Source: Tom's Hardware UK – Keywords: core, i5-750, overclock
Categories: Intel
Maximizing Core i5 Value Through Overclocking
Intel’s LGA 1156 platform launch has been a success; online media and user feedback have both been very positive. Our initial articles on i5 cover the processor and platform technology as well as gaming performance. Now it’s time to have a look at overclocking capabilities. How far can you take the Intel’s latest platform? What’s the impact of Turbo Boost? What about power consumption at accelerated clock speeds? You have questions. Much like Home Depot, we have answers.
P55: “The Next BX?”
This phrase has often been used (and abused) to characterize a new chipset or platform with the potential to become a de facto standard, and hence be dominant over all its direct competitors for a longer time than the regular product life cycle would imply. Long ago, the 440BX chipset, which powered the second-generation Pentium II, was the most popular core logic, despite several competitors having better numbers on paper. BX was the superior value king, and journalists kept referring to this product time and time again.
Many users still running Pentium 4, Pentium D, or Athlon 64/X2 or even first-generation Core 2 systems want to upgrade to four cores—and probably to Windows 7, as well. Core i5 is one of the best value options currently available, especially for users with overclocking ambitions.
Does the P55 platform have the potential to be another BX? Yes and no. On one hand, Intel will dwell on the LGA 1156 interface for a couple of years, at least, even though the pin-out and electrical specifications might be transient. From what we know today, we assume that the basic platform will reach out into 2011 and we expect this socket to host all Westmere-based 32nm processors, so, yes…you should be fairly "future-proof."
However, there are a few twists waiting in the wings that the P55 platform currently doesn’t support. The first is USB 3.0. The second is SATA at 6 Gb/s bandwidth. While the bumped-up SATA standard will only significantly impact flash SSDs and eSATA appliances that run multiple drives through one eSATA link, USB 3.0 is something we consider a must-have item once available, since most external storage devices are typically only limited to about 30 MB/s by the USB 2.0 bottleneck.
Overclocking: Great Speeds, Some Obstacles
We used MSI’s P55-GD65 motherboard for this project and were able to take the entry-level Core i5-750 to as much as 4.3 GHz. However, we could only reach speeds above 4 GHz after switching off some of the essential processor features.
- Next page Choosing The Best LGA 1156 Processor...
I think the AMD Athlon II x4 620 could give it a run for it's money, especially considering not only the price/performance ratio, but also the upgrade options. Even if you go Intel, the ATI cards are knocking out come great results at reasonable prices..what does Intel have to counter both ATI and nVidia?
I think this chip is a great little product, I just don't think Intel is sitting that pretty, and the motherboard upgrades (or lack of them), will catch them out. They did good with the BX chipsets in terms of stability and upgrades but those days are long gone..they replaced that solid product with the likes of Intel GMA
You'd buy an AMD CPU, because they make better GPUs than intel?
I'm still curious to see how far bclk can be pushed while keeping turbo made enabled...
In the chart on the second page, "Processor" is spelled wrong. :-)
You'd buy an AMD CPU, because they make better GPUs than intel?
Depends on the criteria..I base any decision on several factors: price, performance, usage and longevity - a systems design choice rather than one weighted entirely in favour of brand loyalty. Most of the clients won't spend the money, so their choice is restricted..but.an AMD 780G chipset with reasonably fast Athlon II x4, does practically everything they want, right from acting as a HTPC solution to a machine that can run 3D games. It's either that a more expensive Intel rig, sporting an nVidia chipset. Most clients simply request a CPU upgrade, they don't need DDR-3 and in most cases they don't even need a new power supply. The machine's down for 20 minutes whilst I update the BIOS and viola..new lease of life.
Both have been ahead - and behind - each other at one stage. I have always used most AMD at home and in my system builds, unless the client or the workplace/study environment dictates otherwise. I can't really fault either, it mostly comes down to my personal preference. Yes, I like AMD, but I now try to spend more learning the Windows-based software - I think it's more beneficial, taking into account the rate at which technology is changing and the performance both camps offer.
No comparisons with i7 920s in the benchmarks? It beats the 870 at games rather well. ..
Not a bad review PS and AR ... not bad at all.
I have previously been a harsh critic of you both.
The point raised about max OC and still having the CPU internal power management switched on is worthy of following up with a few CPU's.
Saving a few trees and having a fast rig ... having the cake and eating it too ... is the go!!
We don't want D805's pushing 4Ghz and chewing 200Watts thanks.