Multitasking like you've always wanted

When buying a computer these days, users are often confused by the wide range of makes and models available on the market. Computers come in all shapes and sizes, with varying levels of processing power, and many users do not know which machine is best suited to their specific needs. However, when selecting a machine that is capable of meeting the needs of today’s demanding workloads and applications, nothing is more critical than having a good processor.

An excellent way to grasp how a computer’s processor works is to liken it to someone whose role is to tell another thousand individuals how to do their jobs. The faster they can do this, the more quickly everyone else can get their jobs done. Computer processors, or chips, operate in a similar manner, providing the instructions that multiple applications and other processes need to perform their specific roles. The more rapidly it does that, the quicker a computer can function and get stuff done. 

And of course, a faster machine means an increase in productivity and greater efficiency, something that is crucial in a world with high-performance computing requirements, from workloads with resource-heavy needs such as high-end graphics processing, to gaming, running complex algorithms, and watching movies.

“Think of the CPU as the “brain” of the computer,” says Gregg Barker, Business Unit Manager of Product from Tarsus Distribution, South Africa’s leading ICT distributor. “Almost every device today has one, whether its a smartphone, a laptop, a TV or even a smart fridge. The processor, processes and carries out instructions, hence its name. It performs calculations, makes logical comparisons, and moves information up to billions of times each second. Processors work by executing simple instructions, one at a time, which are triggered by a master timing signal that runs the entire machine.”

He says Intel, the global leader in processors, or CPUs, recently debuted its 12th-generation family of Intel Core processors, featuring several new CPUs that were built to meet even the most demanding and resource-intensive processing needs. “The new range promises superior performance when you need it, and multitasking like you’ve always wanted. Intel’s new processors reach previously unseen levels of multi-threaded performance and boast a maximum turbo boost of up to 5.2GHz and a staggering 16 cores and 24 threads.”

These processors deliver absolute leadership in performance architecture, adds Barker. “Performance cores, or “P-cores”, maximise single-thread performance and responsiveness, while efficient cores, or “E-cores”, deliver scalable, multi-threaded performance and efficient offload of background tasks for modern multitasking. This range was designed for business heads, designers, gamers, and anyone that wants the best computing experience that money can buy.”

So, what makes this possible? “The 12th Gen Intel Core processors, are a generation like no other we’ve ever seen, built on an unparalleled new performance hybrid architecture, which brings a unique combination of performance and efficient-cores, which translates into real-world performance, intuitively scaled to match whatever the user is doing.”

Delving into the different offerings, he says the 12th Gen Intel Core mobile processors redefine multi-core architecture for laptop PCs, bringing a completely new performance hybrid architecture and the revolutionary HX series. “This is built on the new Intel 7 process, offering a design breakthrough that unites two types of specialised cores to bring best-in-class performance and responsiveness. The most up-to-date platform technologies, such as DDR5 memory support, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and Intel Wi-Fi 6E, lift up the users experience even more, irrespective of whether they are a casual multi-tasker, a competitive gamer or a high-end graphic designer.”

In fact, he says the range of processors harnesses innovative new technologies which provide real-world performance at home, at the office or when working on-the-go. “Creative processes can be taken to the next level, hobby gamers can start gaming like the professionals, and for everyday use, productivity is powered up with support for the latest PCIe Gen 5, AV1 media decode and advanced AI capabilities, such as the dynamic noise suppression of the enhanced Gaussian & Neural Accelerator (GNA).”

In addition, users can present their most professional selves on video calls with the Image Processing Unit (IPU) that brings greatly enhanced image quality and integrated ISP for strong and powerful image signals. Users can also enjoy uninterrupted connectivity and state-of-the-art memory and input/output, with integrated Intel W-Fi 6E for freedom from the old legacy Wi-Fi device interference. In addition, these processors promise Double Data Rate 5 up to 4800 MT per second for boosted speed, as well as memory support bandwidth2 and Thunderbolt 4 for a truly ground-breaking single-cable connection.”

Moreover, Barker says for the first time, Intel is desktop-class performance to the mobile workstations that are used by today’s hybrid workforces. “The 12th Gen Intel Core HX processors harness the power of desktop-calibre silicon in a mobile package, which delivers the highest levels of performance for professional workflows such as CAD, animation, and visual effects. The HX processors are unlocked straight out of the box and are available in Intel’s Core i5, Core i7 and Core i9 models. The HX’s 16 cores deliver unprecedented performance and speed while on the go, facilitating studio-quality creativity and gaming for the most hardcore professionals and enthusiasts.