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Written by Nedeljko Kovacevic
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Thursday, 07 December 2006 |
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Page 2 of 4 Kentsfield, code name of Intel’s Core 2 Quad processor, is based on the same principles as Presler – first Intel’s Dual Core processor designed in 65nm technology. Namely, Intel took two Conroe cores (Core 2 Duo with 4 MB secondary cache) and wrapped them up in single LGA775 packaging. This approach is the basis of constant disputes whether this is „native“ or „non-native“ quad-core processor. From aspect of an end user, operating system recognizes four physical processors which makes whole ,,nativeness talk" irrelevant. Technically speaking, remaining fact is that two Conroe cores placed within LGA packaging communicate internally through external Quad Pumped bus, which, same as with Core 2 Duo processor operates at 1066MHz. Actually, all four cores, disregarding whether they are within single piece of silicon in adjoining chip, mutually talk through aforesaid route. These situations result in bus jamming, which may affect performances in negative manner. Negative, in terms they do not reflect raw power of Core architecture. Our tests will demonstrate this...
Talking about Kentsfield and its performances, it is not possible to avoid problems related to thermal characteristics. The fact that two Conroe cores are placed under the same hat, means that this hat gets quite hot. But, this very same fact speaks in favor of Intel’s manufacturing technology sophistication. Namely, temperature of our test specimen of Core 2 Quad processor was within the reasonable framework around 50 degrees in stand-by regime. This value was increasing under the pressure, but never over critical value limit. For four engaged fast processor cores, this is not even near critical. Although not mandatory, we certainly warmly recommend one of heat pipe coolers which can be found on the market.
Inevitable topic related to Core 2 Quad processor is its compatibility with LGA775 mother boards. We tested our processor on nForce 590 SLI mother board manufactured by the ASUS, and it all went well, as expected. According to our researches and interviews with colleagues and partners, we did not hear about any problem related to compatibility of Kentsfield and latest chipset mother boards which are in compliance with VRM11 power unit specification.
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