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sjoyner

Why do smaller transistors imply higher clock frequencies?

mburman

From a wikipedia article about the Pentium 4 processor, "Making the processor out of smaller transistors means that it can run at higher clock speeds and produce less heat".

danielk2

For more info, I found this from realworldtech.com which discusses the relationship between the size of transistor and the transistor performance, and how High-k Dielectrics and Metal Gates allowed more shrinkage of the transistors with less cost in Intel's 45nm processors.

raphaelk

I found this interesting article (http://www.quora.com/How-is-transistor-density-related-to-clock-speed-Why-does-higher-transistor-density-enable-faster-processors). I thought having more transistors would increase the size of circuit, increasing the critical path delay and power needed for the circuit. But, I believe the assumption is that "More transistors" -> more transistors in same/lower circuit size -> smaller transistors/circuit size that need less power -> higher clock frequencies. If the clock frequencies still can increase with bigger circuit size with more transistors, someone please enlighten me with more explanations!!