What is the Difference Between Intel Core i3 and 2nd Generation Intel Core i3 Processors?

The main differences between the 1st generation Intel Core i3 processors and the 2nd generation Intel Core i3 processors are the microarchitecture and the graphics performance. Here are the key differences:

• Microarchitecture: The 1st generation Intel Core i3 processors were built on Intel's Nehalem architecture, while the 2nd generation Intel Core i3 processors are built on Intel's Sandy Bridge architecture, which is a 32nm microarchitecture.
• Graphics Performance: The 2nd generation Intel Core i3 processors include new features for improving graphics performance, such as Intel InTru 3D / Clear Video HD and WiDi 2.0, which were not available in the 1st generation Core i3 processors. Intel Quick Sync Video enables faster video transcoding by performing encoding in hardware, and Intel InTru 3D / Clear Video HD allow playing stereoscopic 3D and HD content on a TV using HDMI.
• Family: The 1st generation Intel Core i3 processors were introduced in 2010 and included four processors, while the 2nd generation Core i3 processors were introduced in 2011 and included three desktop processors and one mobile processor.

In summary, the 2nd generation Intel Core i3 processors offer improved graphics performance and are built on a more advanced microarchitecture compared to the 1st generation processors.

Comparative Table: Intel Core i3 vs 2nd Generation Intel Core i3 Processors

The main differences between the 1st and 2nd generation Intel Core i3 processors are the microarchitecture, graphics performance, and integration of the processor, memory controller, and graphics on the same die. Here is a table comparing the two generations:

The 1st generation Intel Core i3 processors, introduced in 2010, were based on Intel's Nehalem architecture. In contrast, the 2nd generation Intel Core i3 processors, introduced in 2011, were built on the Intel's Sandy Bridge architecture, which is a 32nm microarchitecture. The 2nd generation processors also included new features for improving graphics performance, such as Intel InTru 3D / Clear Video HD and WiDi 2.0, which were not available in the 1st generation processors. Additionally, the 2nd generation Core i3 processors integrated the processor, memory controller, and graphics on the same die, making the package comparatively smaller.