Showing posts with label core 2 duo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label core 2 duo. Show all posts

Monday, June 25, 2007

Tech Link (Processor): Core 2 Duo E6750 Review

HardwareSecrets tested this amazing processor and well, they aren't too impressed about it. I guess they missed the fact that it does run on higher FSB on the same/similar TDP and clockspeed meaning these processors can now take a beating on memory intensive applications (and yeah, overclocking too). On the same/similar clock speed, there will be hardly any difference from applications that don't rely on fast memory access. Anyway, check it out...



Conclusions
On all our tests Core 2 Duo E6750 performance was identical to Core 2 Duo E6700, even though it uses a faster front side bus – and we simulated the use of several different types of application.

So what is the advantage of using a Core 2 Duo E6750 instead of a Core 2 Duo E6700? Based on the results from our tests, none.

Then why Intel is launching this new 1,333 MHz external bus? We have two answers for that.

First, on quad-core CPUs the higher external clock rate may increase the system performance. This happens because currently on Intel quad-core CPUs the cores are arranged into two pairs. The cores inside each pair can talk directly to each other, but if they need to talk to a core that belongs to the other pair they need to go to the front side bus and make this connection going thru outside the processor. Increasing the CPU external clock rate increases, at least in theory, the speed each core pair can talk to each other. For a detailed explanation about this subject please read our Intel Quad Core Overview and Roadmap article.

We will have to wait until we review a quad-core CPU based on this new FSB to see if this is really the case.

The second reason we can see is regarding DDR3-1333 memories, which will be supported by the Intel X38 chipset to be launched in July. Using DDR3-1333 memories with a Core 2 running externally at 1,333 MHz you will be able to match the FSB clock with the memory clock, allowing you to achieve the maximum performance with current technology.

In retrospect we must keep in mind that this is the first time in six years that Intel is launching a new front side bus speed with memories matching it. When the Pentium 4 was launched, for example, it used the then-new 400 MHz FSB and there were no 400 MHz memories at the time – this was PC-100 times and DDR-400 wasn’t available yet. The same thing happened when they launched the 533 MHz, the 800 MHz and even the 1,066 MHz external clock speeds. Even to this date Intel chipsets do not officially support DDR2-1066 (even though Intel P965 and P35 can access memories at 1,066 MHz just fine and P35 officially support DDR3-1066). DDR3-1333 availability may be an issue, but that is a totally different story.


Source:Core 2 Duo E6750 Review

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Tech Link (Processor): New Member In Core 2 Duo Processor Family: Introducing CPUs with 1333MHz Bus

xbitlabs has a pretty good info on the new breed of processors from Intel. They have put it thru the test and come out good even with a sound beating and torture from the crew. Check it out...



Conclusion
Well, let’s sum up a few things now. Intel’s decision to equip their Core 2 Duo processors with faster 1333MHz bus support is regarded as another move towards higher performance of this processor family. It is partially true. As we have seen today, higher bus speed will obviously boost the performance in most applications. However, unfortunately, this boost will not be as significant as we hoped: it hardly ever gets beyond 3%. But, the changes in the bus frequency are not the only thing that determined the advantage of the new CPUs over their predecessors: different clock frequencies are another reason. For example, the nominal frequency of the top Core 2 Duo E6850 model has now risen to 3.0GHz, while before today the maximum frequency of the existing Core 2 Duo processors used to be only 2.93GHz. This also affects the performance, and together with the faster bus it brings in more confident victory of the top Core 2 Duo CPUs. In other words, the launch of the Core 2 Duo CPUs with 1333MHz bus will become another part of the progress CPUs on Core micro-architecture are making. Although we all wish that they were moving at a little bit faster pace towards the promising Penryn family.

Higher bus frequency is not the only nice thing about the new processors. They are based on the new G0 stepping of the Conroe core that boasts better frequency potential. As a result, the FSB Wall has been pushed farther back and the overclocking results have improved significantly. For example, our overclocking experiments revealed that the new processors can work at 3.6-3.8GHz with traditional air-cooling onboard. Therefore, Core 2 Duo E6850, 6750 and 6550 should become very popular among overclockers, especially since Intel is going to price them very affordably. According to the preliminary data, Core 2 Duo E6850 will sell for $266, Core 2 Duo E6750 - for $183, and Core 2 Duo E6550 – for $163. This attractive price tag will certainly help Intel stimulate the transition to systems with 1333MHz bus.


Source:New Member In Core 2 Duo Processor Family: Introducing CPUs with 1333MHz Bus

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Brag: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E4500 Arrives...

I know it's not much of a news, but hey, it's still a new toy to be happy about. The processor should be attractive to overclockers who are looking for high frequency with low FSB. The good thing with this processor is that, some motherboards, like Asus' P5B-Deluxe, can have the ability to lower down the multiplier making the processor very flexible with adjusting the multi and FSB. Click on the image for the CPU-Z Validation...

Saturday, May 05, 2007

Article: The Journey with Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6320, The Last Ditch Effort for 100% overclock (Part IV)

Being the fourth and final installment of the article, I will share my benchmarks and notes about my attempt to bring this processor to new overclocking heights on air. If you haven't read up on it yet, make sure to check out the previous installments here (3rd), then here (2nd), and first installment here. Expand to read the continuation...

The 500MHz wall has been breached already, and at this kind of overclocking, there's no other way but up. The motherboard, processor, and memory are all operating way beyond their stock settings, and at the brink of hitting the wall. But this is not an excuse to stop, as I have stated from the start that I will push the processor farther than my earlier attempt. I am now focusing my attention of breaching 100% overclock. It's daunting to say the least, unless I use better aftermarket cooling device, this is looking more and more impossible. As much as I am a chicken in overclocking, I have just got to try it this time.

::Overclocking and Benchmarking Notes::
Reaching for 100% overclock is certainly not easy, specially with a freaky ambient temperature of 36c, an old unlapped overused Thermalright* XP-90, unmodded Asus* {5B Deluxe and a mere OCZ* DDR2-800MHz Platinum Rev2 memory. The processor and motherboard chipset are both overclocked at ~95% while the memory hits a good 30% overclock at CL5-5-5-15. The processor needed massive voltage of 1.6v just to make it post at 532MHz. After tweaking other settings, 100% overclock is breached! Click on the image for the validation.



However, at 100% overclock, I can't complete any kind of 3D benchmarks save for Aquamark 3, only 2D benchmarks are working fine. After several tweaking hours, like lowering the multi and loosening RAM timing, or bumping the NB and SB voltage, I gave up and pushed down the overclock to just 520MHz. At this clock speed, it is rock solid, and no benchmark can bring it to a halt. I have added a link to FutureMark ORB for all the 3D benchmarks run as well as PCMark05 for comparison and proof of testament to its rock stability. Click on any of the 3DMark and PCMark05 benchmark to visit the ORB compare link.

::Benchmarks::
Gaming:
Doom3: Low Quality-640x480


3DMark Benchmarks:
3DMark01: Overall


3DMark03: CPU


3DMark05: CPU


3DMark06: CPU


Aquamark03: CPU


Multimedia/Multitasking/Multithreading Benchmarks:
Cinebench: Render Score


Cinebench: Render Time


PCMark05: Overall


SANDRA: CPU


SANDRA: Multimedia


wPrime: 32M


SuperPi: 1M


Memory Benchmarks:
SANDRA: RAM Bandwidth


Others:
WinRAR


Temperature


::Concluding Thoughts on Overclocking Experience::With this final installment, it is clear that the new breed of processor, Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6320, is overclocking nicely compared to its younger brother Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6300. The additional 2MB of L2 cache didn't pose any threat to overclockability, but instead helped boost scores by a noticeable margin when benchmarking.

While I am not able to find the maximum clock frequency that the processor can achieve due to limitation, I am quite sure that enthusiats who have more money to burn for better cooling, memory, and motherboard can achieve much higher. Given the problems I encountered with overclocking, I can only conclude that the motherboard and temperature are the two primary culprits that has prevented me from reaching rock stability with 100% overclock.

The Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6320 is an overclocking king like the original Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6300, FSB wise and clock frequency wise. Till next, I hope you have enjoyed reading and learning from this article like I have enjoyed testing and tweaking it. FanBoy out...

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Article: The Journey with Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6320, Breaking The Norm (Part III)

This is the third part of the article about overclocking the Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6320, and it picks up where the the second part left off. If you haven't seen it yet, you may also want to check out the first part of the article. Expand to read the continuation...

After the successful 75% overclock, which translates to 465MHz from the stock of 266MHz, I decided to try and see if I can still push the system. At this overclock of the motherboard, and processor, I am also overclocking the memory for about 16%. System memory aren't really known to overclock beyond 10%, but this is no ordinary memory, and I will rely on this memory to help me push my overclock further. With the limitations at hand, the processor and motherboard at 75% overclock, RAM at 16%, I set my eyes to reaching the coveted 500MHz. At this settings, the overclock will hit an astounding 88% for the processor and motherboard, and it will be 25% overclock on the system memory.

::Overclocking and Benchmarking Notes::
At this settings, the RAM can not work with full stability if the voltage is not set to 2.3vDIMM. I also have to loosen the timings to CL5. I know that this will significantly increase latency, and may affect benchmark scores. However, I am not after an improved benchmark score in terms of effiency, but more of how far I can push the processor before it bends on its knees.

At first, 500MHz which translates to 3.5GHz and DDR2-100MHz, it would seem really impossible. I am against all odds with such a limited parts in my arsenal, an unmodded motherboard, a RAM that runs at DDR2-800MHz and an aging Thermalright XP90. Couple that with an ambient temperature hovering at 35c to 36c, I am just pushing this baby with mere guts and passion for overclock. Like what I mentioned on the first part of the article, I am changing my stance now and ready to give this processor all that I've got.

While I push the FSB 10MHz at a time, I eventually reach 500MHz. But this doesn't come without a price, 1.38vCore is needed to make it fully stable. While it doesn't seem like a whole lots of voltage, the impact on the core temperature is overwhelming. The system is now idling at 44c, and full load at 67c, my Thermalright is working at full speed, and I can feel all of its four heatpipes brimming with heat. Adding a fan to cool these heatpipes did helped, but there's only so much that this solution could work. But luckily, the system held well, and unbelievably, completed all benchmarks like its nothing. The memory, processor, and motherboard are all working fine and dandy. As such, I can now show more benchmarks and results. Check them out...

::Benchmarks::
Gaming:
Doom3: Low Quality-640x480


3DMark Benchmarks:
3DMark01: Overall


3DMark03: CPU


3DMark05: CPU


3DMark06: CPU


Aquamark03: CPU


Multimedia/Multitasking/Multithreading Benchmarks:
Cinebench: Render Score


Cinebench: Render Time


PCMark05: Overall


SANDRA: CPU


SANDRA: Multimedia


wPrime: 32M


SuperPi: 1M


Memory Benchmarks:
SANDRA: RAM Bandwidth


Others:
WinRAR


Temperature


Loaded Temperature Screenshot


::Closing Thoughts with 88% Overclock::With how things are going, I know that it won't be long till hit the ceiling. Whether it's the processor, memory, or motherboard, I still have yet to see. For now, things are going well, but a little over the edge already. If you plan on overclocking your system at this settings, a good aftermarket cooler can really help. I still plan to overclock it even further, and I hope you'll come back again to accompany me with my journey. Till next...

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Brag: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6320@500MHz FSB

For those who sent me email asking what's the max FSB for this Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6320 processor, well, sad to say that I can't tell. Seems like my skill (or lack thereof) has prevented me from going beyond 500MHz FSB. As much as I'd like to push it further, it would seem that I need to mod the motherboard just to find the highest FSB for the processor. If you would like to check out the four (4), yes only four (4), benchmarks I have prepared, then expand to read more. Or you can just click on the image for the CPU-Z validation link.

After opening the RAM I won from the XS contest (thanks FUGGER), I quickly put it to the test and found that it can do 1066MHz@2.4v@CL5 so it should be good 500MHz easy. So after installing the RAM, here's my setup

My test set up is as follows:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6320 (ES)
OCZ Platinum PC2-6400 CL5 2x1024MB Rev2
Asus® P5B Deluxe, unmodded BIOS 1011
Asus® 7900GTX 512MB v93.71 driver
Thermalright® XP90 with Delta 92mm fan
Delta® 670w PSU
No chassis

CPU vCore is at 1.415v, vFSB is at 1.45, vNorthBride is 1.65v, vSouthBridge is 1.8v, and ICH is at Auto. As much as I'd like to see the raw MHz for FSB, the mobo is not cooperating. After several tries today, I gave up and settled with 500MHz FSB. However, this is unstable. I can only do SuperPi 1M for benchmark and it's a hit or miss. I decided to backdown a hefty FSB frequency, and at 485MHz FSB, the system is bench stable. I can't say if it's rock stable coz I was only able to do several short stess test. If you are interesred, you can chek out the ORB link for the following:

3Mark01SE - 51,561
3DMark03 - 26, 674
3DMark05 - 11,565
3DMark06 - 6,501

FanBoy out!

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Tech Link (Mobile): Most Overclockable and Upgradeable Laptop On The Horizon! Asus C90's impending arrival..

Ok, this is really cool. Asus* is developing a laptop for the enthusiasts, well, it's actually a whitebook laptop but it so happen that it will be very very nice for the eager, willing, and able enthusiasts. I mean, who would replace their CPU on their laptop, upgradeable video card, and add lots of noisy fans to overclock? I am thinking that this laptop should also be compatible with their external video card upgrade solution, the Asus* XG Station. Too bad, it probably won't be compatible with Mobile Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme Edition.

Anyway, it does look like an improved version of Verified By Intel®, or for the layman, it's called Laptop BTO (Build-to-Order) platform, which should be good for consumers, giving them the freedom and option to mix/match laptop component much like a DIY-PC. Expand for more...



We were at Asus headquarters today and got some hands on time with the upcoming C90 desktop replacement style notebook. The C90 is going to be one of, if not the most, customizable notebooks on the market to date. Every aspect of it will be upgradeable and it will use the Intel Conroe processor platform.

Image1

The C90 will be a whitebook machine, meaning customers and resellers will be able to buy the barebone C90 notebook and drop in the components that they want. The basic specs on the machine are as follows:


  • Supports Intel Conroe desktop processor platform, 1.86GHz - 2.66 GHz (E6700)

  • 15.4" screen

  • 2.0 Megapixel camera built-in

  • HDMI

  • Bluetooth

  • TV-Tuner integrated

  • E-SATA

  • 8-in-1 media card reader

  • 802.11n

  • Graphics: NVidia (???? -- we can't tell)

  • Finger Print reader

  • HD-DVD and Blu-Ray drive capable

  • 3 USB ports

  • Piano gloss finish with inlaid pattern



Image2

Asus emphasized that every component for the C90 will be upgradeable. You name it: Processor, LCD, hard drive, memory, graphics card (and we can't say everything about the graphics card for a little while because Asus asked us not to, cough), optical drive -- take the old one out and put a new component it, all within minutes. The notebook is designed around the core principle of it being easy to upgrade.

Image3

Upgrade until your hearts content
Image4

The C90 has a glossy finish on top
Image5

Asus C90 underside, check out all of those vents!
Image6

And an even more giant vent on the back side!
Image7

A look at the left side ports
Image8

DVD drive
Image9

Image10
Image11

2.0 MP web camera
Image11

The C90 should be hitting the market in the mid-May time frame, though no specific date has been set.


Source:Asus C90 Customizable Notebook Hands on at Asus Headquarters

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Brag: FanBoy gone uber nuts, benchmark galore for upcoming Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6320, E6420, E4400

Don't know which one to get? Are you staying with your current Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6300 rig? Or drooling at the Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E4300 but don't know if Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E4400 makes more sense? Will the Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6420 packs enough punch? This benchies migh help you decide. I have been meaning to post it but time has always been a luxury that I don't have much. So anyway, I finished analyzing some results, but I won't be posting any conclusion, instead, I'll post the benchmarks and I'll leave the conclusion to you guys. Check out a number of benchmark results of these processors, from 3DMark01 to SuperPi...

Disclaimer: This is an ES CPU, retail may or may not have changes from this sample.

Test Set Up
Processor(s)(Reference Stock Cooler):
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6320(1.86GHz)
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6320(2.13GHz)
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E4300(1.8GHz)
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E4400(2.00GHz)
Intel® Pentium® D 940 (3.2GHz)

Motherboard:
Intel® D975XBX2 Desktop Board Rev 305 BIOS 2618

Memory:
Samsung Value DDR2-800MHz 2x512MB(CL5-5-5-15 SPD)

Hard Drive:
Seagate* Barracuda 120GB SATA RAID 0

Video Card:
Palit* 7950GT 512MB (2x)

Power Supply:
Delta 650W EPS12V (server grade)

Chassis:
Thermaltake* LANFire Xaser III

::Stock Benchmarks::
Gaming:
Doom3: Low Quality-640x480


3DMark Benchmarks:
3DMark01: Overall


3DMark03: CPU


3DMark05: CPU


3DMark06: CPU


Aquamark03: CPU


Multimedia/Multitasking/Multithreading Benchmarks:
Cinebench: Render Score


Cinebench: Render Time


PCMark05: Overall


SANDRA: CPU


SANDRA: Multimedia


wPrime: 32M


SuperPi: 1M


Memory Benchmarks:
SANDRA: RAM Bandwidth


::Conclusion::Well, I leave you guys to your own conclusion :). That is all for today, FanBoy out...