture can allow the use of extended
virtual and physical memory.
Execute Disable Bit4 Provides extended virus defense when deployed with a supported operating system. Memory can be marked
as executable or non-executable, allowing the processor to raise an error to the operating system if malicious
code attempts to run in non-executable memory. This can prevent the code from infecting the system.
Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) Provides for more efficient processor and platform thermal control improving system acoustics. The DTS
continuously measures the temperature at each processing core. The ability to continuously measure and
detect variations in processor temperature enables system fans to spin only as fast as needed to cool the
system. The combination of these technologies can result in significantly lower noise emissions from the PC.
Intel Designed Thermal Includes a 4-pin connector for fan speed control to help minimize the acoustic noise levels generated from
Solution for Boxed running the fan at higher speeds for thermal performance5. Fan speed control technology is based on actual
Processors CPU temperature and power usage.


1 For the Intel® Core™2 Quad processor, shared L2 cache refers to 12, 8, or 6MB of L2 cache per core pair.
2 Intel® Virtualization Technology requires a computer system with an enabled Intel® processor, BIOS, virtual machine monitor (VMM) and, for some uses,
certain platform software enabled for it. Functionality, performance or other benefits will vary depending on hardware and software configurations
and may require a BIOS update. Software applications may not be compatible with all operating systems. Please check with your application vendor.
3 64-bit computing on Intel architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications
enabled for Intel® 64 architecture. Processors will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel 64 architecture-enabled BIOS. Performance
will vary depending on your hardware and software configurations. Consult with your system vendor for more information.
4 Enabling Execute Disable Bit functionality requires a PC with a processor with Execute Disable Bit capability and a supporting operating system.
Check with your PC manufacturer on whether your system delivers Execute Disable Bit functionality.
5 The acoustic benefits of the 4-pin header are reliant on a properly designed motherboard. Contact your board manufacturer for compatibility.
6 Intel® 975X, P965, X38, and P35 Express Chipsets support Intel® Core™2 Quad processors. Other 3rd party chipsets may support Intel Core 2 Quad
processors. Contact your board manufacturer for compatibility.
Intel, the Intel logo, Intel. Leap ahead., the Intel. Leap ahead. logo, Intel Core, and Core Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Quad-core for servers

Second-generation Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® processor 5400 series with 45nm quad-core technology offers you greater energy efficiency and the multitasking performance necessary to maximize your virtualization efforts with proven reliability.
Now you can run your high performing infrastructure applications on the ultimate solution for cooling and density challenges-all on the world's most popular server platform.
Quad-core server processors
View the Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor 5400 series
Offers second generation quad-core using 45nm technology with up to 3.16GHz and large 12MB L2 cache. Boost performance by up to 25 percent¹ in existing platforms using the same technologies, software and socket compatibility. Now with Intel® VT FlexMigration, your server virtualization farm can get the benefits of 5400 series performance with live VM migration to select existing and all future Intel Xeon processors.
View the Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor 5300 series
Offers breakthrough performance, helps control operating costs, and alleviates datacenter cooling requirements. The 5300 series provides up to 1.5x performance boost over previous generation dual-core.² Now you can manage multiple servers as a single pool of resources with the most headroom and performance of any Intel two-processor general-purpose server.
View the Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor 7300 series
Offers leading scalable performance and best-in-class virtualization for server consolidation. The 7300 series provides huge leaps over previous generation dual-core: up to 2x scalable performance, 2.5x the virtualization performance boost³ and 3x greater performance per watt.

The power of multiple processors on a single die with native quad-core design.

FOR BUSINESS
Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ Processors
AMD Opteron processors with Direct Connect Architecture deliver outstanding performance, optimal virtualization, enhanced power efficiency, and low TCO — all within a consistent footprint, and power and thermal envelopes.
AMD Opteron processors enable stable, long-term solutions with industry-leading performance and performance-per-watt to simplify your IT management — now and in the future.
FOR HOME
It’s everything you want, all at once.

AMD Phenom™ processors
Built from the ground up for true quad-core performance, AMD Phenom™ 9000 Series processors speed through advanced multitasking, critical business productivity, advanced visual design and modeling, serious gaming, and visually stunning digital media and entertainment.
SPIDER platform
The AMD Phenom™ processor is part of the first all-AMD platform. Code-named "SPIDER," it’s an irresistible combination of performance and price. It’s a more intense, more immersive computing experience.

Phenomenal Performance and True Multi-Core Technology

Uncompromised Design. Higher performance-per-watt. Ease of migration. AMD is focused on delivering solutions that meet customer needs. These are just some of the advantages you can enjoy with products powered by AMD processors.
For Business
Server/Workstation
Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ processors are designed for optimal virtualization, enhanced power efficiency, unrivaled investment protection, and outstanding performance.
Desktop PC
AMD Business Class desktops featuring multi-core AMD processors deliver exceptional business value.
They provide a solid, reliable foundation that offer superior stability and longevity, exceptional performance and energy efficiency, and essential security and manageability.
Learn more about AMD Business Class desktops.
Notebook PC
AMD Turion 64 X2 dual-core mobile technology is the most advanced family of multi-core processors made for mobility — uniquely optimized to deliver multi-tasking performance in thinner and lighter notebook designs.
Learn more about notebook PCs powered by AMD multi-core processors.
For The Home
Desktop PC
AMD Phenom™ processors are leading the way — providing true quad-core technology on the desktop
Learn more aboutPCs powered by the AMD Phenom processor.
Notebook PC
AMD Turion™ 64 X2 dual-core mobile technology is the most advanced family of multi-core processors made for mobility &mdash uniquely optimized to deliver multi-tasking performance in thinner and lighter notebook designs
Learn more about notebook PCs powered by AMD dual-core processors.
AMD64 Software Solutions
The AMD64 software ecosystem helps you find high-performance 32-bit and 64-bit hardware and software applications that meet your critical business needs.

Learn more about Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ processors and the power of multi-core technology.

News Room
Get the latest on AMD Opteron processors — press releases, event photos, video, partner quotes, and more — in the AMD News Room.
AMD IT Virtual Experience
Visit our virtual IT conference website to learn about the features and benefits of quad-core through videos and interactive presentations.
Interactive E-learning Modules

• Quad-Core: Learn how Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors deliver unprecedented performance and efficiency in consistent thermal envelopes.
• Power Management: Learn how AMD Opteron processors can decrease your data center costs.
  Platform Power Estimator: Find out how much you can save on data center power and costs.
• Platform Power Estimator: Find out how much you can save on data center power and costs.
• Benchmarks 101: Learn what technology benchmarks really mean and how to understand which ones are best suited to your particular IT needs.

Whitepapers

Average CPU Power: A More Relevant Way to Measure Processor Power (PDF 84KB). Discover why ACP is a more useful way to evaluate typical processor power consumption.

AMD Series on 64-Bit Computing

• Part I: It Takes an Architecture to Make a Multi-Core Processor (PDF 375KB)
• Part II: It Takes an Ecosystem to Make a Dual-Core Platform (PDF 436KB)
• Part III: It Takes Advanced Manufacturing Technology to Make a Native Multi-Core Processor (PDF 264KB)
• Part IV: It Takes Virtualization to Make an Agile Infrastructure (PDF 158KB)
• Part V: It Takes Advanced Microprocessor Technology to Make a Modern Datacenter (PDF 105KB)

For Developers

AMD Quad-Core Opteron Processors include software visible features that can be leveraged to make your applications perform better and be ready to scale across multiple cores.