All Core i7 Models

All other Intel processors use an external memory controller located in the north bridge chip (also known as Memory Controller Hub, MCH). This means that other Intel processors depend on the chipset (and therefore, on the motherboard) to determine the type and amount of memory you can install on the computer. Since Core i7 memory controller is embedded in the processor, it's the processor (and not the chipset) who determines which technology and amount of memory you may have installed on your system. The motherboard, however, may impose a limitation on the amount of memory you can install. The memory controller integrated on Core i7 accepts only DDR3 memory (up to 1.6 V, memory modules which require more voltage than this will not work and may even damage the processor) and supports the new triple-channel architecture. The models launched so far support only DDR3-800 and DDR3-1066 modules.

Core i7 is the first Intel processor with an integrated memory controller, feature available on AMD processors since Athlon 64. It is based on Core architecture, like Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad, but with several enhancements to increase performance (Nehalem microarchitecture) and using a new socket called LGA 1366.