Mainstream Masters - Intel Core i5 750 and Intel Core i7 860 CPUs

These processors called the Lynnfield processors are built on the Nehalem architecture. However, whether they carry the i5 or the i7 designation depends a great deal on the kind of performance they provide and the list of features they display. For example, it may be natural to expect that the i7 800 series will have higher clock speeds and additional features that the i5 700 series may not have. One thing though is to be noted – the Lynnfield processors will be compatible with P55/LGA 1156 motherboards. This essentially means that the new series of processors will not be compatible with the Bloomfield’s X58 Chipset Motherboards.

·         The Core i7 800 series models, including the Core i7 860 and i7 870, are eight thread processors and feature both hyper-threading as well as turbo-boost technology. In other words, the CPU can run at higher speeds so long as the power consumption and heating stays within control.

·         The Core i5 700 series models, including the Core i5 750 and i5 760, are four-thread processors and support turbo-boost technology but not hyper-threading.

 

 

If you look at the Intel Core i7 860, it has four physical cores and since it allows Simultaneous Multi Threading or SMT, four virtual cores. On the other hand, it does not have the Triple Channel memory interface and the QPI connection that connects them to the rest of the system. The Lynnfield processors instead have an integrated DDR3 memory that uses two memory channels and Direct Media Interface or DMI. Also this CPU is not designed to be compatible to multi socket setups. However, the Lynnfield processors do have an integrated PCI Express controller. While the Intel Core i7 860 runs at 2.8 GHz and reaches 3.46 GHz in Turbo Mode the Intel Core i5 750 runs at 2.67 GHz and reaches 3.2 GHz in Turbo Mode.

 

 

It is also interesting to see the new stock cooler, Intel has designed for the Lynnfield processors, both the Intel Core i5 750 and the Intel Core i7 860. Though it is very small, it has an aluminum body with a typical integrated copper core and the mounting system are traditional push-pins. Intel also has reworked its cooling system so much so that even though the cooler is smaller, they still go with a 95W TDP rating for their Lynnfield chips. In fact, it is noticed during overclocking runs, that these chips stay wonderfully cool proving that the new cooler manages to work well even at full load.

 

In fact, this is one area where Intel scores over the rest of its competition. While many companies are being encouraged to think green and design technologies that take up less power, not many truly deliver on this idea. In fact, companies promise to have developed the ultimate technology that hardly takes any power only to find that it is all make-believe. With the Lynnfield chips though, Intel has delivered on its promise to develop a power-efficient processor. By simplifying the P55 chipset as well as incorporating many new technologies, both the Intel Core i5 750 and the Intel Core i7 860 deliver one of the most power efficient performances and set new benchmarks as far as the performance per watt category is concerned.

 

 

The performance reviews of the Intel Core i5 750 have been very flattering and they have outdone their competitors in almost every benchmark test. And at a pocket-friendly R 2,000, it is not difficult to see why the Intel Core i5 750 is getting so much attention. Of course, the lack of the hyper-threading technology does go against it a little but it still overdoes top competitors such as the Core 2 Quad Q9550 and the Phenom II X4 945. The Intel Core i5 750 is thus a great pick for user who would like a power efficient, high performing processor that offers solid overclocking ability. It is true that as of today, not many truly multi-threaded applications truly exist, years after the first dual core processor was developed. This means that there are many high-end games that can still not take complete advantage of the multiple threads feature the processors offer. Nevertheless, it is always ready to be prepared for future applications and better quality games that will benefit from multiple threads.

 

 

 

 

Therefore, there is no denying that it is tempting to look at the Intel Core i7 860 that for a few more dollars, offers all the Intel Core i5 750 does and has the hyper-threading technology. It has an overclocking baseline of about 4GHz on air-cooling and on the new P55 motherboard, this is probably one of the best performing processors one can find.

 

As we began by saying, both these processors – Intel Core i5 750 and the Intel Core i7 860 were to act as mid-range counterparts to the phenomenally successful but top-end Core i7 900-series chips. All tests have suggested that their performance certainly matches their prices and if you are looking for a processor that gives you the maximum bang for your buck, you should in all likelihood select the Intel Core i5 750.

 

If you would like to know which one of these processors is ideal for your purposes the Intel Core i5 750 or the Intel Core i7 860 and if you are in the market for a custom designed PC, you have to look at the wonderful range that Evetech has to offer. By looking at components that offer the best performance for the price, We gives you the best possible overall combination of price and performance.