What is the Core i3?

This article will go through the vast information on Core i3, including core features and performance. Also, we will provide you with additional information like architecture and specifications, processors' key terms, and numbers meanings in processors.

Introduction

The Intel Core i3 is a computer processor developed by Intel and introduced in 2010. It is a dual-core processor and is used for both desktop computers and laptops. It is the best processor for individual or personal use. It uses a motherboard's (Land Grid Array) LGA 1150 or LGA 1155 socket. In addition, it has a frequency range of 1.30 GHz (Giga Hertz) to 3.50 GHz and a cache of either 3 MB or 4 MB.

In the Core i3, the two types of common RAM (Random Access Memory) are used: which are either DDR3 1333 or DDR3 1600. Due to conservative battery usage and low heating function, Intel Core i3 is used in many computers and laptops. The minimum battery usage hours are from 5 to 6 hours.

Power Usage Ranges

Now, let's see the different power uses of Core i3. There are three stages: Lower, Medium, and Higher power frequencies.

• Range from 1.30 to 1.80 GHz requires 11.5 W, 15 W, or 25 W of electricity at lower speeds.
• From range 2.00 GHz to 2.50 GHz uses 28 W, 35 W, or 37 W when power consumption remains medium.
• Range from 2.90 GHz to 3.50 GHz consumes 35 W, 37 W, or 54 W at faster power frequencies.

Architecture and Specifications

The Intel Core i3 was a Clarkdale-based processor and was integrated with GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). But, the Turbo option is not available in Core i3. It is a technology that when a computer needs extra performance, then it automatically enables and boosts up the processor. This Turbo boost is available with the exceeded version of Intel like Core i5, i7, and i9.

Hyperthread

It was invented by Intel with a physical microprocessor that works with two logical and virtual cores. It is a four-way multitask technology that allows the Core processor to work on two tasks at the same time. This Hyperthread feature is available in both Core in and i5 processors.

Key Terms for Intel Processors

When you look for a processor, there are two main points you need to consider, which are as follows.

• Clock Speed: This describes how many operations a processor can perform in a second and is measured in GHz, one billion hertz. The more number of cores available, the computer will work as fast as the number of cores present.

• Number of Cores: Generally, computers and laptops have two or four cores, also known as dual-core and quad-core simultaneously. The more cores are present in computers, able to execute multiple tasks at the same time without slowing down.

After considering the key terms of Intel processors, now it is time to gaze at the Intel generations. In which we will define the terms like codename, number in model name, and release year.

What Does Number Means?

It's very simple to know which generation a given processor is. The Core i5-6400 belongs to the sixth generation, whereas the i5-7600K is a member of the newest of the seventh generation. You can determine if a model number indicates an older or newer processor by simply looking at the first digit.

The final three digits identify the SKU and processor power within that specific product line. As an example, the Core i5-10600K has more advanced features as compared to the i5-10400. Make sure to look for the higher model numbers if you want the more powerful CPUs.

Note:  The 7th-generation Intel processors only support Windows 10 Operating Systems.

Do you know what does mean by K as the last character in Core i5-10600K? It is a suffix to show the advanced characteristics supported by Intel processors. Here are other suffixes which tell you the sense of them.

• H: It defines Graphics with high performance.
• K: It shows the specific features.
• Q: It shows for quad-core or four real cores.
• T: Designed to maximize desktop computing efficiency.
• U: Ultra-low power, typically seen in laptop CPUs; these chips operate more slowly than desktop ones.