The quad-core CPU for the LGA 775 platform with good overclocking potential is all the Intel Q8300 Core Quad Core. This chip even now allows you to solve most problems, including supporting the most demanding three-dimensional toys of the latest generation. It is about the possibilities of this semiconductor solution that will be discussed later.
Niche of this semiconductor solution, what tasks can be solved with its help
Intel Q8300 Core Quad Core was released back in 2008. Initially, this chip was positioned as the ideal CPU for creating a mid-range PC. On the one hand, there were less efficient processors with one or 2 computing modules (Pentiums or Celerons, for example). Well, on the other hand, it was possible to find more productive chips, which consisted of 4 computing units, but had a higher clock speed and an increased cache size.
In turn, the presence of 4 computing modules at once allows even now this silicon crystal to run any existing software today. Even the most demanding on PC hardware resources toys will go on it. But that's just not at maximum settings.
CPU socket
The Intel Q8300 Core Quad Core CPU was aimed at installing in the LGA 775 socket. At the time the chip was released in 2008, this processor socket was one of the most advanced in terms of performance, popularity and availability. Now this semiconductor solution is already 8 years old, and it is outdated both morally and physically. But nevertheless, it is quite enough to solve most problems.
Technological features
This semiconductor solution was manufactured according to the standards of a 45 nm process processor. In 2008, it was an advanced technology for the production of silicon crystals. 8 years have passed since then. For electronic technology, we can say that this is eternity.
The latest generation of Intel semiconductor solutions is already manufactured using a 14 nm process. Therefore, in terms of production technology, this quad-core central processor is outdated. But this is natural for such a rapid development of electronics.
Cache and its volume
A highly controversial situation was with a fast volatile memory integrated into the semiconductor chip and operating at the CPU clock frequency of the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300. Characteristics, on the one hand, indicate the presence of 2 levels of cache - and this is a positive point. And on the other hand, the size of the second level was equal to only 4 MB. By today's standards, this is very, very small. It should also be noted that it was divided into 2 equal parts of 2 MB. Each of them was tied to two specific computing units. In this address space, both data and instructions of the central processing unit could be stored.
The total size of the fast volatile memory of the first level was equal to 256 kb. It was divided into 4 equal parts, again tied to a specific computing core, 64 kb each. Well, these 64 kb were already divided into 2 equal parts of 32 kb. One of them had CPU instructions, and the second contained program data. Against the background of the current most productive central processing units, the characteristics of this chip look rather modest. But in 2008, it was one of the best chips, which under certain conditions could even compete on equal terms with the most productive solutions.
Thermal package and temperature features of operation of this semiconductor crystal
A 95 W thermal package at that time was the norm for a 4-core semiconductor solution. The hero of this article in this regard did not stand out anything special and had just such a heat package. Now, chips with similar parameters, but manufactured according to a more recent technological process and with a clock speed increased by more than 1.5 times, can boast of a thermal package of about 70 watts. The maximum temperature for this silicon solution is 71 0 C.
In practice, achieving this value in the normal mode of operation of the CPU is almost impossible. Unless only with a full stop of the standard cooling system, the semiconductor crystal could get so hot. In reality, this CPU worked in the temperature range from 40 0 for solving simple problems and up to 55 0 in the case of launching demanding software. Another option for achieving an emergency temperature is to overclock the CPU with a standard cooler. To avoid possible overheating of the semiconductor crystal, in this case, it is necessary to equip the computer system with an amplified cooler with improved heat sink.
Frequencies
The Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q8300 does not support such important technology as Turbo Boost developed by Intel Corporation. As a result, the clock frequency of this silicon crystal was fixed and did not change depending on the degree of complexity of the problem being solved. The nominal clock frequency in this case was 2.5 GHz. This chip did not belong to the Black Edition series, and its multiplier was locked. Its value was only 7.5.
Architecture
The code name for the computing modules for this processor is Yorkfield. As noted earlier, the Intel Core Quad Q8300 included 4 processing units. This semiconductor chip did not support Hyper Trading technology, and in this case the number of logical computing threads was equal to the number of physical cores (that is 4).
Overclocking
As noted earlier, the Intel Core Quad Q8300 did not have a Black Edition console. Therefore, the multiplier was blocked at 7.5. As a result, it was possible to increase productivity only by a combined increase in the system bus frequency and voltage on the central processing unit. But the personal computer on which it is planned to overclock must be equipped with an improved cooling system, an advanced motherboard and a powerful power supply.
The base system bus frequency for this chip was 333 MHz. Multiplying the value of the latter by a CPU multiplier of 7.5, we get 2500 MHz, or 2.5 GHz. This is the clock frequency of the central processor. In practice, overclocking the system bus to 490 MHz was not difficult. Multiplying this value by 7.5 (CPU multiplier), we get already 3.675 MHz - the frequency of the central processing unit in overclocked mode. That is, a productivity gain of about 40-50 percent was obtained. But in order to achieve such an impressive result, it was necessary to vary the voltage values on the CPU.
Owner reviews. Cost
Initially Intel Core Quad Q8300 processor was valued at $ 180 and costed middle-class solutions. Now, in a new state, it is impossible to acquire such a chip. But the used central processors of this model can be found on various trading floors at a price of $ 20-30. The main advantages of this chip are the presence of 4 cores and a high overclocking potential. If you have a high-quality cooling system, heating will not be felt. The only drawback of this chip is the small size of the second level of the cache.
Summary
An excellent processor for creating a mid-range PC was in 2008 Intel Q8300 Core Quad Core. The capabilities of this chip are quite enough even now to solve most problems. Only in the case of the most demanding toys will have to be limited to average or even minimal settings. Otherwise, this is an excellent solution for creating an entry-level gaming PC even now.