Intel Core i5-661

Intel is getting into high gear with their Core processor family early on the new year, as they are set to release 6 new desktop processors and 11 mobile processors this month. Along for the ride will be 3 new chipsets for desktop PCs and 4 oriented towards mobility.

Intel® Core™ i5-6X1 Series
Socket	LGA1156
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology	Yes
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology	Yes
Intel® Smart Cache	4 MB L3 shared
Integrated Memory Controller	Yes
Number of Memory Channels	2 (DDR3 1333 MHz)
Intel® Graphics Technology	Yes
Graphics Core Frequency	900MHz
Intel® vPro™ Technology	No
Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT-x)	Yes
Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (Intel® VT-d)	No
Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (Intel® TXT)	No
AES New Instructions (AES-NI)	Yes
Intel® Express Chipset	Intel® 5 Series

Features:

    * Dual-Core Processing: Runs two independent processor cores in one physical package at the same frequency.
    * Intel® Smart Cache :The shared cache is dynamically allocated to each processor core, based on workload. This efficient, dual-core-optimized implementation increases the probability that each core can access data from the fast cache, significantly reducing latency to frequently used data and improving performance.
    * Intel® Turbo Boost Technology1 Dynamically increases the processor's frequency as needed by taking advantage of thermal and power headroom when operating below specified limits. Get more performance automatically, when you need it the most.
    * Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology): Delivers two processing threads per physical core for a total of four threads for massive computational throughput. With Intel® HT Technology
      , highly threaded applications can get more work done in parallel, completing their tasks sooner. With more threads available to the operating system, multitasking becomes even easier. This amazing processor can handle multiple applications working simultaneously, allowing you to do more with less wait time.
    * Integrated Memory Controller: An integrated memory controller offers stunning memory read/write performance through efficient prefetching algorithms, lower latency, and higher memory bandwidth.
    * Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD (Intel® GMA HD): Enhanced video and 3D engine delivers smooth HD video playback and mainstream 3D gaming without the need for add-in video cards or decoders. Intel® GMA HD provides a suite of video processing, 3D, and software technologies designed to improve image quality and performance, including hardware-accelerated decode for Blu-ray* dual-stream picture-in-picture and 3D support for Microsoft* DirectX* 10 and OpenGL* 2.1. Supports full functionality of the Microsoft* Windows* 7 operating system and display connectivity options, including HDMI* and DisplayPort*. Enables professional-grade audio capabilities with support for Dolby* TrueHD  and DTS*-HD Master Audio multi-channel bitstreaming.
    * Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT-x): and Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (Intel® VT-d) Intel® VT allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. For businesses, Intel VT offers improved manageability, limiting downtime and
      maintaining worker productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.
    * Advanced Encryption Standard New Instructions (AES-NI): New AES instructions add hardware acceleration to AES algorithms and speeds up the execution of AES applications.
    * Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (Intel® TXT):  Highly versatile set of hardware extensions for Intel® processors and chipsets which, with appropriate software, enhance platform security capabilities.
    * Intel®-Designed Thermal Solution for Boxed Processors:  Includes a four-pin connector for fan speed control to help minimize the acoustic noise levels generated from running the fan at higher speeds for thermal performance2. Fan speed control technology is based on actual processor temperature and power usage.

PROS 
      32nm
     Built in GPU
     Price
     Great Blue Ray play back
     Applications ready to take advantage of the IGP
     Low power consumption
     Windows 7 enhancements

CONS
DH55TC - Make sure you follow the memory QVL