Intel Core i38121U Processor 4M Cache up to 3.20 GHz Product Specifications

Processor Number

The Intel processor number is just one of several factors—along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks—to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs. Read more about interpreting Intel® processor numbers or Intel® processor numbers for the Data Center.

Lithography

Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.

Total Cores

Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).

Total Threads

Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.

Max Turbo Frequency

Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.

For more details regarding the dynamic power and frequency operating range, refer to Performance Proxy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Intel® Processors.

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 Frequency^‡

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 Frequency is the maximum single core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.

For more details regarding the dynamic power and frequency operating range, refer to Performance Proxy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Intel® Processors.

Processor Base Frequency

Processor Base Frequency describes the rate at which the processor's transistors open and close. The processor base frequency is the operating point where TDP is defined. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.

For more details regarding the dynamic power and frequency operating range, refer to

Cache

CPU Cache is an area of fast memory located on the processor. Intel® Smart Cache refers to the architecture that allows all cores to dynamically share access to the last level cache.

Bus Speed

A bus is a subsystem that transfers data between computer components or between computers. Types include front-side bus (FSB), which carries data between the CPU and memory controller hub; direct media interface (DMI), which is a point-to-point interconnection between an Intel integrated memory controller and an Intel I/O controller hub on the computer’s motherboard; and Quick Path Interconnect (QPI), which is a point-to-point interconnect between the CPU and the integrated memory controller.

TDP

Thermal Design Power (TDP) represents the average power, in watts, the processor dissipates when operating at Base Frequency with all cores active under an Intel-defined, high-complexity workload. Refer to Datasheet for thermal solution requirements.

Launch Date

The date the product was first introduced.

Embedded Options Available

“Embedded Options Available” indicates the SKU is typically available for purchase for 7 years from the launch of the first SKU in the Product family and may be available for purchase for a longer period of time under certain circumstances. Intel does not commit or guarantee product Availability or Technical Support by way of roadmap guidance. Intel reserves the right to change roadmaps or discontinue products, software and software support services through standard EOL/PDN processes. Product certification and use condition information can be found in the Production Release Qualification (PRQ) report for this SKU. Contact your Intel representative for details.

Max Memory Size (dependent on memory type)

Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.

Memory Types

Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.

Max # of Memory Channels

The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.

Max Memory Bandwidth

Max Memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor (in GB/s).

ECC Memory Supported ^‡

ECC Memory Supported indicates processor support for Error-Correcting Code memory. ECC memory is a type of system memory that can detect and correct common kinds of internal data corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.

PCI Express Revision

PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.

PCI Express Configurations ^‡

PCI Express (PCIe) Configurations describe the available PCIe lane configurations that can be used to link to PCIe devices.

Max # of PCI Express Lanes

A PCI Express (PCIe) lane consists of two differential signaling pairs, one for receiving data, one for transmitting data, and is the basic unit of the PCIe bus. Max # of PCI Express Lanes is the total number of supported lanes.

T_JUNCTION

Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.

Intel® Optane™ Memory Supported ^‡

Intel® Optane™ memory is a revolutionary new class of non-volatile memory that sits in between system memory and storage to accelerate system performance and responsiveness. When combined with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Driver, it seamlessly manages multiple tiers of storage while presenting one virtual drive to the OS, ensuring that data frequently used resides on the fastest tier of storage. Intel® Optane™ memory requires specific hardware and software configuration. Visit www.intel.com/OptaneMemory for configuration requirements.

Intel® Speed Shift Technology

Intel® Speed Shift Technology uses hardware-controlled P-states to deliver dramatically quicker responsiveness with single-threaded, transient (short duration) workloads, such as web browsing, by allowing the processor to more quickly select its best operating frequency and voltage for optimal performance and power efficiency.

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology ^‡

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology dynamically increases the processor's frequency as needed by taking advantage of thermal and power headroom to give you a burst of speed when you need it, and increased energy efficiency when you don’t.

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology ^‡

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) delivers two processing threads per physical core. Highly threaded applications can get more work done in parallel, completing tasks sooner.

Intel® Transactional Synchronization Extensions

Intel® Transactional Synchronization Extensions (Intel® TSX) are a set of instructions that add hardware transactional memory support to improve performance of multi-threaded software.

Intel® 64 ^‡

Intel® 64 architecture delivers 64-bit computing on server, workstation, desktop and mobile platforms when combined with supporting software.¹ Intel 64 architecture improves performance by allowing systems to address more than 4 GB of both virtual and physical memory.

Instruction Set

An instruction set refers to the basic set of commands and instructions that a microprocessor understands and can carry out. The value shown represents which Intel’s instruction set this processor is compatible with.

Instruction Set Extensions

Instruction Set Extensions are additional instructions which can increase performance when the same operations are performed on multiple data objects. These can include SSE (Streaming SIMD Extensions) and AVX (Advanced Vector Extensions).

Idle States

Idle States (C-states) are used to save power when the processor is idle. C0 is the operational state, meaning that the CPU is doing useful work. C1 is the first idle state, C2 the second, and so on, where more power saving actions are taken for numerically higher C-states.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology is an advanced means of enabling high performance while meeting the power-conservation needs of mobile systems. Conventional Intel SpeedStep® Technology switches both voltage and frequency in tandem between high and low levels in response to processor load. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology builds upon that architecture using design strategies such as Separation between Voltage and Frequency Changes, and Clock Partitioning and Recovery.

Intel® Demand Based Switching

Intel® Demand Based Switching is a power-management technology in which the applied voltage and clock speed of a microprocessor are kept at the minimum necessary levels until more processing power is required. This technology was introduced as Intel SpeedStep® Technology in the server marketplace.

Thermal Monitoring Technologies

Thermal Monitoring Technologies protect the processor package and the system from thermal failure through several thermal management features. An on-die Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) detects the core's temperature, and the thermal management features reduce package power consumption and thereby temperature when required in order to remain within normal operating limits.

Integrated Intel® QuickAssist Technology

Intel® QuickAssist Technology provides security and compression acceleration capabilities used to improve performance and efficiency across the data center.

Intel® HD Audio Technology

Intel® High Definition Audio (Intel® HD Audio) is capable of playing back more channels at higher quality than previous integrated audio formats. In addition, Intel® HD Audio has the technology needed to support the latest and greatest audio content.

Intel® Flex Memory Access

Intel® Flex Memory Access facilitates easier upgrades by allowing different memory sizes to be populated and remain in dual-channel mode.

Intel® Rapid Storage Technology

Intel® Rapid Storage Technology provides protection, performance, and expandability for desktop and mobile platforms. Whether using one or multiple hard drives, users can take advantage of enhanced performance and lower power consumption. When using more than one drive the user can have additional protection against data loss in the event of hard drive failure. Successor to Intel® Matrix Storage Technology.

Intel® Smart Response Technology

Intel® Smart Response Technology combines the fast performance of a small solid state drive with the large capacity of a hard disk drive.

Intel® My WiFi Technology

Intel® My WiFi Technology enables wireless connection of an UltrabookTM or laptop to WiFi-enabled devices such as printers, stereos, etc.

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Itanium (VT-i)

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Itanium (VT-i) allows one Intel® Itanium® Processor platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. Offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Integrated Intel® Omni-Path Architecture (Intel® OPA)

Intel® Omni-Path Architecture (OPA) is a high-bandwidth, low-latency fabric solution that optimizes performance and scales for any high performance computing (HPC) workload.

Intel® Volume Management Device (VMD)

Intel® Volume Management Device (VMD) provides a common, robust method of hot plug and LED management for NVMe-based solid state drives.

Intel® AES New Instructions

Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) are a set of instructions that enable fast and secure data encryption and decryption. AES-NI are valuable for a wide range of cryptographic applications, for example: applications that perform bulk encryption/decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.

Secure Key

Intel® Secure Key consists of a digital random number generator that creates truly random numbers to strengthen encryption algorithms.

Intel® Software Guard Extensions (Intel® SGX)

Intel® Software Guard Extensions (Intel® SGX) provide applications the ability to create hardware enforced trusted execution protection for their applications’ sensitive routines and data. Intel® SGX provides developers a way to partition their code and data into CPU hardened trusted execution environments (TEE’s).

Intel® Memory Protection Extensions (Intel® MPX)

Intel® Memory Protection Extensions (Intel® MPX) provides a set of hardware features that can be used by software in conjunction with compiler changes to check that memory references intended at compile time do not become unsafe at runtime due to buffer overflow or underflow.

Intel® Trusted Execution Technology ^‡

Intel® Trusted Execution Technology for safer computing is a versatile set of hardware extensions to Intel® processors and chipsets that enhance the digital office platform with security capabilities such as measured launch and protected execution. It enables an environment where applications can run within their own space, protected from all other software on the system.

Execute Disable Bit ^‡

Execute Disable Bit is a hardware-based security feature that can reduce exposure to viruses and malicious-code attacks and prevent harmful software from executing and propagating on the server or network.

Intel® Boot Guard

Intel® Device Protection Technology with Boot Guard helps protect the system’s pre-OS environment from viruses and malicious software attacks.

Intel® Run Sure Technology

Intel® Run Sure Technology, includes advanced RAS (reliability, availability and serviceability) features that deliver high reliability and platform resiliency, to maximize uptime of servers running mission-critical workloads.

Mode-based Execute Control (MBEC)

Mode-based Execute Control can more reliably verify and enforce the integrity of kernel level code.

Intel® Stable IT Platform Program (SIPP)

The Intel® Stable IT Platform Program (Intel® SIPP) aims for zero changes to key platform components and drivers for at least 15 months or until the next generational release, reducing complexity for IT to effectively manage their computing endpoints.
Learn more about Intel® SIPP

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) ^‡

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. It offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) ^‡

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) continues from the existing support for IA-32 (VT-x) and Itanium® processor (VT-i) virtualization adding new support for I/O-device virtualization. Intel VT-d can help end users improve security and reliability of the systems and also improve performance of I/O devices in virtualized environments.

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT) ^‡

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), also known as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), provides acceleration for memory intensive virtualized applications. Extended Page Tables in Intel® Virtualization Technology platforms reduces the memory and power overhead costs and increases battery life through hardware optimization of page table management.

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Intel® Core™ i3-8121U Processor

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