The flagship central processor unit “Cor i7 870” from Intel Corporation of 2009, which even now without any difficulties can solve even the most complex tasks, will be discussed in detail in this material. The strengths and weaknesses of this semiconductor crystal will also be indicated.
What is this chip capable of? Its market segment
The technical plan specifications for the “Cor i7 870” continue to remain relevant and to solve any problems, including the most complex ones, without any problems. In this case, there is no particular need to increase its clock frequency (that is, to “disperse” this silicon crystal). Its four computational modules initially operate at a very solid clock frequency, and the fast volatile memory subsystem in its organization is practically no different from current processors. As a result, we get one of the most productive chips of 2009, which after 7 years from the start of sales continues to be relevant.
CPU Options
Intel Core i7 870 was sold in two different versions. The more simplified and accessible of them was designated as “Treil”. In this case, the user received instructions for use along with a warranty card, a branded sticker of a family of semiconductor crystals and the chip itself. The second option was called “Boxing,” and it was a boxed version of the central processing unit. It included, in addition to the previously indicated components for the previous version of the configuration, also a standard cooler, company box and thermal grease.
The first configuration option was better suited for computer enthusiasts and overclockers who could afford to buy an advanced cooling system and thereby increase the final performance of a computer system. But the box version of the configuration was better suited for ordinary users, for whom the basic performance of this solution was quite enough.
Socket
Intel Core i7 870 was aimed at installing Intel Corporation in the most advanced socket of 2009 for entry-level computer solutions - LGA1156. Moreover, it was one of the most productive processors on this platform. The main set of logic in this case consisted of only one south bridge - P55. And the north bridge was moved to the chip body. A little later, other chipsets for this platform appeared - H57 Express and H55 Express. In fact, it was the same P55, but supplemented by a graphics subsystem. The most optimal in conjunction with this CPU was to use exactly P55, the capabilities of which were quite enough to reveal this high-performance semiconductor solution.
Technological process
The central processor unit Core i7 870 was manufactured according to the norms of the technological process (45 nm), which was advanced in 2009. 7 years have passed since then, and already in the production of advanced computing solutions, a technological process (14 nm) is used. Despite such a big difference, this high-performance chip continues to be relevant and without any problems can solve any problem even today.
Cache
High-performance CPU Core i7 870 had to be equipped with a three-level cache without fail. Otherwise, he would not be able to solve problems of increased complexity even in 2009. At the same time, the memory capacity should also be good sizes.
As a result, development engineers equipped it like this:
The first level for each core was represented by 32 kb modules divided into 2 parts. One of them specialized in storing CPU instructions, and the second in data storage. That is, one computing module could use 64 kb in total. Well, since the total number of cores was 4, we get 4 * 64 = 256 kb.
The second level no longer had such a strict specialization regarding the type of information stored, but was divided between the individual cores. The capacity for each computing unit was equal to 256kb. Well, in total, its total size was 1 MB (4 cores of 256 kb each).
The third cache level was common to the entire CPU. Its size was 8 MB.
Random access memory
The i7 870 processor was focused on the use of the most advanced type of random access memory (“DDR3”) at that time. The manufacturer himself recommended using the "DDR3-1066" or "DDR3-1333" trims in conjunction with this CPU. In practice, it was possible to install faster modules of this type of RAM, but they could not function faster than "DDR3-1333". The maximum amount of RAM that the processor could address in this case is 16 GB.
Another important technological nuance is the integration of a dual-channel RAM controller into the semiconductor chip of the central processor. Such an engineering solution has significantly improved the performance of the final computer system.
The operating temperature of the semiconductor crystal. Thermal pack
The maximum allowable temperature for "Cor i7 870" was equal to 72.7 degrees. As a rule, in practice, this meant that the cooling system for some reason failed. In normal operating mode, the temperature of this chip is in the range of 40-55 degrees. If you overclock this flagship processor, then the temperature regime will change. In this situation, it will be in the range of 50 to 60 degrees. Overcome the symbolic value of 60 degrees is possible only when you start the most demanding software. But even in such a situation, the temperature is unlikely to go beyond acceptable limits and will not exceed 70 degrees. The thermal package of this chip was 95 watts.
Frequency formula
This chip was equipped with technology such as Turbo Boost. Therefore, its clock frequency changed depending on the degree of complexity of the problem being solved, the number of computing resources involved and the thermal state of the CPU. The reference clock frequency with increased heat generation in the Core i7 870 is 2.93 GHz. The next value is 3.2 GHz.
Moreover, in both modes all 4 modules work at once. Only in the first case there is a decrease due to overheating of the chip or because of the simplicity of the problem being solved, and in the second case, in all other situations, when 4 cores are needed at once. The next value is 3.47 GHz. When switching to this mode, the processor disconnects 2 computing modules. The maximum frequency in this case is 3.6 GHz. A computer system operates in only 1 thread.
Architecture
The code name for the processing units of this chip is Nehalem. This central processor included 4 cores at once. In addition, a distinctive feature of the Kor Ay7 series semiconductor solutions is the support of a proprietary technology codenamed “Hyper Trading”, which made it possible to obtain 2 logical (that is, at the software level) on the basis of one physical core. This semiconductor crystal in this case was no exception. As a result, at the software level, he immediately showed 8 computing threads.
All this allows him even now to cope with any application software (without optimized for multi-threaded hardware, even without any special difficulties).
Overclocking
Theoretically, it was possible to overclock the Intel i7 870 determined using the system bus. But in practice, the manufacturer himself recommended using the Cor I7 9xx series chips, which also had the Black Edison prefix.
In the case of “Cor Ai7 8XX”, the level of performance was initially excessive, and it was completely impractical to create an additional significant load on the computer system. Now the performance of this CPU can be assessed as sufficient. It allows you to run any software that is currently available.
User reviews. CPU cost
The only drawback that a premium processor may have is the high cost. The manufacturer's recommended price was $ 305. But you must understand that a quality thing cannot cost a penny. So in this case - the chip, relevant for more than one year, should be expensive. Otherwise, this CPU has only advantages. These include performance, thermal conditions and functionality.
Even the minimum frequency of Intel i7 870 2, 93 GHz allows you to use most of the existing software. Well, there’s no need to talk about faster modes - they increase productivity even more.
Summary
The technical parameters of the “Cor i7 870” still continue to be relevant today. There is no particular reason to buy such a system unit (there are also more profitable new solutions). But the upgrade of such a PC is also impractical. Its resources are still sufficient to implement almost any task.