Intel Core i5 660 processor: specifications and reviews

One of the most innovative processor solutions in 2010 is the "Kor i5 660". The key feature of this silicon chip was that it consisted of two crystals at once. One of them is the CPU, and the second one included such components as a graphics accelerator, a north bridge and a RAM controller. It was in the transfer of the last three components to the CPU that the "chip" of this semiconductor solution was.

Features of the central processing unit and its niche

The possibilities of the chip "Kor i5 660" at the time of its release was more than enough to implement any task that can be solved with the x86 platform. And the level of its performance allowed even to compete with the 4-core CPU in the software, optimized for 1-2 data streams. And the presence of additional 2 logical computing cores allows this central processor even now to run the most demanding toys of the latest generation. But in the latter case, their settings will not be exactly maximal. In 2010, this CPU could be safely attributed to the premium class. Now, after 6 years from the start of sales, it belongs to mid-range devices, which, albeit with some reservations, allow you to solve any problems.

Completion of this semiconductor solution

Two standard versions of the bundling were with this CPU. "Trail" was a more accessible version of this chip. It included only a warranty card, a sticker with the logo of the family of processors, a manual for use and the CPU itself. "Box" - it was a more expensive modification of the bundle, in which it was possible to purchase an Intel Core I5 660 processor . Its photos indicate that, in addition to all the previously listed components, it also included a regular cooling system, a box and a thermal paste. Given that the chip was unlocked the multiplier, it was preferable to buy the first option, which then allowed to purchase a more advanced cooling system and improve the final performance of the computer system.

Socket for this CPU

Chip "Intel Cor i5 660" Was aimed at installation in the advanced at the time processor socket - LGA1156. And he could work in any motherboard with such a socket. But here some sets of system logic could not use the graphical accelerator integrated into the CPU. More specifically, the Intel P55 chipset simply did not see the video card transferred to the CPU case. In such motherboards there were not even integrated ports for connecting the monitor to such a system. Therefore, in this case, this model of the CPU could only work as a familiar 2-core chip. Well, in order to fully reveal the potential of this semiconductor solution, we needed the sets of system logic "Intel Ash55 Express" and "Intel Ash57 Express". It was the motherboards of these series that were specially released for such central processing units.

Technological nuances

The situation with the technological process of this model of the central processing unit has turned out to be quite interesting. As it was noted earlier, inside the case of "Kor Ai5 660" there were 2 semiconductor crystals. One of them, a computational module of 2 blocks, was manufactured in a 32-nm process. The second silicon chip, which included a graphic accelerator, a RAM controller and a north bridge of the motherboard, was made using a 45-nm process technology. This nuance, most likely, led to the fact that the manufacturer was forced to place inside the case two different crystals. The next generation of CPU from this legendary manufacturer was deprived of this essentially lack. This chip is an intermediate solution between the previous purely processor devices and the subsequent hybrid chips, on the silicon chip which, in addition to the x86 modules, there was already a graphics card, and a north bridge and a memory controller.

Fast integrated memory in the processor

The three-level cache was integrated into the Intel Core i5 660 processor. The specifications were as follows:

• The first level was divided into 2 equal parts (for instructions and for data) of 32 KB, which were tied to a specific computing module. In total, 64 KB was allocated for each core, and 128 KB for the CPU as a whole.
• The second level was already divided into 2 equal parts of 256 KB, each of which was tied to a specific core. In total, for the chip as a whole, we get 512 KB.
• The last, the third level was common for the entire CPU, and its size was 4 MB.

RAM

Under the use of DDR3 memory, the Intel Core i5 660 processor was targeted. Chip pointed out that he could only work with one kind of modules of this standard. Their designation is DDR3-1333. Planck with less speed in general could not be put in conjunction with this CPU. But the more rapid bars could theoretically be set. At the same time, their performance was automatically reduced, and they turned into all the same DDR3-1333. But in this case it was impossible to guarantee the stable and reliable operation of the computer system. RAM, motherboard or CPU could in such a situation at any time fail and fail.

Thermal package

The nominal working temperature of this silicon crystal was in the range from 35 to 55 degrees. But such values are valid for a regular cooling system. If you put an improved version of it, even when solving the most difficult problems, its temperature is unlikely to rise above 50 degrees. The thermal packet in this case was equal to 73 W.

Frequency

Depending on the level of complexity and degree of optimization of the problem being solved, the Intel Core i5 660 processor could dynamically change its frequency. The description indicates the support of the proprietary technology from Intel, which is called TurboBust. Its essence lies in the fact that when performing the least demanding applications the chip operated at a frequency of 3.3 GHz. If the solution of the problem requires an improved level of performance, then the CPU frequency is increased to 3.46 GHz. Well and in a situation when the software is optimized only for the use of one computing module, the processor could disconnect the second one, and the frequency of the first one was dynamically increased to 3.6 GHz. At the same time, the temperature of the chip was also monitored, and if it exceeded the values set in the BIOS, automatic reduction of the frequency to 3.3 GHz occurred.

Architecture

The code name for the architecture of the computational modules of this CPU is ClarkDale. In this processor, only 2 cores were physically realized. But due to the support of Intel's proprietary technology, at the logical level, there were already 4 streams. As a result, the last, most demanding toys that check the CPU for the presence of 4 cores, on such a crystal will go without any special remarks.

Graphic arts

This is one of the first chips in which the integrated graphics accelerator was transferred from the motherboard to the Intel Core i5 660 processor. The review of its specifications is not impressive, and it could only work with certain sets of system logic. The name of this graphic solution was Intel HD Graphics. Its clock frequency was only 733 MHz. Of course, with such specifications on the launch of demanding toys and speech could not be, but that's for a video playback, browsing the Internet or office applications, it was an excellent solution. It was this engineering approach that was subsequently widely used. Now even the most budget chips are equipped with integrated graphics, and this allows you to save money when collecting budget configuration of the PC.

Overclocking

Unlike most modern modifications of the CPU, in the "Kor Ai5 660" the multiplier was not unlocked. As a result, it was possible to overclock the semiconductor chip not only by the frequency of the system bus, but also by the frequency of the processor. If you have a high-quality cooling system, a proper motherboard and a powerful power supply, you can increase the clock frequency of this silicon crystal to 4-4.2 GHz. Some computer enthusiasts have even managed to achieve that this chip could fully function at 4.4 GHz.

User reviews. Price

Initially, $ 196 was estimated by the manufacturer of the processor Intel Core i5 660. Reviews indicate that this is his main drawback. In the rest it is an excellent processor solution of the middle price range. He and the level of performance is excellent, and energy efficiency is at an acceptable level, and the number of cores is enough for any toys to be launched on this CPU right now.

Results

Certainly, the 6-year-old prescription imposes certain restrictions on the level of performance of "Kor i5 660". But, on the other hand, this chip even now without any problems will cope with any application software. It is this nuance that does not allow owners of such computer systems to begin the upgrade. It simply does not make sense even now.