Dual-core Intel Conroe processors
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Date: 15.08.2006 |
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By:
Date: 15.08.2006 |
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Performance
We tested the CPU at both nominal 2.66 GHz and at 3.46 GHz. Softly speaking, the results were pleasantly astounding.
We used the following components:
We used a customary set of application benchmarks. Let's first take a look at the results of synthetic benchmarks.
These are exclusively synthetic benchmarks which demonstrate the theoretical performance.
Now on to the gaming benchmarks.
Kbit/s, the more - the better
Kbit/s, the less - the better
We included the results of overclocked processors into the list in order to estimate the scaling of performance as the clock speed goes up. Besides, our readers should see for themselves: what the target application will be for the processor being purchased.
Final Words
It would be an understatement to say that the Core 2 Duo processor demonstrates high performance. The operating speed is simply fantastic, by today's standards. At the same time, engineers at Intel were able to eliminate the major shortcoming of its processors - a lag in gaming applications. This is just where the performance of Conroe processors breaks all whatever records. For comparison, the CPU E6700 at 2.66 GHz overtakes the CPU Extreme Edition at 4.25-4.5 GHz in games! Also, at the nominal speed the CPU Conroe overtakes the overclocked Athlon X2 running at 2.7 GHz.
Needless to say, if the Conroe is overclocked, its speed advantage becomes simply phenomenal. And the speed margin is indeed really high. In particular, with air-driven cooling we were able bringing the clock speed to 3.46 GHz. And that is with an engineering sample with stepping B1. Industrial processors with stepping B2 offers better overclocking potentials!
So, what has been achieved as a result of the release of new Core 2 Duo processors? First, Intel has completely forgotten about any competition from AMD. AMD is hopelessly losing and even migration to DDR-2 will not help. Therefore, in the field of high-performance systems the user has only one choice - Core 2 Duo processors. All the previous Intel processors automatically become Celerons, including all the Extreme Edition CPUs priced at 1000 $.
However, Intel can't ignore AMD completely for now. In particular, AMD has undertaken a vast price reduction, and the whole line of Athlon 3000+ - 3800+ processors now costs within 80$ to 140$. Intel's single-core CPUs cost more, and thrifty users have reasons to think of that.
Certainly, Intel is also reducing prices for the previous generation of LGA775 processors. The lower-end Celeron can be made available at about $40, and the higher-end - at $65. Besides, Intel offers a really attractive dual-core Pentium 805 at $120-$130, and in this category it has no competitors (we should also take into account the serious overclocking capability of this model). It turns out that Intel is attacking over almost all the fronts, which may result in the reduction of AMD's market share. We should also note that sales of Intel processors solves a number of tasks. First, Intel discards its warehouse stocks and clears the shelves for a new generation of processors. Secondly, Intel is helping its partners get rid of a huge number of Conroe-incompatible motherboards.
In conclusion, a pair of recommendations. First, it's better to migrate to the Core 2 Duo platform in early autumn of 2006. The assortment of processors will expand, and the prices will drop from speculative to the recommended. Secondly, the number of Conroe-compatible motherboards will essentially increase, and preliminary information on their overclocking capabilities will be compiled.
Regarding the overclocking. In view of the high capability, there are possible difficulties in overclocking to FSN >= 500 MHz and we recommend to purchase a processor with as high multiplier as possible. The optimum combination "price/overclocking" belongs to the Core 2 Duo E6400 which now costs 225 $. But for the start of 2007 Intel has planned a release of the overclocker hit - the model E4300 with the multiplier = 9 and the 800 MHz bus. Therefore, the moment of release of this processor will become the time when the performance of new Core 2 Duo processors will be accessible to wide user audience.
P.S.
Join the conference with all your questions, remarks and suggestions.
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