Intel Core i3 processor families

Intel Core i3 processor families

Core i3 line of entry-level Core-branded microprocessors was introduced on January 7, 2010 at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Performance-wise and price-wise these are middle-class CPUs, positioned between more expensive and more powerful Core i5 and Core i7 microprocessors, and budget Pentium and Celeron processor families. Originally based on Westmere (enhanced Nehalem) micro-architecture, Core i3 CPUs were eventually transitioned to Sandy Bridge, and later to Ivy Bridge architecture. Common features of all Core i3 generations are dual-channel DDR3 memory controller, HD-capable graphics controller, and separate DMI interface to peripheral devices. All processors have per-core 256 KB level 2 cache, large level 3 cache shared between two cores, as well as support for basic and some advanced microarchitecture features, such as SSE4 instructions, and Virtualization and HyperThreading technologies. Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge CPUs also added support for Advanced Vector Extensions. As common with entry-level and budget families, Core i3 line doesn't include advanced technologies, or have some of its features crippled:

• Currently (March 2013), the processors include only two CPU cores, as opposed to 4 cores in more expensive Core i5 and Core i7 families.
• Core i3 CPUs have Turbo Boost Technology disabled.
• Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) instructions are not supported;
• Processors do not support Virtualization for directed I/O (VT-d) and Trusted Execution Technology features.

Intel Core i3 lineup currently consists of desktop and mobile Core i3 families. Desktop Core i3 microprocessors are packaged in 1155- and 1156-land Land-Grid Array (LGA) packages, and require socket 1155 or socket 1156 motherboards. Mobile Core i3 CPUs are manufactured in 1023-ball BGA, 1288-ball BGA or 988 micro-PGA packages. BGA processors are soldered directly on motherboards, and PGA processors utilize socket G1 or G2.

Core i3

Picture of: Intel Core i3-530 - CM80616003180AG / BX80616I3530 / BXC80616I3530

Desktop Core i3 family spans three generations of processors, Westemere-based Core i3-5xx series, Sandy Bridge-based i3-2xxx, and finally i3-3xxx, built on Ivy Bridge architecture. Different generations have somewhat different feature sets. Most notably, Westmere chips have 4 MB L3 cache and fit into socket 1156. The second Core i3 generation doubles DMI interface bandwidth, adds AVX instructions, and has better graphics. Additionally, the processors have lower TDP and fit into socket 1155. The size of L3 cache of these chips was reduced to 3 MB. The third i3 generation has all of the features of its predecessor, and it further improves on-chip graphics and TDP. Regardless of their underlying microarchitecture, all Core i3 CPUs have 2 cores, and support Hyper-Threading technology, which allows them to run 4 threads at once. The i3 desktop microprocessors have very decent performance, which is close to or exceeds performance of the fastest Core 2 Duo parts. Core i3s are not as fast as Core i5 and i7 CPUs, but they are priced much cheaper, and, consequently, have better price / performance ratio.

Core i3 Mobile

Picture of: Intel Core i3-350M Mobile processor - CP80617004161AC

Mobile Core i3s run at considerably lower clock speeds than desktop CPUs, but they have much lower power dissipation - 35 Watt for mainstream parts, or 17 Watt for Ultra Low Voltage parts. Similar to the Core i3 desktop family, mobile i3 microprocessors span 3 successive microarchitecture generations, with each new generation adding more and more features. Core i3-3xx "Westmere" processors from the first generation had 3 MB L3 cache, SIMD support up to SSE4, and they either required socket G1 or were soldered on the motherboard. Core i3-2xxx "Sandy Bridge" CPUs introduced AVX instructions, had better integrated graphics and faster DMI interface. These microprocessors were either soldered on the board, or needed socket G2, which was not compatible with socket G1. Core i3-3xxx "Ivy Bridge" parts feature improved CPU and graphics performance. These processors come with the same features and use the same socket as the second Core i3 generation, however the Ivy Bridge chips cannot be used to upgrade older 6-series motherboards. In the second half 2013, Intel will introduce Haswell-based Core i3 processors, that will have even better performance, although they won't be compatible with socket G1 and socket G2 laptops.

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