Windows 10: Free Processor Upgrade With Latest Update, Thanks Microsoft!

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Intel Gives Core i3 and Core i5 Dual-Core Processors K0 Stepping Update

Intel is giving some existing 32 nm "Clarkdale" based Core i3 and Core i5 processors an update. The processors will transition to the new K0 stepping from the existing C2 stepping. The parts that will be made on the K0 silicon are Core i3 models 530 (new sSPEC: SLBX7), 540 (new sSPEC: SLBTD) and Core i5 models 650 (new sSPEC: SLBTJ), 660/661 (SLBTK/SLBTB), 670 (SLBTL). Newer and upcoming models such as the i3-550, i3-560, i5-665K, and i5-680 are already being built on the K0 stepping die. Motherboards will require a BIOS update to support the new K0 stepping processors.

The K0 stepping change includes the following highlights:

• New S-spec and MM numbers for the converting products
• Extended CPUID will change from 0x00020652 to 0x00020655
• Host RevID will change from 0x12 to 0x18
• K0 stepping package is pin compatible with C2 stepping package
• Adds Processor Context ID (PCID) support

The revised older SKUs that are built on K0 stepping will be market-available by October 16.

 

Intel Readies P55 Chipset B3 Stepping Update

Intel's is readying a hardware update for its P55 Express chipset, currently the only core-logic for the company's brand new socket LGA-1156 processor platform. The new B3 stepping of the P55 PCH will bring with it a little more than new MM number and S-spec numbers. A list of changes is as follows:

• New MM number and S-spec numbers for the converted products;
• Firmware and minor BIOS updates are required with the conversion;
• Processor MRC/microcode update required to enable future processors;
• Recommended storage driver upgrade from Intel MSM 8.9 to Intel RST 9.5.

Although it is listed that the MRC update enables 'future processors', Intel, in a statement issued to X-bit labs assured that the current B2 stepping of the chipset (found on current socket LGA-1156 motherboards) does not leave out support for any of Intel's new LGA-1156 processors that are slated for release in the very near future. The dual-core "Clarkale" 32 nm processor will be supported by both B2 and B3 steppings of the chipset.

P55 B3 stepping is pin-identical to P55 B2, and hence motherboard vendors will not have to come up with new designs. Sampling of the new stepping began as early as on October 02, 2009, and it is scheduled for shipment to manufacturers by the 7th of December, 2009. P55 is the performance core-logic for the LGA-1156 platform. It supports Core i5 and Core i7 "Lynnfield" processors with discrete graphics.

Source: X-bit labs

 

CPU / CPU Processor problems / Processor affinity

We appreciate the information you provided. Your processor is working as expected. CPU affinity is only showing CPU (0) since 1 processor is working at the moment. It's very likely that your computer is using a balanced power plan, so we suggest changing
your power plan to High Performance by following these steps:

• Right-click Start.
• Click Power Options.
• Choose High Performance.

In addition to that, we recommend installing the latest updates to keep your system current and secure. Go to
Start > Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates.

Some programs may also be automatically launching whenever you boot your computer, affecting the performance. To disable them, follow these steps:

• Right-click your taskbar.
• Click Task Manager.
• Under the Startup tab, find the programs that you don't need.
• Right-click the program and choose Disable.

You're also using your computer for a game that was designed to run on an earlier version of Windows, so it's possible that it's slowing down your computer. In this case, use the Compatibility Troubleshooter to find and fix problems with the program using
these steps:

• Click Start.
• Type Troubleshooting and press Enter.
• Click Run programs made for previous versions of Windows.
• Click Next.
• Choose the program from the list and click Next.

Let us know if you need further assistance with your computer.