Intel Core i3 processor families

Core i3 line of entry-level Core-branded microprocessors was introduced on January 7, 2010 at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Performance and price-wise these are middle-class CPUs, positioned between more expensive and more powerful Core i5 and Core i7 microprocessors, and budget Pentium and Celeron processor families. Based on Westmere (enhanced Nehalem) micro-architecture, Core i3 CPUs integrate dual-channel DDR3 memory controller, separate DMI interface to peripheral devices, HD-capable graphics controller, and incorporate all basic and some advanced micro-architecture features, such as per-core 256 KB level 2 cache, large level 3 cache shared between two cores, SSE4 instructions, and support for Virtualization and HyperThreading technologies. As common with entry-level and budget families, Core i3 line doesn't include advanced features, or have some of its features crippled:

• Currently (February 2010), the processors include only two CPU cores, as opposed to 4 cores in more expensive Core i5 and Core i7 families.
• Core i3 CPUs have Turbo Boost Technology disabled.
• Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) instructions are not supported;
• Processors do not support Virtualization for directed I/O (VT-d) and Trusted Execution Technology features.

Intel Core i3 lineup currently consists of desktop and mobile Core i3 families. Desktop Core i3 microprocessors are packaged in 1156-land Land-Grid Array (LGA) package, and require socket 1156 motherboards. Mobile Core i3 CPUs are manufactured in 1288-ball BGA or 988 micro-PGA package. BGA processors are soldered on directly on motherboards, and PGA processors use socket 988.