New CPU

First CPU models that were announced for Socket 1156 are: Core i7 870 (2.93GHz), Core i7 850 (2.80GHz) and Core i5 750 (2.66GHz). First two models have 4 cores that will be presented to OS as 8 thanks to Hyper Threading technology, while Core i5 doesn’t support Hyper Threading and will be recognized as standard quad-core CPU. On the other side will be Core i3 CPUs with their two cores with support for Hyper Threading thanks to which OS will register 4 cores. In our configuration we found Core i7 870 CPU at 2.93GHz – fastest CPU in this group. CPU is made in 45nm manufacturing process with TDP set at 95W which is better result compared to 130W Core i7 CPUs for LGA 1366 socket. CPU has 256KB of secondary cache per core and 8MB L3 cache which allows similar performance levels to Core i7 9XX models. Turbo Boost technology is also supported (Turbo Mode) that allows CPU cores to operate at higher frequencies than default. Thanks to this technology individual active cores can raise their frequencies in 133MHz steps but within limits of maximal voltage and TDP (Thermal Design Power).

Benchmarks

Two NVIDIA graphics cards in SLI allowed us to test how new features operate on new chipset in combination with (also) new CPU. All benchmarks were conducted on Windows 7 with performance levels similar to those achieved by Core i7 920. Of course direct comparison cannot be made since sockets are different, but Core i7 920 proved that it works better with memory since it supports triple-channel mode. Unfortunately we had the system just for few hours so thorough  testing of SLI and CrossFire performances are lacking. We even didn’t have enough time to dismount cooler, clear it from thermal paste residues, take a picture of it and put all back together. More detailed and comparative benchmarking will be done upon official presentation of new chipset and CPUs.