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Understanding Intel processor numbers

What is a processor number and why is it important?
A processor number is an indicator for differentiating between features for new Intel processors within a processor family. Processor numbers capture the innovative features of Intel's processors including architecture, front side bus, cache and other Intel technologies as well as clock speed. A higher number within a processor family can indicate more processor features, more of a specific processor feature, or a change in architecture.

Architecture
Architecture is the basic design of a microprocessor. It may include process technology and/or other architectural enhancements.

Chipset
The motherboard chipset consists of a "Northbridge", or Memory Controller Hub (MCH) which is responsible for controlling communication between system memory, the processor and AGP; and the "Southbridge", or I/O Controller Hub (ICH). The ICH controls communication between PCI devices, system management bus, ATA devices, AC'97, USB, IEEE1397 (firewall), and LPC controller. [These controllers are soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be changed or upgraded.]

Clock Speed
(GHz/MHz) This refers to the speed of the processor's internal clock, which dictates how fast the processor can process data. Clock speed is usually measured in GHz (gigahertz, or billions of pulses per second).

Front Side Bus
This is the connecting path between the processor and other key components such as the memory controller hub. FSB speed is measured in GHz or MHz.

L2 Cache
This is the size of 2nd level cache. L2 Cache is ultra-fast memory that buffers information being transferred between the processor and the system RAM in order to streamline these transfers.

Wireless
Wireless is the ability to connect digital devices to local or wide area networks (LAN/WAN), or the Internet, without the use of wires. LAN (Local Area Network): A data transmission facility connecting a number of communicating devices (computers, terminals and printers) within a single room, building, campus or other limited geographical area

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