Intel QuickPath Architecture: A New System Architecture for Unleashing the Performance of Future Generations of Intel Multi-Core Microprocessors

Known for its high performing micro processors and continuous efforts to look for the ways to boost system infrastructure to support increased microprocessor performance, Intel has now incorporated a scalable shared memory in its next generation micro architectures. Scalable shared memory, also known as non-uniform shared access or NUMA, is a memory access technique that has helped improved performance of high-end expandable servers.Intel has used this scalable shared memory with its next generation micro architectures, code named Nehalem and Tukwila. The new system architecture and platform technology of Intel will be called Intel QuickPath Technology. This technology is touted to greatly enhance the power of future generations of Intel multi-core microprocessors. This will be achieved through the additional performance, bandwidth, and reliability that Intel QuickPath Technology will provide to support Intel's next generation of dynamically scalable processors and platforms.The QuickPath Technology has been designed with new system architecture that integrates a memory controller into each microprocessor and connects processors and other components with a new high-speed interconnect. With a new micro architecture and new platform architecture with a faster system interconnect, Intel will ensure enhanced performance for server and workstation customers. The Intel QuickPath Architecture will also be included in future desktop and mobile products due to the many benefits offered by it. The paper describes QuickPath Technology and explains the new system architecture in detail.