NIT3104 Computer Architecture: Detailed Report on Intel Core i7

This report provides a detailed overview of the Intel Core i7 architecture, tracing its evolution from the Nehalem architecture to its 9th generation. It covers key aspects such as its 64-bit design, multi-core capabilities, and various Intel technologies like virtualization and overclocking. The report delves into the i7's logical and physical design, including cache sizes, TDP limits, and transistor count, further exploring the single-core architecture, DDR memory interface, Quick Path Interface, and Direct Media Interface. The conclusion highlights the Core i7's effectiveness, SoC design approach, versatile instruction set, and integrated graphics, emphasizing its significance in computer architecture. Desklib provides access to a wealth of resources, including past papers and solved assignments, to aid students in their studies.

Intel Core i7

What is architecture
• Architecture is specification of functionality of
the hardware and its programmer visible
interface.
– Backward compatibility must be maintained
– To allow reuse of already developed software
codes
• Intel’s current architecture is called x86.
– Compatible with 8086 instruction set from 1980’s

Core i7
• First introduced in 2008
• Based on Nehalem Architecture
• In its 9th generation now
• Support up to 6 core design in single chip
• Completely 64 bit architecture with backward
compatibility for 32 bit architecture
• Several on Intel Technologies like
Virtualization, MMX, Over clocking etc.

I7 Logical Design
•Two-way multithreading per CPU coreOn
chip L1 and L2 cache
•On chip DRAM Memory Controller
•QPI interface for North Bridge Interface
•DMI Interface for connectivity with Q87
chipset

Physical Design
• 42mm x 28mm CPU size
• LGA 1150 Socket for mounting on boards
• 32KB L1, 256KB L2 and 12MB Cache Size L3
• 130W TDP Limits
• Approx 731 Million Transistors
• 45-14nm technology

Each Single Core
• 64 bit Registers
• Supports Hyper-threading
– Each core can have up to two threads
• Independent L1 and L2 cache
– Shared L3 Cache
• Current 9th gen supports 4.30 GHz to 4.90GHz
in Turbo Mode

DDR Main Memory
• DDR3 interface for DRAM on Low Power
• Supports DDR4 extension in later generations
• DDR4-2666, LPDDR3-2133
• Up to 128GB of memory support
• With Maximum Transfer Bandwidth of
41.8 GB/s
• Dual channels are supported

Quick Path Interface
– Used for interconnect with high speed I/O Devices
– 16 bits per transfer
– Max Speed of 25.6GB/s in Bidirectional mode

Direct Media Interface
– Used as dedicated bus interface to connect
Northbridge(Built with ,in Processor) with Southbridge
(Slower Peripherals)
– Connects at high speed up to 8GB/s transfer rate over 4
channels

Conclusion
• With lifetime spanning over 9 Generations.
• Most effective CPU in terms of performance and
speed
• Uses SoC approach for design combining several
components with in single Die
• With wide variety of Instruction Set, it makes it
versatile for all types of usage.
• Integrated Graphic processor eliminates need of
separate Graphics card for normal tasks.