How To Tell By What Generation Intel CPU/Processor By Model Number?

Hello All!

I noticed that many sites don't list whether or not a processor is 3rd or 4th generation. Instead they just list the model number of the processor. For example, Costco lists one of their laptops with the following spec item for the processor:

Processor & Memory:

• Intel Core i7-4500U Processor at 1.8GHz (up to 2.6GHz)

Note that they don't say what generation.

Is there a way I can tell from the model number (i7-4500U)?

Thank you.

 

It's pretty easy, the first number after the CPU family is the generation. Has been that way since the second generation, so an i7- 4500U is 4th generation. Intel has some crazy model numbering scheme respective to performance of their CPUs, but it's pretty clear to know what is the generation if you know what to look for. First gen core i only have three numbers instead of four which is the only exception, but you won't see new laptops with those anyways.

Also, ark.intel.com is your friend

 

Here's a link the Intel info landing page- Intel


Just click on that link, the choose Mobile from the side menu and Processors. Then you can choose to see a list of processors by generation and model group (i3, i5, i7, etc.).

But the easiest way, to be honest, is simply to Google the model number ("i7-4500U") and the Intel info page for the processor is always the first item on the search results.

 

i7-xxx : 1st-gen
i7-2xxx : 2nd-gen (Sandy Bridge)
i7-3xxx : 3rd-gen (Ivy Bridge)
i7-4xxx : 4th-gen (Haswell)

 

What about the Haswell Pentiums, Celerons...

 

Google?

Three Intel Haswell Celeron CPUs Already Selling Despite 2014 ETA

 

Yep, and the number '4' is not seen at all.

 

True, though OP was asking about the i7 line, so I figured I'd just say that.

 

Pentium, Celeron, and Atom are a different beast altogether. Just consider them slow and you'll be ok.

 

But they cost less. For those that don't have as deep pockets as yourself the Haswell based Celeron 2950M at $75 might be most welcomed by some.

 

The Haswell Celeron and Pentium models have a substantially weaker version of Intel's integrated graphics than the Intel HD 4400/4600 paired with the i3-i7. So the overall impact on system performance can be significant, but they're still more than adequate for most routine tasks.

In my opinion, the Core i5 is the sweet spot. I'm not quite sure why the dual-core i7 even exists??? Aside from benchmark testing, there's no noticeable benefit in real-world use. The quad-core i7s are a different story, but not the dual-core.

 

to tell processor generation

i7 2xxx = sandy bridge
i7 3xxx = ivy bridge
i7 4xxx = haswell

just like the others have said

to tell the number of cores

i7 xxx0M = dual core full voltage
i7 xxx7M = sandy bridge dual core low voltage
i7 xxxxU = ivy / haswell dual core low voltage
i7 xxxx QM = quad core
i7 xxxxM Q = quad core
i7 xxxxH Q = quad core

 

I had an inkling before reading this thread, but didn't actually realize how awful the Pentium/Celeron numbering is...

Arrandale:

P6xxx/U5xxx - Pentium SV/ULV
P4xxx/U3xxx - Celeron SV/ULV

Sandy:

B9x0/9x7 - Pentium SV/ULV
Bxx0/xx7 - Celeron SV/LV - and there is a single Celeron 807UE ULV.

Ivy:

2xxxM/U/Y - Pentium SV/LV/ULV - and there is a single Pentum A1018 SV with less cache!
10xxM/U/Y - Celeron SV/LV/ULV

Haswell:

35xxM/U/Y - Pentium MB/ULT/ULX
29xxM/U/Y - Celeron MB/ULT/ULX - and yes, it almost looks like it overlaps the Ivy Pentium range, but they are "careful" to use the 29xx range instead of the 20xx and 21xx range.

And now there's Baytrail Pentiums and Celerons in the same ranges!

N35xx - Pentium quad
N28xx/N29xx - Celeron dual/quad

 

The only consistency in Intel's model numbering is that there is NO consistency. Any logical numbering pattern only exists within a single generation of processors, at best. I'm convinced that everyone at Intel is just as confused as we are...

And just to add even more confusion to the mix, they keep adding new suffix letters to the model numbers to designate various differences. M for regular mobile and U for ULV was simple enough, but now there are the Y models (ULV with a 11.5W TDP vs. the 17W U model ULVs) and they have a more efficient (slower) version of integrated graphics called the HD 4200. Then there's one or two E models (embedded) and a single i5 ending in H that I can't figure out. It's the i5-4200H and it has a 47W TDP (the standard M versions are only rated at 37W) and it has the HD 4600 graphics processor. I'm pretty sure they just made it up to screw with people like us trying to figure them out....

 

Yes, confusing as heck especially that 47W i5-4200H and it's mobile with no M in the part. It has VT-d and 300MHz faster. Perhaps that just pushes is to 47W, but why not call it i5-4250M?

 

It also has the HD 4600 graphics which performs quite a bit better than the more common HD 4400. I wonder if it's intended to be paired with a discrete GPU for high-performance switchable or hybrid graphics? Gaming is the only application where the 47W TDP would be acceptable when the 37W 'M' models appear to be almost as powerful. But for hardcore gaming, the extra 10W TDP rating would be an acceptable tradeoff for even a slight performance increase. With a TDP of 47W, it also won't be going into an Ultrabook style chassis because it will need the space for an effective cooling system. I'm sure fan noise will also be a standard feature! =)

After using a 3rd gen ULV i5 (i5-3427U), I can't even imagine having one of the 37W i5-M processors. For the first time ever, I have a laptop (Dell Latitude 6430u Ultrabook) that doesn't radiate heat off the keyboard and palmrest AND the fan is barely audible 99% of the time! The i5-3427U is rated at 1.8GHz with a max turbo frequency of 2.8GHz. It replaced a Dell Latitude E6400 with a 2.8GHz C2D P9700 and I was concerned whether a 1.8GHz processor would perform well enough. But the turbo feature works great and it routinely tops 2.6GHz which means the thermal overhead is there for it to do so. The turbo only works if it determines the cooling system can handle the speed increase. On some poorly designed models that run warm all the time, turbo is useless....