No one can seem to tell me the difference between the two (45nm and x38)? What do these numbers mean, and are they both just CPU’s of different generations? I can’t seem to see these numbers in any specifications for processors, so how do you know which processors are which? I hope you can help, since no one I know can tell me. It’s important because I want to buy a new motherboard and want to make sure everything is compatible. Also, if you can tell me, what does the 775 number mean? I sent a copy of this to my brother, who knows a lot more about computers than I do.
A few quick answers for you:
The 775 number refers to a “775 socket”. A computer’s CPU will plug into a certain type of slot on the motherboard. The 775 socket is a certain type of slot. If you have a motherboard with a 775 socket type, and you’re purchasing a CPU for it, you want to make sure the CPU is also a 775 socket type.
The “x38″ number you mention is probably a partial description. It’s most likely a variation of “x386″ or “x86″. A 386 processor or “x86″ processor is a certain type of CPU used in old computers. Compared to today’s machines, this processor was very slow.
Finally, “45nm”: This is a certain type of advanced processor. Read for more detail on the 45nm semiconductor.
All these numbers are pretty technical, and are generally not considered when purchasing a new PC. (That’s for the general population - if you’re a techie, these numbers might be pretty important!) Also see this link for minimum hardware recommendations when purchasing a new computer.
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Every Mac uses a chip based on Intel Core technology, the next generation in processor design from the world’s leading chip maker. The result of massive R&D effort involving thousands of engineers. An entire collection of revolutions shrunk into an unimaginably small space, consuming less energy, too. Two cores work together to share resources, and are designed to conserve power when their functions aren’t required. Whether in an ultra-sleek MacBook, or workstation class Mac Pro, Intel Core technology lets you get more power with less power.Mac Pro and Final Cut StudioFour on the floor
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Now with a new version based on Intel's cutting edge 45nm technology utilizing hafnium-infused circuitry to deliver even greater performance and power efficiency. The Intel® Core™2 Extreme processor QX9770 running at 3.2 GHz delivers the best possible experience for today's most demanding users.
* 12 MB of total L2 cache * 1600 MHz front side bus
Intel® Core™2 Extreme mobile processorExperience the world's highest performing mobile processor². Bar none. Now you have the performance to play the latest multi-threaded games anywhere, with the Intel® Core™2 Extreme dual-core mobile processor X9000.
* 6 MB of shared L2 cache * 800 MHz front side bus
Now every new Mac ships with an Intel processor. Experience delightful responsiveness from the smallest Mac mini to the most beefed-up Mac Pro. Use one of more than 7,000 universal applications that take full advantage of the Intel chip. Run programs from your PowerPC-based Mac in translation. Powered by Intel chips, your new Mac will do all those things that only Macs can do — and do so at an astonishing level of performance.IntelThe new Mac core
Every Mac uses a chip based on Intel Core technology, the next generation in processor design from the world’s leading chip maker. The result of massive R&D effort involving thousands of engineers. An entire collection of revolutions shrunk into an unimaginably small space, consuming less energy, too. Two cores work together to share resources, and are designed to conserve power when their functions aren’t required. Whether in an ultra-sleek MacBook, or workstation class Mac Pro, Intel Core technology lets you get more power with less power.Mac Pro and Final Cut StudioFour on the floor
And that means pure creative exhilaration with four 64-bit cores inside the new Mac Pro. The Core-based Intel Xeon is so power efficient, that Apple engineers were able to remove the liquid cooling system from the previous Power-PC based model. Which means you can load up the Mac Pro with more cards, more hard drives, more memory. So you can do more with Final Cut Studio, Aperture, Logic Pro, and the growing number of universal applications for creative professionals.Intel Core DuoDual-roar
The Intel Core 2 Duo is actually two processors (cores) engineered onto a single chip — offering virtually twice the computational power of a traditional single processor in the same space. With two cores tightly integrated, increased L2 cache, and a host of engineering breakthroughs, the Intel Core 2 Duo delivers higher performance for all the things you do — from enhancing the family photos to rendering special effects for a feature film.
