Intel announces new processor: Intel dual-core processor

The First Step in the Multi-Core Revolution

In April of 2005, Intel announced the Intel® Pentium® processor Extreme Edition, featuring an Intel dual-core processor, which can provide immediate advantages for people looking to buy systems that boost multitasking computing power and improve the throughput of multithreaded applications. An Intel dual-core processor consists of two complete execution cores in one physical processor (right), both running at the same frequency. Both cores share the same packaging and the same interface with the chipset/memory. Overall, an Intel dual-core processor offers a way of delivering more capabilities while balancing power requirements, and is the first step in the multi-core processor future.

An Intel dual-core processor-based PC will enable new computing experiences as it delivers value by providing additional computing resources that expand the PC's capabilities in the form of higher throughput and simultaneous computing. Imagine that a dual-core processor is like a four-lane highway — it can handle up to twice as many cars as its two-lane predecessor without making each car drive twice as fast. Similarly, with an Intel dual-core processor-based PC, people can perform multiple tasks such as downloading music and gaming simultaneously.

And when combined with Hyper-Threading Technology† (HT Technology) the Intel dual-core processor is the next step in the evolution of high-performance computing. Intel dual-core products supporting Hyper-Threading Technology can process four software threads simultaneously by more efficiently using resources that otherwise may sit idle.

By introducing its first dual-core processor for desktop PCs, Intel continues its commitment and investment in PC innovation as enthusiasts are running ever-more demanding applications. A new Intel dual-core processor-based PC gives people the flexibility and performance to handle robust content creation or intense gaming, plus simultaneously managing background tasks such as virus scanning and downloading. Cutting-edge gamers can play the latest titles and experience ultra-realistic effects and gameplay. Entertainment enthusiasts will be able to create and improve digital content while encoding other content in the background.

The new Intel Pentium processor Extreme Edition ushers in a new era in processor architecture design in which multi-core processors become the standard for delivering greater performance, improved performance per watt, and new capabilities across Intel's desktop, mobile, and server platforms. This new Intel dual-core product also represents a vital first step on the road to realizing Platform 2015, Intel's vision for the future of computing and the evolving processor and platform architectures that support it.