A universal processor solution that is perfect for working with single-threaded programs as well as multi-threaded ones is “Cor i7-970”. This CPU was released a long time ago - in 2010, but this chip still has a sufficient level of performance and allows you to implement any task.
It is about this semiconductor product seven years ago that will be discussed in this material.
What personal computers should include such a chip?
A universal premium-level chip is rightfully considered an Intel Core i7-970 processor. On its basis, you can make a mid-level workstation, an entry-level server, or even an ultimatum game system unit. At the start of sales of this processor device, Intel divided its products as follows:
The LGA775 platform made it possible to create entry-level and even mid-range PCs. Most often, this socket could be found in budget systems. In this case, the cost came to the fore, and only then did the requirements for the performance of the electronic computer be put forward.
The average niche was occupied by computer solutions based on LGA1156. In this case, the chips could include all the same 4 cores, but NT technology support allowed to process the program code in 8 threads. Also in this case, the cache memory consisted of 3 levels, but LGA775-based chips could only boast of 2 levels.
The most powerful computers were based on the LGA1366 socket. In this case, the processors could already include 6 or even 8 computing clusters. Also, the RAM controller could work in this case in three-channel mode, and the younger solutions in two-channel mode. It was to this group of processors that the solution considered within the framework of this material belonged.
Contents of delivery
The more affordable i7-970 delivery option was TRAIL. In this case, the manufacturer included the following:
In this form, this CPU was most often acquired by large companies that specialized in the assembly of PCs, and computer enthusiasts. In the first case, cooling systems were purchased separately at very low wholesale prices and this allowed to reduce the cost of purchasing components. Computer enthusiasts, in turn, could purchase an improved heat sink system and this would make it possible to disperse the chip and get increased speed. The second picking option was BOX. It was supplemented with the following components:
In this case, the processor device was supposed to function in nominal mode.
Socket, chipset, architecture, frequencies
As noted earlier, the i7-970 chip was to be installed in the processor socket LGA1366. For this platform, Intel has developed only one system kit - X58. The code name for the architecture of this microprocessor device is Gulftown. The layout of this silicon crystal is made so that it includes 6 clusters for processing program code. Each of these clusters is capable of processing program code in 2 streams due to NT technology. The result is 12 data processing flows and instructions. The clock frequency of the chip varies in the range from 3.2 GHz to 3.46 GHz. Its value is determined by the temperature of the silicon substrate and the level of complexity of the processed program code.
Thermal package, technology and temperature
At 130 W, the manufacturer set the value for the thermal package for i7-970. The characteristics of this silicon crystal indicate that it is manufactured according to the standards of 32-nm process technology. Its dimensions are 42.5x45 mm, and the area is 239 mm 2 . The maximum temperature for it is declared by the manufacturer at the level of 69 0 C. In nominal mode, it does not exceed 50-55 0 C.
During acceleration, this value can increase, but it will certainly be no more than 60-62 0 C. The voltage on the processor can be in the range of 0.75-1.4 V. If you exceed the last value, then the chip may break.
Cache and RAM
Three cache levels were integrated by the manufacturer into the Intel Core i7-970 chip. The characteristics of the first of them indicated the presence of a total volume of 384 Kb, which were divided into 6 segments of 64 Kb. Directly, such a segment could only work in tandem with a specific core. Also, these 64 Kb were divided in half: some 32 Kb could be used only for data storage, and the other 32 Kb - for instructions. More simply, a second cache level was organized, which was equal to 1.5 MB. It was divided into 6 parts of 256 KB. As in the case of the first level, each of these parts was geographically tied to a specific resource for processing program code. The third cache level could store up to 12 MB of data and instructions. It was common to all cores. The RAM controller was 3-channel and could address up to 24 GB. The motherboards were equipped with 6 slots for installing modules, and in each of them it was possible to install a bracket with 4 GB. The memory type in this case was to be DDR3. The frequency of the chips could only be 800 or 1066 MHz.
The capacity of the RAM subsystem was set by the manufacturer at around 25.6 Gb / s.
Overclocking
Quite good overclocking potential could boast of Core i7-970. The multiplier is locked and it was possible to increase productivity in this case only due to the higher frequency of the system bus on the motherboard. In nominal mode, the value of the latter is 133 MHz. The CPU multiplier is set at 24. As a result, the frequency of the chip is 3.2 GHz. If, in this mode, the system bus frequency is increased to 165 MHz, then we get 3.9 GHz on the processor. In this case, the voltage must be increased to the maximum possible 1.4V. In percentage terms, such a performance increase is 18%. Again, before overclocking, the following components should be installed in the PC:
Improved modification of the power supply with a rated power of at least 650 watts.
The motherboard is in improved performance.
All PC components must have a margin in frequency values.
improved modification of the heat sink system.
The acceleration order in this case is as follows:
The frequencies of all PC components are reduced. This list just does not get the system bus. The nominal value of the latter increases.
It is also necessary to increase the voltage on the CPU.
When 3.9 GHz and 1.4 V are reached, overclocking is over.
In the future, the stability of the computer is checked.
If problems are identified, the frequency and voltage must be reduced.
Tests
As opponents of the Intel Core i7-970, it is most optimal to choose the i7 - 980X, i7-860 and Phenom 1090T. The test configuration includes 2 modules of 2GB of RAM standard DDR3 with a frequency of 1333 MHz. The HD5870 from AMD with 1 GB of video memory acts as a graphic adapter. The image quality is maximum, and its resolution is 1680x1050. In the SysMark 07 test package, we got the following results in conditional points:
980X - 257.
970 - 248.
860 - 223.
1090T - 204.
The higher frequencies of the flagship 980X give it the opportunity to show higher results. Fewer cores and lower frequencies do not even allow approaching the hero of this article to the flagship LGA1156 i7-860. The weaker architecture of the Phenom 1090T microprocessor does not allow its real 6 cores to compete on equal terms with any of the Intel chips. In Photoshop CS4, forces are distributed as follows in seconds:
980X - 12.4.
970 - 12.8.
860 - 16.4.
1090T - 18.6.
In the game Left 4 Dead, this number of fps is obtained:
980X - 141.
970 - 135.
860 - 131.
1090T - 127.
These three tests are enough to determine the level of performance of the hero of this article. He loses a bit to the flagship 980X, and confidently bypasses all other representatives of his generation.
Price and reviews
Initially, Intel valued the i7-970 at $ 594. A review of current offers in online stores indicates that this CPU model can be purchased for $ 150-190. Using this chip as the basis for a new computer is not justified today because it is outdated and at the same price you can find more advanced microprocessor solutions. But for the repair of PCs based on LGA1366, this processor device is perfect. He had only one minus - this is a rather high cost.
But the owners attributed its positive aspects to impeccable energy efficiency, high speed and the presence of a three-channel RAM controller.
Summary
Indeed, the top microprocessor solution by the standards of 2010 was the i7-970. This CPU, due to its advanced organization, continues to be relevant today. On it, even any modern software will start without any problems and the owners of such PCs do not have much sense to think about their modernization.