What Is Centrino Processor Technology?
Intel's Centrino processor technology hit the shelves in early 2003 and revolutionized mobile computing. A Centrino-based notebook system is not solely defined by the processor, but by a combination of the processor, mobile chip set and wireless technology it uses. A Centrino-based system boasts long battery life, speedy and efficient processors, high data transfer rates and strong wireless capabilities. Intel has continued developing Centrino technology and released its seventh generation, called Centrino 2 processor technology, in January 2010.
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History
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The first generation of Intel's Centrino processor technology used the Pentium M processor, which was Intel's first processor that was not modeled after the architecture of a desktop processor. Before the Pentium M mobile processor was developed, many laptops were bound to encounter overheating problems due to the large amount of power generated by processors at that time. The desktop-modeled processors that were rigged to be used in laptops required large fans to significantly cool the machine and added an inconvenient amount of weight. The Pentium M allowed for smaller, lighter and faster laptops, though it is now considered outdated technology. Since 2006, Centrino-based systems use the Intel Core processor technology, which is even more efficient than the Pentium M.
Intel Centrino 2 Processor Technology
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Intel reports that Centrino 2 processor technology constitutes the most considerable amount of progress in mobile computing technology since Centrino's debut in 2003. There have been modifications in areas such as energy efficiency, performance and wireless capabilities. Centrino 2 technology can also be adapted to appeal to a wide array of consumers; from businessmen to intense gamers.
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Processor and RAM Specifications
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New laptops with Centrino 2 technology feature either the Intel Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad processor with a 1066 MHz front-side bus(FSB), which allows for the potential of greater multitasking capabilities. For example, a user can seamlessly surf the web and burn DVDs while running multiple applications such as Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop. Centrino systems now include DDR2 (800 MHz) RAM and support for DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz), which help deliver better system performance.
Battery Life and Wireless Information
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Centrino-based systems use updated power-saving technology that maximizes battery life. Intel designers have engineered a means to utilize the full potential of processing power when needed and then quickly switch back to an idle state when full power is not necessary. This automatic process greatly lengthens the time between battery charges. Centrino laptops are also equipped with 802.11n wireless technologies, which deliver an array of wireless connectivity options at a speed of up to 450 Mbps. The wireless network protocols embedded within the Centrino chip set maximize network throughput and minimize interference, which ends up giving you faster and more reliable wireless connections.
Additional Chip Set Features
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As of May 2010, the chip set on Centrino 2-based systems includes the Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD. This graphics processor is powerful and efficient, supporting Blu-ray playback and handling intense tasks such as HD video encoding. This graphics processor is designed to be extremely energy efficient and features two interchangeable graphic cores. The cores switch automatically based on your laptop's power source (AC or battery) or manually through user settings.
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References
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