Intel Core i3-530 Processor: Features, Features and Feedback

Intel processors have conquered the world for a long time. Every year there are more and more of them on the market. More powerful models replace already obsolete ones. There are new microarchitectures, updated processor connectors and technological processes.

Today, the corporation is considered the world's largest microprocessor-based processor. She has been doing this since 2008 and is filling three-quarters of the entire market. Interestingly, Dell is the main and devoted fan of this manufacturer's products, followed by Hewlett-Packard and Lenovo.

Back to the past

In 2010 the audience got acquainted with the novelty of microprocessor technologies Intel Core i3-530. Characteristics of the chip was good, as for the average price segment. This model was one of many that entered the market that year. The corporation wanted to completely fill the entire market, often neglecting the quality of products.

The output of the crystal on the updated technical process was caused by its main principle Tick-Tock. This progressive strategy assumed once a year a change in the process technology and microarchitecture.

Base

The output of Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale was announced in pair with the senior chip Core i5-650. Both crystals were based on the updated microarchitecture of Westmere, which received a thin 32 nm process technology. Despite the rather noticeable difference of this parameter in comparison with the previous models, the "chip" has become different. Products carried an integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics. The peculiarity of this innovation was that previously there were no such variants on the market before the processors, and the combined crystal in desktop systems became something revolutionary and quite a good alternative for medium-sized PCs.

Innovations

While reviewing the Intel Core i3-530 processor, it's worth saying a few words about architecture. Seven years ago, the corporation devoted much time to recycling and new technologies. It reworked the basics of chip interaction with other components of the motherboard. The emergence of Nehalem as another important step in the development of technologies marked the use of an integrated memory controller. Previously, it was part of the system as part of the "northern bridge".

The memory controller did not receive high-speed memory, but worked with the DDR3 standard. The frequency did not exceed 1.4 GHz. There was a dual-channel mode, and the total capacity could be 16 GB. In general, there is nothing new.

After the company decides to engage in the development of the Westmere generation. In this case, the PCI-Express controller moves to the crystal case and becomes one. The public receives a processor that has placed under its cover all components of the former "north bridge", next to the CPU.

The last push made integrated graphics, "moved" there, to complete the overall picture. Now, to use together, the buyer must choose a motherboard with a set of logic Q57, H57, or H55 Express.

Support

The technical characteristics of the Intel Core i3-530 processor allowed to conduct a full synchronization with the motherboards that functioned on the P55. The only thing that users can face is with the BIOS update. And, as many people testify, sometimes, even if it was possible to synchronize the work of new crystals with motherboards, the logic did not support the work of integrated graphics, so the processors did not work at full power.

As mentioned earlier, Clarkdale architecture works with a 32-nm process technology. With the advent of this option, active promotion of Nehalem began on the shelves with available accessories. As a result, new models of the third and fifth generation uniquely interested overclockers with their low cost and the desire to experiment with the new architecture.

Packaging

To see what the Intel Core i3-530 has characteristics, it is possible on the box, where the specification is specified. In general, the packaging is absolutely standard for all models of the company. This is a blue box on which the chip model is indicated, its main features. On the side edge there is a sticker that informs about the characteristics of the novelty. There is also a lot of information on the model behind the model, but it is in English.

In addition, a small hole in the box can be seen from behind. Through it is visible the cooler, which was prepared for the chip. Inside the box we find the standard set for everyone.

The processor is placed in a special plastic "tray", immediately - a large-scale cooling system, there is a warranty obligation and a user's manual. For fans of the company there is a sticker with the manufacturer's logo.

In general, this bundle is common for chips of the middle and low price segment. Not surprisingly, the presence of such a cooler, which is formed of a low profile aluminum radiator and a fan for 7 blades. The latter can take power through a cable with a connector from four contacts.

In general, such a simple cooler as a whole should cover the user's needs. It comes bundled for the reason that the chip has a low heat dissipation, and the manufacturer itself wants to save on the whole on the product.

The "heart" of the system

The processor Intel Core i3-530 specifications received averages. This model is not for powerful systems, much less for gaming PCs. Nevertheless, it looks quite advantageous with all its implementations, especially if we go back in time in 2010. Now the chip has questions, and it is unlikely to be of interest to advanced users and those who decided to build a PC on their own.

The form factor dictates the main characteristics of the Intel Core i3-530 processor. Socket H or LGA1156 has now lost its relevance and is only on obsolete systems. Nevertheless, there was a chip with a clock speed of 2.93 GHz, and the cache memory got 4 MB. The interface side of the crystal received contact pads and capacitors.

The distinctive features of the novelties from the previous generation lie in the fact that the support for Intel Turbo Boost and Intel Trusted Execution technologies has disappeared. But the latter option has a slight effect on performance. It was much more sad to lose additional frequencies when loading one core.

Specifications

Intel Core i3-530 characteristics slightly differs from version 540. In general, tests showed that one parameter of the multiplier changes, which leads to a lowered frequency at 133 MHz. The chip itself, as mentioned earlier, works with the DDR3 memory type, which has a frequency of 1333 MHz. Do not forget about the presence of graphics embedded in the crystal.

Before us is a model with two cores, which got the name Clarkdale. The supply voltage is 0.65-1.4 V. The power dissipation reaches 73 W. The critical temperature at which the chip can still function correctly and stably reaches 72 degrees.

The graphical core is also represented by 12 computational pipelines, the operating frequency was 733 MHz, which obviously will not be enough for gaming projects, although, in truth, rarely integrated graphics can cope with gaming requests. The graphics component on average takes about 1.7 GB of memory. Supports the tenth version of DirectX, and also OpenGL 2.1.

Testing

At one time, through many tests, the Intel Core i3-530 chip was 2.93 GHz. The characteristics were compared with a couple of crystals, including models from both the home workshop and competing production. The rivals of the hero of our review were Intel Core i3-540, i5-650 and AMD Athlon II X4 630.

The processors went through standard testing, which is usually created specifically to reveal the potential of the model. As a result, on all fronts this chip is inferior, as serious competitors are chosen. Let and slightly, but he lagged behind in graphics tests, gaming and synthetic applications. If we take a weaker model of Intel Core 2 Duo E8300, then in this case, the hero of our review could get ahead by 15%, which is not so much. Hence the question arises: is it not easier to pay in addition to get a more productive crystal, or does not it take to overpay and purchase a budget model?

Overclocking

Checking the characteristics of the Intel Core i3-530 (2.93 GHz), you should not forget about the overclocking potential. The clock frequency was raised to 2.4 GHz, while it was necessary to raise the voltage and provide the crystal with an improved cooling system. Despite its slim body, 32 nm, the processor overheats under loads , and this undoubtedly affects the overclocking efficiency.

Experts say that 4.4 GHz is not the limit, in general the system can be accelerated yet, but with aggressive voltage, which is not always safe and always a risk, especially for inexperienced overclockers.

This overclocking potential answers the question of whether to purchase this model. With this overclocking it looks very profitable. The increase in productivity by more than 50% is a good indicator.

Reviews

In general, users praised the Intel Core i3-530. Characteristics are not always received positive reviews, as not all decided to overclock the model. Those who still figured out an overclocking received only positive impressions. So, the model itself showed that the corporation is ready to go to the boldest experiments, and they turn out to be quite successful, albeit not always the first time.

Now it will be difficult to find a buyer for this chip. But at one time, those who had a dual-core processor with a head, boldly acquired this product and could even try to create an average gaming platform. The cost was also acceptable. And many preferred the model 530 rather than 540. The older one became somewhat more expensive, and the performance / price ratio deteriorated noticeably.

As a result, the difference in price was about 20 dollars, and the capabilities of the younger model allowed to catch up and outrun its "older brother", which, of course, looked much more profitable and more profitable.