What is the Intel Core i series? Why is it called Core i?

Hello, this is Sumi from the System Solutions Department

Recently, Intel announced its next-generation CPU, Meteor Lake, and announced the launch of new brands, Core Ultra and Core

As a result, the previous naming convention of "Core i〇" will be changed to "Core 〇" for the next-generation "Meteor Lake," marking a turning point in the history of i

In addition to the "Core 〇" brand, the high-end "Core Ultra" brand is also scheduled to be released at this time

So, this time we will introduce Intel's "Core i series", its overview and why it is named "i series"

What is Intel's Core i series?

I don't think many of you reading this blog will be wondering what a CPU is, so I won't go into detail, but the CPU controls and calculates things . To put it in perspective, it performs the same movements as when the human brain commands a hand to "move."

The Beginnings of [Core i]

Returning to the main topic, Intel's Core i series was first born in January 2010, and the history of the Core i brand began with the first generation development codename "Clarkdale/Arrandale."

At this time, the "Clarkdale/Arrandale" was a processor based on Intel's Westmere microarchitecture, and its processor features were:

●Memory controller integrated at die level:

When the memory controller is integrated at the die level, it enables faster memory access compared to traditional CPUs because it creates a more efficient communication path between the CPU and memory. The integrated memory controller also improves the memory bandwidth required by the system, leading to even faster speeds

●GPU integrated at package level:

Package-level integration of GPUs improves graphics performance in devices such as desktops and laptops. GPU integration allows for more efficient data transfer between the CPU and GPU. Package-level integration also allows for more densely packed chips, resulting in smaller, more efficient systems

By adopting these architectures, the second-generation processors were able to provide high processing and graphics performance. These processors were suitable for applications that required high-speed processing, such as games, video editing, and 3D graphics. (At the time)

Since then, Intel has released new Core processors roughly once a year

Each of these processor generations brought new features and performance improvements, with Intel's Core i series remaining a fast and reliable choice for many users

History of [Core i]

Specifications for each Core i

Additionally, we have introduced model numbers such as "Core i3," "Core i5," "Core i7," and "Core i9" to represent the level and segment of each model

This makes it easy to understand the product's performance and price range

I made a quick reference chart. *Reference: 13th generation

By combining the generation and model number, it will be written as "Core i3 13100." *This means it is a 13th generation Core i3

Starting with the next model, Meteor Lake, it will be the Core series rather than the Core i series, meaning the generation concept in branding will disappear and it will only be represented by the processor number

Furthermore, the high-end model is expected to be part of the Core Ultra series, so even people who are not familiar with CPUs will recognize it as a high-performance model because it is Ultra

Why is it named "Core i"?

●Brand renewal and differentiation:

Intel has been using the Pentium brand for a long time, but they have revamped their product lineup and introduced a new brand name to differentiate themselves. The Core i series was chosen to break away from the past brand and to build the image of a new product family

Emphasize the importance of the core:

The "Core" name was chosen to emphasize the importance of the cores at the heart of the CPU. Intel was focused on increasing the number of cores and improving performance, and the Core i series became a symbol of this

●Leveling and segmentation:

The Core i series has various models, and the levels and segments are represented by a combination of numbers and letters. For example, Core i7 refers to a high-end performance-oriented product, while Core i5 indicates a mid-range performance product. This leveling and segmentation makes it easy for consumers to understand the performance and price range of products

●Global brand strategy:

Intel needed to use a consistent brand name to operate in global markets, and the Core i-series is an internationally recognized and easy-to-remember name that provides uniformity across different languages ​​and regions

summary

Intel's Core i series began with the first generation Clarkdale/Arrandale, released in 2010. The Core i series offered faster memory access and graphics performance than previous CPUs, making it suitable for applications that require high-speed processing, such as gaming and video editing

The Core i series has model numbers for each generation: "Core i3," "Core i5," "Core i7," and "Core i9," with the higher the number, the higher the performance. In addition, in order to expand the Core i series into the global market, the brand name was unified from "Pentium" to "Core i."

Starting with the 14th generation Meteor Lake processors scheduled for release in 2023, Intel plans to change the naming convention for its Core i series processors and classify them into two brands: "Core" and "Core Ultra." Core Ultra is expected to be the brand for high-end models

The Core i series will continue to evolve as Intel's flagship CPU series, with the Core series and Core Ultra series coming soon

Source: Intel