Intel adds a newest member to its 32nm Westmere CPUs for desktop computers, namely Intel Core i3 530 Processor. Like most of the Westmere CPUs, Intel offers 530 Processor with a couple of physical processor cores so that it can make space for four cores to the OS via Hyper-Threading.
Specifications:
- Number of cores – 2
- Frequency – 2.93 GHz
- L2 cache size – 0.5MB
- L3 cache size – 4MB
- Thermal design power – 73W
- Fab process –32nm
Intel Core i3 530 Processor does not consume much of power. At 75W and below 100% of CPU Load, this processor draws just about 32W. Transistors used in 530 processor are small enough to consume less amount of power, enhancing the economical consequences of using this Core i3 Processor.
Although this processor does not feature turbo boost technology, it is capable of running at 1.33 GHz at lowest frequecy and 2.93 GHz at highest frequency. Lack of turbo mode is one of the biggest difference between this processor and other powerful processors like Core i5 and Core i7.
Intel has always concentrated in media supporting technolgy than gaming friednly hardware. So, its Intel HD Graphics might not offer you the best of gaming experience, but Intel Core i3 530 Processor is capable of offering wonderful multimedia experience. It sits well for Windows 7 OS and supports Blu-ray decoding too.
Its Dolby True HD and DTS-HD 7.1 audio support offers you with theatre like sound quality. It is compatible with DirectX 10 and offers resolution of 1,024 x 768 at minimal settings.
Intel Core i3 530 Processor is surely powerful and stable than other similar processors of other brands (like Athlon II X4 630 and Phenom II X2 550 BE by AMD). With a price tag of £80 (excluding VAT), this might withstand the competition and is all set for longer stand.