Core 2

Core 2

A family of 64-bit CPUs from Intel that were introduced in mid-2006. Core 2 CPUs are the first chips to use Intel's Core microarchitecture.

Solo, Duo and Extreme
Core 2 Solo chips are single processor CPUs intended for the value market, while Core 2 Duo chips are dual-core models for mainstream desktop and notebook computers. Core 2 Extreme chips are also dual core with higher clock and bus speeds, designed for servers and high-end workstations. Note that Core 2 Duo and Core Duo chips (without the "2") are not the same (see Intel Core).

The Core 2's initial series numbering used 4000 and 6000 for desktops; 5000 and 7000 for laptops. "E" and "T" single-letter prefixes designate power consumption (E=55-75 watts; T=25-55 watts); for example, E6800 and T7600.

Core 2 Quad
In late 2006, Intel introduced its first quad-core chips, the Core 2 Quad Q6600 and Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core QX6700. Core 2 Quad chips are two dual-core Core 2 chips in a single package with two separate 4MB caches.