Intel Core i7 D0 Core Performance Advantage Revealed

The Intel Core i7 is a new line of desktop processors based on the Nehalem microarchitecture, which evolved from the Core microarchitecture that powered the highly successful Intel Core 2 line of microprocessors. Like its predecessors, the new Core i7 processors are manufactured using Intel's 45 nm fabrication process with high-k (hafnium) dielectric and metal gate technology. However, that is where the similarity ends.

Unlike the Core 2 processors, the new Core i7 processors have a monolithic design. That means the entire quad-core processor is fabricated on a single die. The quad-core version of the Core 2 processor, on the other hand, combines two dual-core dies in a multi-chip package (MCP). The Core i7 processor also introduces a slew of new technologies :

• an integrated DDR3 memory controller
• a three-tier cache design
• QuickPath Interconnect
• Intel Turbo Mode technology (now renamed Intel Turbo Boost)

When first launched on November 17, 2008, Intel offered three Core i7 models based on the C0 core stepping - the Core i7-965 Extreme Edition, the Core i7-940 and the Core i7-920. They followed this up with the new D0 core stepping on May 31, 2009. The first processors to feature the new D0 stepping was the Core i7-975 Extreme Edition, the Core i7-950 and the Core i7-920. This was followed up lately by the Core i7-960 on October 20, 2009.

What Is A Core Stepping?

Stepping is another word for a revision number. It is basically a way for microprocessor manufacturers to designate "steps" in the evolution of their microprocessor designs. Instead of using a revision number (1.1 -> 1.2), they use a combination of a letter and a number (B0 -> B1).

All microprocessor designs usually start with a A0 core stepping. However, this is often not the version that goes to market. Evolutionary changes before the actual launch would mean microprocessors often launch with higher core steppings than A0.

So what's the big deal about core steppings? They are important because they denote evolutionary changes in a microprocessor's design. These include bug fixes as well as internal improvements, and even new features.

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