HardwareXL

I recently got the chance to play with not one but two cpu”’’s from Intel, the Intel E6750 which runs at 2,66Ghz and the QX6850 which runs at 3.0Ghz. This review is not about one vs the other, looking at them pricewise the QX6850 would be the winner weighing in at $ 944,- (OEM). But then again if your budget isn””t up that then the E6750 might win you over selling for $ 194,- (OEM) does make it look very attractive.   

I recently got the chance to play with not one but two cpu”’’s from Intel, the Intel E6750 which runs at 2,66Ghz and the QX6850 which runs at 3.0Ghz. This review is not about one vs the other, looking at them pricewise the QX6850 would be the winner weighing in at $ 944,- (OEM). But then again if your budget isn””t up that then the E6750 might win you over selling for $ 194,- (OEM) does make it look very attractive.
   

About Intel
Intel was founded in 1968 by Gordon E. Moore (a chemist and physicist) and Robert Noyce (a physicist and co-inventor of the integrated circuit) when they left Fairchild Semiconductor. A number of other Fairchild employees also went on to participate in other Silicon Valley companies. Intel”’’s fourth employee was Andy Grove (a chemical engineer), who ran the company through much of the 1980s and the high-growth 1990s. Grove is now remembered as the company”’’s key business and strategic leader. By the end of the 1990s, Intel was one of the largest and most successful businesses in the world.

Origin of the name
At its founding, Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce wanted to name their new company "Moore Noyce". This name, however, sounded remarkably similar to "more noise" — an ill-suited name for an electronics company, since noise is typically associated with bad interference. They then used the name NM Electronics for almost a year, before deciding to call their company INTegrated ELectronics or "Intel" for short. However, Intel was already trademarked by a hotel chain, so they had to buy the rights for that name at the beginning.

Company”’’s evolution
Intel has grown through several distinct phases. At its founding, Intel was distinguished simply by its ability to make semiconductors, and its primary product were static random access memory (SRAM) chips. Intel”’’s business grew during the 1970s as it expanded and improved its manufacturing processes and produced a wider range of products, still dominated by various memory devices.

While Intel created the first microprocessor in 1971 and one of the first microcomputers in 1972, by the early 1980s its business was dominated by dynamic random access memory chips. However, increased competition from Japanese semiconductor manufacturers had by 1983 dramatically reduced the profitability of this market, and the sudden success of the IBM personal computer convinced then-CEO Grove to shift the company”’’s focus to microprocessors and to change fundamental aspects of that business model. By the end of the 1980s this decision had proven successful, and Intel embarked on a 10-year period of unprecedented growth as the primary (and most profitable) hardware supplier to the PC industry. The rest is history as we know it ;-) 

Nowadays Intel keeps pushing the boundaries with every new processor coming out. "We never stop looking for the next leap ahead—in technology, education, culture, manufacturing, and social responsibility. And we never stop collectively delivering better solutions with greater benefits for everyone."

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Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor

Product Description
PC users are running multiple, intense software applications simultaneously, increasing demand on hardware resources. In the office, PC usage has changed from data entry and word processing to e-Commerce, online collaboration, and an ever-increasing need for continual security and virus protection. In the home, interests have shifted from lowbandwidth photos and Internet surfing to downloading and viewing high definition videos, as well as advanced photo and video editing. The Intel® Core™2 Duo processor was developed to meet all these demands.

Energy Efficiency
Built on the innovative Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, the Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor delivers revolutionary dual-core performance and breakthrough processor energy efficiency. With Intel® Wide Dynamic Execution, Intel® Smart Memory Access, Intel® Advanced Smart Cache, and Intel® Digital Media Boost, this new processor is designed to do more in less time. Additional features to support enhanced security, virtualization, and 64-bit computing makes the Intel Core 2 Duo the most impressive processor developed for an increasingly multimedia-centered, high-definition world.

Energy Efficiency
Design changes in the Intel Core 2 Duo processors that improve performance also increase processor energy efficiency by operating at lower frequencies that require less power to run. Intel® Intelligent Power Capability, a feature that optimizes energy usage of the processor cores, turns on computing functions only when needed. These more energyefficient processors support smaller, more capable, and quieter desktop PCs to conserve critical power resources.

Better Acoustics
Intel Core 2 Duo processors are equipped with a Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) that enables efficient processor and platform thermal control. Thermal sensors located within the processor measure the maximum temperature on the die at any given time. Intel® Quiet System Technology, included in the Intel® Express Chipset families6, uses the DTS to regulate the system and processor fan speeds. The acoustic benefit of temperature monitoring is that system fans spin only as fast as needed to cool the system, and slower spinning fans generate less noise.

Platform Support
A platform based on an Intel® Express Chipset family6 with an optimized memory engine for improved system performance is the ideal compliment for the Intel Core 2 Duo processor. New and enhanced technologies in the area of graphics, sound, and manageability offer an array of capabilities. This combination of processor and chipset brings an unparalleled level of performance to the desktop.

Features and Benefits of the Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor
Features Benefits

Dual-Core Processing
Two independent processor cores in one physical package run at the same frequency, and share up to 4 MB of L2 cache as well as up to a 1333 MHz1 Front Side Bus, for truly parallel computing.

Intel® Wide Dynamic Execution
Improves execution speed and efficiency, delivering more instructions per clock cycle. Each core can Execution complete up to four full instructions simultaneously.

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Intel® Smart Memory Access
Optimizes the use of the data bandwidth from the memory subsystem to accelerate out-of-order execution. A newly designed prediction mechanism reduces the time in-flight instructions have to wait for data. New pre-fetch algorithms move data from system memory into fast L2 cache in advance of execution. These functions keep the pipeline full, improving instruction throughput and performance.

Intel® Advanced Smart Cache
The shared L2 cache is dynamically allocated to each processor core based on workload. This efficient, dual-core optimized implementation increases the probability that each core can access data from fast L2 cache, significantly reducing latency to frequently used data and improving performance.

Intel® Advanced Digital Media Boost
Accelerates the execution of Streaming SIMD Extension (SSE) instructions to significantly improve the performance on a broad range of applications, including video, audio, image and photo processing, multimedia, encryption, financial, engineering and scientific applications. The 128-bit SSE instructions are now issued at a throughput rate of one per clock cycle effectively doubling their speed of execution on a per clock basis over previous generation processors.

Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT)2/3
Intel® VT allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. For businesses, Intel VT offers improved manageability, limiting downtime and maintaining worker productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (Intel® TXT)2/3
Intel® TXT provides hardware-based mechanisms to help protect against software-based attacks and help protect the confidentiality and integrity of data stored or created on the system. It does this by enabling a trusted environment where applications can run within their own space, protected from all other software on the system.

Intel® 642 Architecture
Enables the processor to access larger amounts of memory. With appropriate 64-bit supporting hardware and software, platforms based on an Intel processor supporting Intel 64 architecture can allow the use of extended virtual and physical memory.

Execute Disable Bit4
Provides enhanced virus protection when deployed with a supported operating system. The Execute Disable Bit allows memory to be marked as executable or non-executable, allowing the processor to raise an error to the operating system if malicious code attempts to run in non-executable memory, thereby preventing the code from infecting the system.

Intel Designed Thermal Solution for Boxed Processors
Includes a 4-pin connector for fan speed control to help minimize the acoustic noise levels generated from running the fan at higher speeds for thermal performance.5 Fan speed control technology is based on actual CPU temperature and power usage.

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Intel® Core™2 Extreme Quad-Core Processor

Overview
The Intel® Core™2 Extreme processor is the world’s first quadcore desktop processor, delivering the latest in cutting edge processor technology. Bringing unprecedented performance across a wide range of applications and benchmarks, the Intel Core 2 Extreme processor provides another giant leap forward on the road to multi-core and parallel computing. This processor was designed for PC enthusiasts and gamers. Today’s multimedia applications, such as 3D modeling and video/audio editing and rendering, focus on threaded computing for performance and demonstrate amazing scalability with quad-core processors.

For the avid or casual gamer, physics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), rendering, and general game play can all be improved while maintaining frame rates, making games more immersive and compelling. With unprecedented capabilities in four separate processing cores, users can expect games to become even more realistic in the future.

Multitasking Monster
The Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processor is a multitasking monster, so users can do more in less time. Significant improvements in system responsiveness are possible because certain tasks can be off-loaded to specific cores. Users can now take on several tasks at the same time such as rendering a video, playing a game, or working on basic productivity software because additional processor resources are free to handle other tasks.

Platform Support
Intel® Express Chipset based platforms support the Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processor. This combination of processor and chipset offers an array of exciting capabilities including dual graphics, and delivers an impressive level of performance for demanding users.

Quad-Core Processing
Provides four independent cores in a single package with 8 MB of L2 cache1; 1066 or 1333 MHz Front Side Bus. Four dedicated physical threads help operating systems and applications deliver additional performance, so end users can experience better multitasking and multi-threaded performance across many types of applications and workloads.

Chipset Support
Intel® 975X and P965 Express Chipsets support Intel Core2 Extreme quad-core processors running at 1066 MHz Front Side Bus. Intel® X38 and P35 Express Chipsets support Intel® Core™2 Extreme quad-core processors running up to 1333 MHz Front Side Bus. Other 3rd party chipsets may support Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core processors. Contact your board manufacturer for compatibility.

Intel® Wide Dynamic Execution
Improves execution speed and efficiency, delivering more instructions per clock cycle. Each core can complete up to four full instructions simultaneously.

Intel® Smart Memory Access
Optimizes the use of the data bandwidth from the memory subsystem to accelerate out-of-order execution. A newly designed prediction mechanism reduces the time in-flight instructions have to wait for data. New pre-fetch algorithms move data from system memory into fast L2 cache in advance of execution. These functions keep the pipeline full, improving instruction throughput and performance.

Intel® Advanced Smart Cache1
Dynamically allocates the shared L2 cache is to each processor core based on workload. This efficient, Dynamically allocates the shared L2 cache is to each processor core based on workload. This efficient, L2 cache, significantly reducing latency to frequently used data and improving performance.

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Intel® Advanced Digital Media Boost
Accelerates the execution of Streaming SIMD Extension (SSE) instructions to significantly improve the performance on a broad range of applications. These include video, audio, image and photo processing, multimedia, encryption, financial, engineering, and scientific applications. The 128-bit SSE instructions are now issued at a throughput rate of one per clock cycle effectively doubling their speed of execution on a per clock basis over previous generation processors.

Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT)2
Allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. Intel VT improves manageability, limiting downtime and maintaining worker productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Intel® 643 Architecture
Allows the processor to access larger amounts of memory. With appropriate 64-bit hardware and software, platforms based on an Intel processor supporting Intel 64 can allow the use of extended virtual and physical memory.

Execute Disable Bit4
Provides enhanced virus protection when deployed with a supported operating system. Memory can be marked as executable or non-executable, allowing the processor to raise an error to the operating system if malicious code attempts to run in non-executable memory. This prevents the code from infecting the system.

Intel Designed Thermal Solution for Boxed Processors
Includes a 4-pin connector for fan speed control to help minimize the acoustic noise levels generated from running the fan at higher speeds for thermal performance5. Fan speed control technology is based on actual CPU temperature and power usage.

For the added technical flexibility experienced enthusiasts want, the processor bus ratio locks (overspeed protection) have been removed in the Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processor. This delivers the ability to tune the system, taking it beyond the specification limits†.

Better Acoustics
Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processors are equipped with a new Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) to enable more efficient processor and platform thermal control. Thermal sensors located within the processor measure the maximum temperature on the die at any given time. The acoustic benefit of temperature monitoring is that system fans spin only as fast as needed to cool the system, and slower spinning fans generate less noise.

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Our test setup:

CPU: Intel E6600 @ 2400MHz stock settings 
CPU: Intel E6750 (supplied by Intel)
CPU: Intel QX6850 (supplied by Intel)
Motherboard: ASUS P5N32-E SLI Plus (805 BIOS)
Memory: 4GB - Crucial Ballistix Tracer 8500 (supplied by Crucial)
Video: PNY 8800GTx 768MB (supplied by PNY) 
Storage: WD 74GB SATA
OS: Windows Vista HP Edition (supplied by Microsoft)

Cinebench R10

It is a real-world test suite that assesses your computer”’’s performace capabilities. MAXON CINEBENCH is based on MAXON”’’s award-winning animation software, CINEMA 4D, which is used extensively by studios and production houses worldwide for 3D content creation. MAXON software has been used in blockbuster movies such and Spider-Man, Star Wars, The Chronicles of Narnia and many more.

MAXON CINEBENCH runs several tests on your computer to measure the performance of the main processor and the graphics card under real world circumstances. The benchmark application makes use of up to 16 CPUs or CPU cores and is available for Windows (32-bit and 64-Bit) and Macintosh (PPC and Intel-based).

The resulting values among different operating systems are 100% comparable and therefore very useful with regard to purchasing decision-making. It can also be used as a marketing tool for hardware vendors or simply to compare hardware among colleagues or friends.

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Futuremark 3DMark®06

3DMark®06 is the worldwide standard in advanced 3D game performance benchmarking. A fundamental tool for every company in the PC industry as well as PC users and gamers, 3DMark06 uses advanced real-time 3D game workloads to measure PC performance using a suite of DirectX 9 3D graphics tests, CPU tests, and 3D feature tests. 3DMark06 tests include all new HDR/SM3.0 graphics tests, SM2.0 graphics tests, AI and physics driven single and multiple cores or processor CPU tests and a collection of comprehensive feature tests to reliably measure next generation gaming performance today. Futuremark”’’s exclusive Online ResultBrowser web service tracks and compares 3DMark06 scores.

Futuremark PCMark®05

PCMark®05 is everything you need to reliably and easily measure the performance of your PC and determine its strengths and weaknesses. With PCMark05, you will be able to select the optimal upgrades for your existing PC, or choose the right new PC that fits your specific needs. This easy-to-use product gives you the same tools and knowledge that virtually every professional tester in the industry uses.

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SiSoftware Sandra XII

SiSoftware Sandra (the System ANalyser, Diagnostic and Reporting Assistant) is an information & diagnostic utility. It should provide most of the information (including undocumented) you need to know about your hardware, software and other devices whether hardware or software.

Just like in the arithmetic benchmark the multi media benchmark shows the Intel QX6850 on top again but then again if you had eight legs in stead of 2 you would run faster as well;-)

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EVEREST Ultimate Edition

EVEREST Ultimate Edition is an industry leading system diagnostics and benchmarking solution for enthusiasts PC users, based on the award-winning EVEREST Technology. During system optimizations and tweaking it provides essential system and overclock information, advanced hardware monitoring and diagnostics capabilities to check the effects of the applied settings. CPU, FPU and memory benchmarks are available to measure the actual system performance and compare it to previous states or other systems. Furthermore, complete software, operating system and security information makes EVEREST Ultimate Edition a comprehensive system diagnostics tool that offers a total of 100 pages of information about your PC.

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Final thought on the E6750 and QX6850

The Core 2 Duo E6750 is not something special except for the overclocking capabilites. When I decided to overclock it, suprisingly it did go a long way. At stock settings the internal FSB is set at 1333Mhz (cpu FSB 1333 : 4 = 333Mhz and using a multiplier of 8 adds up to 2660Mhz), without any extra cooling I managed to increase the FSB to 1800 which left the cpu running at 3,6Ghz. Now that”’’s pretty amazing for a cpu that”’’s cheaper then the E6600 (which also clocked like crazy). I think that it will overclock it bit more when using a better cooling solution. This makes this cpu a good and affordable choice for those that want to give overclocking a chance without killing your piggybank to get it. Its currently selling for for $ 194,- (unboxed,OEM).

The Core 2 Extreme QX6850 is a upgraded QX6800. Meening it has 4 cores, 8MB cache but the internal FSB is set at 1333Mhz just like the E6750. Do keep in mind that you need a motherboard that is able to handle it, perf. a Intel P38 or X38 or a nForce 680 based motherboard. Overclocking this badboy is realy good fun, seeing it has a unlocked multiplier. This makes it possible to try any possible setting to get the FSB running stable at a high setting. After trying numerous settings I got stuck at 3,7Ghz (runnning the cpu with the multiplier at 10×370). Seeing that the QX6850 is running at 3,0Ghz stock a 700Mhz overclock might not seem much but given the fact that all four cores are overclocked as well makes it brutal badboy. Given the benchmark results and the overclocking capabilities it does make you wonder if it”’’s wurth the money (currently priced at at $ 944,- (unboxed, OEM).

Award for the Intel E6750

Award for the Intel QX6850

More information about these babies can be found here.
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