Turbo Boost sends processors into OD

In the past few weeks major players in the computer manufacturing industry – Apple and Microsoft – have both announced improvements to their current lineups as well as exciting new hardware. These devices have been met with hype and buzz, advertisers want you to buy machines supporting Ivy Bridge processors with Turbo Boost, without really explaining the benefits.

Here’s an overview of what exactly Ivy Bridge processors are, what Turbo Boost is, and what this means for your business.

What is Ivy Bridge?
Ivy Bridge is a code name used by Intel to describe the 2012 version of its Core processors – Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7. With the release of Ivy Bridge, the actual Core processors have not changed names, just internal components that make them more efficient and faster. If you’re unsure whether a computer has an Ivy Bridge processor in it, the first number after the core type will start with a three i.e., Core i3-3XXX.

What is this Turbo Boost that’s advertised?
One of the new features introduced is something called Turbo Boost. If you’ve looked at the new laptops released by Apple a few weeks ago, you have undoubtedly heard of it. Turbo Boost is kind of similar to a turbo boost in a car; the processor runs at a certain speed, and when more power is needed, the processor goes into overdrive and delivers it. In tech speak, this is called, “overclocking”.

Overclocking isn’t a new concept, users have been able to do it for years, although, in older processors it was a complex task only experts would dare attempt. Intel’s new processors now do this automatically. There is an advantage to this: traditional overclocking causes processors to use more power and generate a lot more heat, Turbo Boost gives the benefits of overclocking when you need it, while saving energy when you don’t.

Should my business upgrade to Ivy Bridge?
While the new processors do offer some, on paper at least, tempting benefits, it really depends on what you and your employees use your computers for. If you do work that requires a lot of processor power, like 3D rendering or running multiple virtual environments, then yes, you should consider upgrading. If your systems meet your needs now and for the foreseeable future, you won’t really gain anything from upgrading.

Upgrading your systems can be a time consuming and a large investment, it’s important to get the systems that match your needs. If you’re thinking about upgrading, or would like to learn more about Ivy Bridge, please contact us.