Intel Core 2

This article is about the Core 2 Solo/Duo/Quad/Extreme line of Intel processors. For the overall Intel Core brand, including Core 2 and later Core i, see Intel Core. For the microarchitecture being used in the Core 2 line, see Intel Core (microarchitecture).

Core 2
Intel Core 2 Duo logo from 2009 to 2012
General information
LaunchedJuly 26, 2006; 18 years ago (July 26, 2006)
DiscontinuedJune 8, 2012; 12 years ago (June 8, 2012)[1]
Marketed byIntel
Designed byIntel
Common manufacturer
  • Intel
Performance
Max. CPU clock rate1.06 GHz to 3.5 GHz
FSB speeds533 MT/s to 1.6 GT/s
Data width64 bits
Address width36 bits
Virtual address width48 bits
Cache
L1 cache64 KB per core (32 KB data + 32 KB instructions)
L2 cacheUp to 12 MB
Architecture and classification
ApplicationDesktop
Mobile
Technology node65 nm to 45 nm
MicroarchitectureCore:
Merom (65 nm)
Penryn (45 nm)
Instruction setx86-64
InstructionsMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1
Physical specifications
Transistors
  • 291 million to 820 million
Cores
  • 1, 2, or 4
Packages
  • Flip-chip land grid array (FC-LGA)
  • Micro pin grid array (mPGA)
  • Flip-chip ball grid array (FC-BGA)
Sockets
Products, models, variants
Core names
  • Desktop: Allendale, Conroe, Kentsfield, Wolfdale, Yorkfield,
  • Mobile: Merom, Penryn, Penryn QC
Product code names
  • C2S
  • C2D
  • C2E
  • C2Q
  • C2QX
Models
  • Core 2 Solo
  • Core 2 Duo
  • Core 2 Quad
  • Core 2 Extreme
Variant
History
PredecessorsPentium D (desktop)
Intel Core Solo/Duo (mobile)
SuccessorCore i3/i5/i7
Support status
Unsupported

Intel Core 2 is a processor family encompassing a range of Intel's mainstream 64-bit x86-64 single-, dual-, and quad-core microprocessors based on the Core microarchitecture. The single- and dual-core models are single-die, whereas the quad-core models comprise two dies, each containing two cores, packaged in a multi-chip module.[2] The Core 2 range is the last flagship range of Intel desktop processors to use a front-side bus (FSB).

The introduction of Core 2 relegated the Pentium brand to the mid-range market, and reunified laptop and desktop CPU lines for marketing purposes under the same product name, which were formerly divided into the Pentium 4, Pentium D, and Core Solo/Duo brands.

The Core 2 processor line was introduced on July 27, 2006,[3] comprising the Duo (dual-core) and Extreme (dual- or quad-core CPUs for enthusiasts), and in 2007, the Quad (quad-core) and Solo (single-core) sub-brands.[4] Intel Core 2 processors with vPro technology (designed for businesses) include the dual-core and quad-core branches.[5]

Although Woodcrest processors are also based on the Core 2 architecture, they are available under the Xeon brand. From December 2006, all Core 2 processors were manufactured from 300-millimeter plates at Fab 12 factory in Arizona and at Fab 24-2 in County Kildare, Ireland.

  1. ^ "Product Change Notification #110665-00" (PDF). Intel Corp. June 6, 2011. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  2. ^ "Intel Clovertowns step up, reduce power". TG Daily. Archived from the original on September 11, 2007. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
  3. ^ "Intel Unveils World's Best Processor". Intel. Archived from the original on April 3, 2007. Retrieved August 14, 2007.
  4. ^ "Intel to unify product naming scheme". TG Daily. Archived from the original on September 26, 2007. Retrieved August 6, 2007.
  5. ^ "Intel Centrino 2 with vPro technology and Intel Core2 processor with vPro technology" (PDF). Intel. Retrieved August 7, 2008.