Intel Core i5 750 Quad Core Processor Lynnfield LGA1156 2.66GHZ 8MB Cache Retail Box

Reviewed by JM2010013221 at @ 10:04 PM Oct 09, 2009

I haven't used an Intel chip since my P 233mmx. Yes I was (still am for that matter) a AMD fanboi. OK not the "AMD

rules and Intel drools" kind, but still always respected AMD for all the good things they've done for us computing

geeks. If not for AMD we'd currently be buying P3 chips at a 1,000 bucks a pop and be happy to do it too.
So I was all set up to build an AM3 based system using the P II 965BE. Was just waiting till I had the cash, when

the 1156 platform dropped. Did a bit of research, and everything I read said the I5 750 was a great cpu. Then

priced out the parts for my upgrade, exact almost to the penny for both.
That's when I heard the little voice in my head "come over to the dark side", which I tried so very hard to ignore.

But my will was weak. I went over to the dark side, and am I loving it!!

Parts purchased: I5 750, MSI P55-GD65, Gskill Ripjaws 16000CL9, Scythe Angle revision B.
Installed into an Antec 900, Scythe supplied fan on top of heatsink, Antec tri-cool on front of heatsink. All fans

set to high.

Did as previous poster in regards to bios settings except, memory 1.6v. All other voltages on auto, memory auto

timings, dividers: memory-5 QPI-18, multiplyer 20. Also enabled Load-line calabration, and disabled spread

spectrum.
As for built in over clocking, I tried the OC genie, gave me something like 3.18, with a 3 memory dvider, not worth

the effort to test IMHO. So disabled both it and base clock buttons.

Results:
Stock: CPU external- 33C idle, 40C load. Cores- 18C to 20C idle, 35C to 38C load.
3.150Ghz: CPU ext- 35C idle, 43C load. Cores- 23C to 26C idle, 39C to 44C load.
3.550Ghz: Cpu ext- 39C idle, 51C load. Cores- 29C to 31C idle, 52C to 56C load.
3.750Ghz: Cpu ext- 40C idle, 53C load, Cores- 29C to 32C idle, 55C to 58C load.
3.850Ghz: Cpu ext- 40C idle, 53C load, Cores- 30C to 32C idle, 56C to 59C load.
3.900Ghz to 3.950Ghz: Boots and loads OS, not P95 stable. 4Ghz+ no boot.

Tested on Windows 7 with Prime95 for a minimum of 15 minutes. I don't know if it was Win7 or the platform, but it

was the first time a computer was responsive while benching. I mean very responsive, opening folders and surfing

the internet were the same as with no load. The only thing I did notice was the cores going a bit out of sync in

P95.
I know there's tweaking that can be done yet to give me maximum performance. Plus hitting a stable 3.9Ghz+ would

just need more cpu/memory voltage I think, but over all I'm very happy with what I have so far and I'm not sure I

want to get too crazy with it.
One interesting thing about this MB and CPU combo, Auto Vcore will self adjust as needed. On all tests it was 1.40v

idle, 1.35 load, except for stock .88/1.17, and 3.150Ghz 1.29/1.25. Finally case temps stayed the same in all tests

at 31C.

So yes Intel is not only top dog, but has beaten AMD at it's own game, best bang for the buck.
Oh and my black helmet and suit come tomorrow. But don't expect me to sound like James Earl Jones with a cold, I'm

only taking this "dark side" thing so far.

Reviewed by MP2010022931 at @ 07:48 AM Sep 12, 2009

Core i5 VS Amd Phenom II x4 955 be VS Intel Q6600 2.40 G0

At stock speeds the AMD CPU can compete in some places.
But for the most part , Intel's Core i5 PWNS it, as well as the q6600
And dont be expecting to do much with the stock cooler, as a matter of fact you might as well throw it straight in the garbage
Coming designed with a contact plate the does not cover the entire CPU heat spreader.If you own an aftermarket cooler USE IT
Unfortunately , if you dont have a retention plate for the 1156 socket you may be in trouble
Due to a lack of patience for Coolit it ship their 1156 retention kit for the Domino A.L.C.
modification was required.

Core i5 with an aftermarket cooler is much better than a core i5 with a stock cooler. The turbo boost function is great for no hassle Overclocking
But if you want real performance , you need to disable all the Halt state and
Cpu throttling features in the bios. Once you overclock this chip it will give almost as good as Lga1366 Core i7 920.
In synthetics (everest , sandra etc) the core i5 will , at overclcocked speeds, beat out the core i7 965 at stock speeds.
Nonetheless , for a budget cpu , lacking hyperthreading and triple channel ddr3 It certainly delivers great perfromance.
Although, in synthetics , it looks like dual channel DDR3 will actually give lower latencies than triple channel ,while at
the same time still delivering 20 gbs of memory bandwidth

System Setup (stock)
Gigabyte p55-ud4p
Core i5 750 (no HT , 2.66 -3.2 with turbo boost)
G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-4GBTD Trident - 1600mhz (8 - 8 - 8 - 21 - 1T)
BFG Tech GTX 260
Antec 900 gaming case
Domino A.L.c no maintenance water cooler (this cooler although designated water cooler , performs like a T.R.U.E)
(also the 1156 retention kit not availible , but modification is possible ;) )
Seasonic %3E%3E550%3C%3C power supply (you wont need to upgrade the PSU for this upgrade)

Temps 30c idle and 50c under Prime95 load - Stock

Overclocked to 4.00 ghz . vCore 1.44
Note : you will need to up the QPI/VTT voltage to around 1.350
Temp 42c idle - touched 85c under Prime95 load
But it remains stable so far. More testing required.

Suffice it to say , that if you are wondering what chip to get, Amd or Intel , budget... Core i5 is the way to go
sure , there is no HyperThreading, but its still a True Quadcore , incorporating new technology features not availible to
AMD users. I would have to say for $230 for a cpu that can withstand 50% overclock is money well spent.

If you one of those people that cruise the forums and review sites , dont let the AMD fan boys trash talking get you down
they just arent happy the Intel is imposing on the budget market.