Intel Clarkdale Architecture :

Clarkdale is theClarkdale is the codename for Intel's first-generation Core i5, i3 and Pentium dual-core desktop processors. It is closely related to the mobile Arrandale processor; both use dual-core dies based on the 32 nm Westmere microarchitecture and have integrated Graphics, PCI Express and DMI links built-in. codename for Intel's first-generation Core i5, i3 and Pentium dual-core desktop processors. It is closely related to the mobile Arrandale processor; both use dual-core dies based on the 32 nm Westmere microarchitecture and have integrated Graphics, PCI Express and DMI links built-in.

Clarkdale Processors Line-up's 

• Intel® Xeon® Processor L3406 (4M Cache, 2.26 GHz)

• Intel® Core™ i3-560 Processor (4M Cache, 3.33 GHz)

• Intel® Core™ i3-550 Processor (4M Cache, 3.20 GHz)

• Intel® Core™ i5-655K Processor (4M Cache, 3.20 GHz)

• Intel® Core™ i5-680 Processor (4M Cache, 3.60 GHz)

• Intel® Core™ i5-650 Processor (4M Cache, 3.20 GHz)

• Intel® Core™ i5-660 Processor (4M Cache, 3.33 GHz)

• Intel® Core™ i5-661 Processor (4M Cache, 3.33 GHz)

• Intel® Core™ i5-670 Processor (4M Cache, 3.46 GHz)

• Intel® Core™ i3-530 Processor (4M Cache, 2.93 GHz)

• Intel® Core™ i3-540 Processor (4M Cache, 3.06 GHz)

• Intel® Pentium® Processor G6951 (3M Cache, 2.80 GHz)

• Intel® Pentium® Processor G6960 (3M Cache, 2.93 GHz)

• Intel® Pentium® Processor G6950 (3M Cache, 2.80 GHz)

More Details

Four chipsets (all using the LGA 1156 socket) are compatible with the Clarkdale platform: the H55, H57, Q57, and standard Lynnfield P55-based motherboards. Here’s where it gets interesting. H55, H57, and Q57-based boards are identical in their overall construction, with each offering a new subset of Intel features as you go up the price range. H57-based motherboards can support two additional USB ports, two extra PCI Express x1 lanes, and support for Intel’s RAID-based Rapid Storage Technology. Q57 boards, more for business use, include Intel’s Active Management Technology—remote technical support. You can stick a Clarkdale processor in a P55 motherboard or, vice versa, a Lynnfield processor in an H55, H57, or Q57 motherboard. Either situation forces you to use a discrete graphics card, however.

Graphics Details

As mentioned, integrated gaming performance isn’t for tough titles. While Clarkdale systems might thrive on less demanding titles, the CPU’s integrated graphics weren’t enough to deliver playable frame-rates on PC World’s Unreal Tournament 3 benchmark at anything but a 1024-by-768 resolution screen at medium quality settings or less. And a forewarning: the sixteen PCI Express x16 lanes supported by Clarkdale chips cannot be split into dual x8 lanes for CrossFire or SLI should you aspire to transform your Clarkdale rig into a souped-up gaming machine. Clarkdale intends to make its mark on more common computers… including those in your living room.