The Braswell processor, a microprocessor designed by Intel, has been a topic of interest among tech enthusiasts and industry experts alike. However, there seems to be some confusion regarding the generation of Braswell processors. In this article, we will delve into the world of Braswell processors, exploring their history, architecture, and features to determine which generation they belong to.
A Brief History of Braswell Processors
Braswell processors were first introduced by Intel in 2015 as a successor to the Bay Trail and Valleyview processors. They were designed to provide improved performance, power efficiency, and features for the entry-level and budget segments of the market. Braswell processors were primarily used in low-power devices such as netbooks, tablets, and budget laptops.
Architecture and Features
Braswell processors are based on the Airmont microarchitecture, which is a 14nm process technology. They feature a system-on-chip (SoC) design, integrating the CPU, GPU, and other components onto a single chip. Braswell processors support up to 4 CPU cores and 4 threads, with a maximum clock speed of 2.4 GHz. They also feature Intel’s HD Graphics 400 GPU, which provides improved graphics performance compared to its predecessors.
Key Features of Braswell Processors
- 14nm process technology: Braswell processors are built using Intel’s 14nm process technology, which provides improved power efficiency and performance.
- Airmont microarchitecture: The Airmont microarchitecture is designed to provide improved performance and power efficiency.
- System-on-chip (SoC) design: Braswell processors integrate the CPU, GPU, and other components onto a single chip, reducing power consumption and improving performance.
- Up to 4 CPU cores and 4 threads: Braswell processors support up to 4 CPU cores and 4 threads, providing improved multitasking and performance.
- Intel HD Graphics 400 GPU: The Intel HD Graphics 400 GPU provides improved graphics performance compared to its predecessors.
Which Generation is Braswell?
Now that we have explored the history, architecture, and features of Braswell processors, let’s determine which generation they belong to. Braswell processors are part of Intel’s 5th generation of Core processors, also known as Broadwell. However, they are not part of the Broadwell family, but rather a separate family of processors designed for the entry-level and budget segments of the market.
Why Braswell is Considered 5th Generation
Braswell processors are considered 5th generation because they share many similarities with Broadwell processors. They are both based on the 14nm process technology and feature similar architectures. However, Braswell processors are designed to provide improved power efficiency and features for the entry-level and budget segments of the market.
Comparison with Broadwell Processors
| Feature | Braswell | Broadwell |
| — | — | — |
| Process Technology | 14nm | 14nm |
| Microarchitecture | Airmont | Broadwell |
| CPU Cores | Up to 4 | Up to 4 |
| Threads | Up to 4 | Up to 8 |
| GPU | Intel HD Graphics 400 | Intel Iris Graphics 6100 |
| TDP | 4-6W | 15-28W |
As we can see from the table above, Braswell processors share many similarities with Broadwell processors. However, they are designed to provide improved power efficiency and features for the entry-level and budget segments of the market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Braswell processors are part of Intel’s 5th generation of Core processors, also known as Broadwell. They are designed to provide improved power efficiency and features for the entry-level and budget segments of the market. While they share many similarities with Broadwell processors, they are a separate family of processors with unique features and architectures.
Final Thoughts
Braswell processors may not be as powerful as their Broadwell counterparts, but they provide excellent value for their price. They are ideal for budget-conscious consumers who want a reliable and efficient processor for everyday tasks. As the technology landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Braswell processors compare to future generations of Intel processors.
By understanding the generation of Braswell processors, we can better appreciate their features, architectures, and performance. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a budget-conscious consumer, Braswell processors are definitely worth considering for your next device.
What is Braswell and why is its generation a mystery?
Braswell is a microprocessor designed by Intel, released in 2015. It is part of the Intel Atom series and is primarily used in low-power devices such as netbooks, nettops, and embedded systems. The mystery surrounding Braswell’s generation lies in its architecture, which is not clearly defined by Intel. While it is often referred to as a 14nm processor, its core design and features are not explicitly stated, leading to confusion among tech enthusiasts and experts.
Despite the ambiguity, Braswell is generally considered to be a member of the Intel Atom x5 and x7 series, which are part of the Cherry Trail platform. This platform is a successor to the Bay Trail platform, which was used in earlier Intel Atom processors. Braswell’s architecture is likely based on the Airmont core, which is a 14nm design that provides improved performance and power efficiency compared to earlier Atom processors.
How does Braswell’s architecture compare to other Intel processors?
Braswell’s architecture is distinct from other Intel processors, such as the Core i3, i5, and i7 series, which are based on the Skylake and Broadwell architectures. These processors are designed for higher-performance applications and have more advanced features, such as Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost. In contrast, Braswell is optimized for low-power consumption and is designed for use in devices that require minimal power draw.
Compared to other Intel Atom processors, Braswell’s architecture is more efficient and provides better performance per watt. It also supports newer technologies, such as DDR3L memory and eMMC storage, which are designed to reduce power consumption and improve overall system efficiency. However, Braswell’s performance is still limited compared to more powerful Intel processors, and it is not suitable for demanding applications such as gaming or video editing.
What are the key features of Braswell processors?
Braswell processors have several key features that make them suitable for low-power devices. These include a 14nm manufacturing process, which provides improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation. Braswell processors also support up to 4GB of DDR3L memory and have a maximum clock speed of 2.4GHz. Additionally, they have integrated graphics processing units (GPUs) that support DirectX 11.2 and OpenGL 4.3.
Other features of Braswell processors include support for USB 3.0, SATA 3, and PCIe 2.0. They also have a range of security features, including Intel’s Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) and Secure Boot. Braswell processors are also designed to be highly customizable, with a range of options for OEMs to tailor the processor to their specific needs.
What types of devices use Braswell processors?
Braswell processors are used in a range of devices that require low power consumption and minimal heat generation. These include netbooks, nettops, and embedded systems, such as digital signage and point-of-sale terminals. Braswell processors are also used in some tablets and 2-in-1 devices, particularly those designed for education or enterprise use.
Other devices that use Braswell processors include set-top boxes, media players, and IoT devices. These devices often require low power consumption and minimal heat generation, making Braswell a suitable choice. Additionally, Braswell processors are used in some industrial control systems and medical devices, where reliability and low power consumption are critical.
How does Braswell compare to other low-power processors?
Braswell processors are competitive with other low-power processors, such as those from ARM and AMD. ARM-based processors, such as the Cortex-A53, are widely used in mobile devices and offer similar power efficiency to Braswell. However, Braswell processors have the advantage of being x86-compatible, which makes them more suitable for running Windows and other x86-based operating systems.
AMD’s low-power processors, such as the Mullins and Beema, are also competitors to Braswell. These processors offer similar performance and power efficiency to Braswell, but have the advantage of being more widely available and having a lower cost. However, Braswell processors have the advantage of being more highly customizable, which makes them more suitable for OEMs that require specific features and performance characteristics.
What is the future of Braswell processors?
The future of Braswell processors is uncertain, as Intel has not announced any clear plans for future development or support. Braswell processors are still widely used in many devices, but they are being gradually replaced by newer, more efficient processors, such as the Apollo Lake and Gemini Lake series.
Despite this, Braswell processors are likely to remain in use for many years, particularly in embedded systems and industrial control systems, where reliability and low power consumption are critical. Additionally, Braswell processors may continue to be used in some low-cost devices, such as netbooks and tablets, where their low cost and minimal power consumption make them an attractive option.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Braswell processors?
The advantages of using Braswell processors include their low power consumption, minimal heat generation, and high customizability. They are also relatively low-cost, which makes them an attractive option for OEMs that require a low-cost processor solution. Additionally, Braswell processors are x86-compatible, which makes them suitable for running Windows and other x86-based operating systems.
The disadvantages of using Braswell processors include their limited performance, which makes them unsuitable for demanding applications such as gaming or video editing. They also have limited support for newer technologies, such as USB 3.1 and SATA 6Gb/s. Additionally, Braswell processors are not as widely available as some other processors, which can make them more difficult to source and support.