Vertex Shader (VS) Stage
December 2013 Order No.: 328897-004

Processor—Interfaces

Vertex Shader (VS) Stage

The VS stage performs shading of vertices output by the VF function. The VS unit produces an output vertex reference for every input vertex reference received from the VF unit, in the order received.

Geometry Shader (GS) Stage

The GS stage receives inputs from the VS stage. Compiled application-provided GS programs, specifying an algorithm to convert the vertices of an input object into some output primitives. For example, a GS shader may convert lines of a line strip into polygons representing a corresponding segment of a blade of grass centered on the line. Or it could use adjacency information to detect silhouette edges of triangles and output polygons extruding out from the edges.

Clip Stage

The Clip stage performs general processing on incoming 3D objects. However, it also includes specialized logic to perform a Clip Test function on incoming objects. The Clip Test optimizes generalized 3D Clipping. The Clip unit examines the position of incoming vertices, and accepts/rejects 3D objects based on its Clip algorithm.

Strips and Fans (SF) Stage

The SF stage performs setup operations required to rasterize 3D objects. The outputs from the SF stage to the Windower stage contain implementation-specific information required for the rasterization of objects and also supports clipping of primitives to some extent.

Windower / IZ (WIZ) Stage

The WIZ unit performs an early depth test, which removes failing pixels and eliminates unnecessary processing overhead.

The Windower uses the parameters provided by the SF unit in the object-specific rasterization algorithms. The WIZ unit rasterizes objects into the corresponding set of pixels. The Windower is also capable of performing dithering, whereby the illusion of a higher resolution when using low-bpp channels in color buffers is possible. Color dithering diffuses the sharp color bands seen on smooth-shaded objects.

Video Engine

The Video Engine handles the non-3D (media/video) applications. It includes support for VLD and MPEG2 decode in hardware.

2D Engine

The 2D Engine contains BLT (Block Level Transfer) functionality and an extensive set of 2D instructions. To take advantage of the 3D during engine’s functionality, some BLT functions make use of the 3D renderer.

Processor Graphics VGA Registers

The 2D registers consists of original VGA registers and others to support graphics modes that have color depths, resolutions, and hardware acceleration features that go beyond the original VGA standard.

Desktop 4th Generation Intel® CoreProcessor Family, Desktop Intel® Pentium® Processor Family, and Desktop Intel® Celeron® Processor Family

Datasheet – Volume 1 of 2 30

Page 30
Image 30
Intel CM8063701159502 Vertex Shader VS Stage, Geometry Shader GS Stage, Clip Stage, Strips and Fans SF Stage, Video Engine

BX80633I74960X, BX80646I34130, BX80646I54430, BX80646I74770K, BX80646I74770 specifications

The Intel CM8063701159502, or BX80637I53470, is a powerful CPU designed for modern computing needs. This processor belongs to Intel's 4th generation of Core i5 processors, commonly known as "Haswell". It showcases Intel's commitment to enhancing performance, increasing energy efficiency, and delivering an enriching user experience.

One of the main features of the Intel Core i5-3470 is its quad-core architecture. This allows the processor to handle multiple threads simultaneously, making it adept at multitasking and running demanding applications efficiently. With a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz, it can boost up to 3.6 GHz using Intel’s Turbo Boost technology, providing additional power when needed for intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.

The Intel i5-3470 features Intel's HD Graphics 2500, which offers decent graphics performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. This integrated graphics solution is capable of delivering high-definition visuals and supports DirectX 11, making it suitable for lightweight gaming experiences without the need for an additional dedicated graphics card.

Another standout characteristic of the BX80637I53470 is its support for Intel Smart Cache, which is an advanced caching technology. It provides a shared cache pool that enhances performance by reducing the time it takes to access frequently used data. This feature, coupled with Intel's instruction set architecture, allows for improved processing agility and efficiency across applications.

The processor is built on a 22nm manufacturing process, which results in reduced power consumption and heat generation compared to its predecessors. It has a thermal design power (TDP) of 77 watts, making it energy efficient while still delivering robust performance. Additionally, the Core i5-3470 supports DDR3 memory, with speeds up to 1600 MHz, enabling quick data retrieval and improved system responsiveness.

Security is another important aspect of the Intel i5-3470, featuring Intel Secure Key and Intel AES New Instructions (AES-NI), which protect sensitive data and enhance encryption performance.

In conclusion, the Intel CM8063701159502, or BX80637I53470, encapsulates modern computing technology with its powerful quad-core performance, integrated graphics, energy efficiency, and robust security features, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of computing tasks. Whether users are engaging in casual gaming, productivity tasks, or multimedia consumption, this processor demonstrates a solid balance of performance and efficiency, providing an excellent computing experience overall.