Intel Core i7-975 Extreme Edition

[Rob Williams]

It's been a good seven months since the launch of the original Core i7 processors, so isn't it about time we got to see some new models? Don't fret, as Intel has just announced their i7-950 3.06GHz mid-range and i7-975 3.33GHz high-end models. We're taking a look at the latter today, so let's see how it compares to its predecessor.

You can read the full article here and discuss it here!

 

[Doomsday]

how you be doing Computex AND writing reviews!? r u traveling at the speed of light....Superman!?!

@Intel: pure milkage!

 

[Rob Williams]

Haha, pure milkage, sure, but nothing new. Intel has the fastest processor on the planet, so it's no surprise they'd want to keep that fresh in people's minds

 

[Kougar]

Wow, I guess Anandtech isn't the only one having issues overclocking these Core i7 975 ES chips. They had some "unprintable words" about Core i7 975 to the effect that there was zero reason to buy one when their retail Core i7 920's were out overclocking them... The only question was if this was an issue with ES chips and if the retail 975 chips also don't overclock any better than D0 Core i7 920's.

Here's my 24/7 stable setup I use for everyday use. Several hours of Linx 5GB problem size stable and core temps peaked at 76-80c in Real Temp. Normal 8-threaded loads peak at 70c.

Do you use a program that specifically monitors CPU throttling? The only program I know of doesn't work on 64bit systems. If anything, the most recent rumor that Bloomfield will become Extreme Edition only and that the Core i7 920 will be discontinued completely as to differentiate the platform from Lynnfield is interesting...

 

[Rob Williams]

I just monitor CPU-Z while running the hardcore benchmarks... the CPU freq. field there updates once per second. I don't keep a logging feature, although I wouldn't mind finding something that would allow me to do that. As for overclocking, all I know is that I was able to hit 4.2GHz with absolute ease, while I couldn't do that with the 965. That could mean I just had a weak 965, but it's hard to say. Heat gets in the way far too easily for me. I think I'm going to have to change my cooling solution for overclocking-specific purposes.

One thing I learned at the meeting also is that ES chips are no different than retail chips... at all. What Intel does is haul some chips off the shelf (that would otherwise hit retail) and put an (ES) tag on them. They do this to keep samples aside from the retail product. Another really interesting fact is that Intel makes it a habit to go out and purchase ALL (ES) chips that they find online for sale, and unless you are really quick about seeing a posting on eBay, you can bet it's Intel who's behind the purchase.

Each CPU also has a unique ID, so when Intel purchases such a sample, they know exactly who sold it and can take appropriate action. It's just too bad nothing ever becomes of that, or at least rarely.

 

[Kougar]

Well, it's not good when your lowest end model is out-overclocking your highest end model, especially when one costs $266 and the other $999... in fact lets just say they overclock the same. Either way there is still some major issues. The only enthusiasts I know that bought 940's were because they wanted better binned silicon and the higher multiplier, but there doesn't seem to be much binning going on with D0's as they all overclock to 4.2-4.8GHz with ease regardless of model, price, or CPU multiplier. Because of this some, including myself, had figured the 975 would at least hit that magic 5,000MHz mark.

If I knew what I was doing I could probably figure out what is holding this chip back, anything beyond 4.2 will BSoD randomly under LinX, but runs the test for a couple minutes first. The CPU even boots to Windows at 4.5GHz, I just can't put a Prime95 load on it. Maybe I should try for 5GHz just for the CPU-Z screenshot... I just make poll some XS gurus and see, this board at least will do a ~220 Bclock as Gigabyte's UD4/UD5 are pretty consistent with that.

Thanks for the info about their ES chips, I'd head that they were no different than retail chips and not specially binned. However, I still thought they were early silicon, they would at least be relatively early silicon.

 

[Rob Williams]

Well, it's not good when your lowest end model is out-overclocking your highest end model, especially when one costs $266 and the other $999...

I agree. This is something we need to take a bit more seriously, which means I need to find a new cooling solution as soon as possible. When the CPU overheats from a modest overclock, our OC reports aren't as useful as I'd like them to be.

Thanks for the info about their ES chips, I'd head that they were no different than retail chips and not specially binned. However, I still thought they were early silicon, they would at least be relatively early silicon.

Well, chances are still good that they are early silicon, but so might be the initial processors to hit the market. It's hard to say, but one thing I can say is that most of our ES parts are nowhere near as good as the retail parts. Just take a look at your D0 part. It's an insane clocker... I can't come CLOSE on our C0 920.

In comparing the D0 975 to the D0 920, then the lacking overclocking with the former can be a bit disappointing. It's difficult for me to conclude on this because we don't have a D0 920, but given what you have shown, I think the answer is clear as day. It also depends on how high you want to go. You are at 4.2GHz, but with a 200MHz BCLK. That's pushing things, On the 975, I got there with 155 (and could have possibly got there with less, I don't know). Curious, is that 4.2GHz overclock pure stable?

Either way, regular overclockers aren't going to "need" a 975. Personally, I'd be thrilled to just have a 920 clocked to 4.0GHz stable. Incredible performance for the money.

 

[Doomsday]

I agree. This is something we need to take a bit more seriously, which means I need to find a new cooling solution as soon as possible. When the CPU overheats from a modest overclock, our OC reports aren't as useful as I'd like them to be.
.

Thermalright Ultra-120!! Cooler Master V10/V8 !!

 

[Rob Williams]

Thermalright Ultra-120!! Cooler Master V10/V8 !!

We use Ultra-120's on all of our machines (I even use it on my personal machine). It's the ambient heat that's the problem, and with summer coming, that's not going to get better. I might just have to get one of those new Corsair CPU coolers for the time-being. Better than air, but not so over-the-top that I'd get results that others couldn't get on regular air.

 

[Doomsday]

oh..hmm.. in the previos reviews u used to us the>> Cooling: Corsair Nautilus 500

for the PentiumD 2.8Ghz to 4.2Ghz is Wow! , E8400, E7200, Q9450, and u were really able to overclock em good!

 

[Rob Williams]

Oi, that was LONG ousted... but not quite sure when. I moved to air because it was just easier to deal with, and after a while, the N500 began to work worse than air, so it was a no-brainer. I'm also hearing mixed things about the new Corsair self-contained water-cooler as well though, so I'm not sure what kind of cooling is in my future.

 

[Kougar]

In comparing the D0 975 to the D0 920, then the lacking overclocking with the former can be a bit disappointing. It's difficult for me to conclude on this because we don't have a D0 920, but given what you have shown, I think the answer is clear as day. It also depends on how high you want to go. You are at 4.2GHz, but with a 200MHz BCLK. That's pushing things, On the 975, I got there with 155 (and could have possibly got there with less, I don't know). Curious, is that 4.2GHz overclock pure stable?

Heh, Rob this is me we're talking about, we pretty much agree on that definition of "stability"! I didn't want to hijack the thread but since you asked I'll just make a thread...

I discovered pretty quickly that the larger the RAM size allocation you give LinX, the more accurate and faster it will crash an unstable overclock. Since Core i7 users tend to have 6GB of RAM it makes sense to recommend a 5GB or higher LinX problem size. If you are familiar with LinX, then when I say 20 runs at this problem size requires almost an hour and a half or so.

Either way, regular overclockers aren't going to "need" a 975. Personally, I'd be thrilled to just have a 920 clocked to 4.0GHz stable. Incredible performance for the money

Agreed, I knew I would be happy with just a 4GHz stable OC, but I got a little better.