Intel Core i7-970 processor: overview, specifications

A universal processor solution, which is great for both single-threaded and multi-threaded applications, is the "Kor i7-970". This CPU was released long ago - in 2010, but this chip still has a sufficient level of performance and allows you to implement any tasks.

It is about this semiconductor product seven years ago and will go into this material speech.

What kind of personal computers should a chip be installed in?

The universal chip of the premium level is rightly considered to be the Intel Core i7-970 processor. On its basis, you can make an average workstation, an entry-level server or even an ultimate gaming system unit. At the time the sales of this processor device began, Intel divided its products as follows:

• The LGA775 platform allowed to create PCs of the initial and even average level. Most often this socket could be found in budget systems. In this case, the cost was at the forefront, and only then did the requirements for the performance of the electronic computer arise.

• The average niche was occupied by computer solutions based on LGA1156. In this case, the chips could include all the same 4 cores, but the support of HT technology made it possible to process the program code in 8 threads. Also in this case, the cache memory consisted of 3 levels, but chips based on LGA775 could only boast 2 levels.

• The most productive computers were based on the LGA1366 socket. In this case, the processors could already include 6 or even 8 computational clusters. Also, the RAM controller could work in this case in the three-channel mode, and the younger solutions in the two-channel mode. It was to this group of processors that the solution considered in the framework of this material belonged.

Contents of delivery

A more affordable option for the i7-970 was TRAIL. In this case, the manufacturer included the following:

• Chip.

• Certificate of conformity.

• Sticker with the logo of the CPU model.

• A coupon with a warranty.

• Quick start guide in paper version.

In this form, this CPU was most often purchased by large companies that specialized in assembling PCs, and computer enthusiasts. In the first case, cooling systems were purchased separately at very low wholesale prices and this made it possible to reduce the costs for the purchase of components. Computer enthusiasts, in turn, could purchase an improved heat sink system and this would allow the chip to overclock and get increased performance. The second option was the VOKh. It was supplemented with the following components:

• Thermo-paste.

• Cooler.

In this case, the processor device was to function in the nominal mode.

Socket, chipset, architecture, frequencies

As it was mentioned before, the i7-970 chip should be installed in the LGA1366 processor socket. For this platform, the company Intel has developed only one set of the system - X58. The code name for the architecture of this microprocessor device is Gulftown. The layout of this silicon crystal is designed so that it includes 6 clusters for processing the program code. Each of these clusters is capable of processing program code in 2 streams due to the technology of NT. As a result, 12 streams of data processing and instructions are obtained. The chip clock speed varies from 3.2 GHz to 3.46 GHz. Its value is determined by the temperature of the silicon substrate and the level of complexity of the program code being processed.

Thermal package, technology and temperatures

In 130 W the manufacturer sets the value for the thermal package for i7-970. The characteristics of this silicon crystal indicate that it is manufactured according to the standards of the 32-nm process technology. Its dimensions are equal to 42.5x45 mm, and the area is 239 mm ² . The maximum temperature for it is declared by the manufacturer at the level of 69 ⁰ C. In the nominal mode, it does not exceed 50-55 ^° C.

When overclocked, this value can increase, but certainly not more than 60-62 ⁰ C. The voltage on the processor can be in the range of 0.75-1.4 V. If you exceed the last value, then a chip breakage is possible.

Cache and RAM

Three levels of cache was integrated by the manufacturer into an Intel Core i7-970 crystal. The characteristics of the first of them indicated the presence of a total volume of 384 KB, which were divided into 6 segments of 64 KB each. Directly such a segment could only work in tandem with a certain core. Also these 64 KB were divided in half: some 32 KB could be used only for data storage, and the other 32 KB for instructions. More simply, the second level of the cache, which was equal to 1.5 MB, was organized. It was divided into 6 parts of 256 KB. As in the case of the first level, each of these parts was geographically bound to a specific resource for processing code. The third level of the cache could store up to 12 MB of data and instructions. It was common for all cores. The memory controller was 3-channel and could address up to 24 GB. The motherboards were equipped with 6 slots for the installation of modules and in each of them it was possible to install a bar with 4 GB. The memory type in this case was to be DDR3. The frequencies of the chips could only be 800 or 1066 MHz.

The bandwidth of the RAM subsystem was set by the manufacturer at 25.6 Gb / s.

Overclocking

A good overclocking potential could boast Core i7-970. The multiplier at it is blocked and to raise productivity in this case it was possible only due to greater value of frequency of the system bus on the motherboard. In nominal mode, the latter is equal to 133 MHz. The CPU multiplier is set at 24. As a result, the chip frequency is 3.2 GHz. If you increase the system bus frequency to 165 MHz in this mode, you will get 3.9 GHz on the processor. In this case, the voltage must be increased to the maximum possible 1.4V. In percentage terms, this productivity gain is 18%. Again, before the overclocking in the PC should be installed such components:

• Improved modification of the power supply unit with a rated power of at least 650 watts.

• Motherboard in improved performance.

• All components of the PC must have a margin for the frequency values.

• Improved modification of the heat sink system.

The order of dispersal in this case is:

• The frequencies of all components of the PC are reduced. This list just does not get the system bus. The nominal value of the latter increases.

• It is also necessary to increase the voltage on the CPU.

• When the values of 3.9 GHz and 1.4 V are reached, the acceleration is over.

• In the future, the stability of the computer is checked.

• In case of problems, it is necessary to reduce the frequency and voltage.

Tests

As opponents of the Intel Core i7-970, it's best to choose the i7 - 980X, i7-860 and Phenom 1090T. The test configuration includes 2 modules of 2GB of DDR3 standard memory with a frequency of 1333 MHz. As the same graphics adapter stands HD5870 from AMD with 1 GB of video memory. The image quality is maximum, and its resolution is 1680х1050. In the test package SysMark 07, these results were obtained in conditional scores:

1. 980X - 257.

2. 970 - 248.

3. 860 - 223.

4. 1090T - 204.

The higher frequencies of the flagship 980X give him the opportunity to show better results. The smaller number of cores and reduced frequencies do not allow even to approach the hero of this article the flagship LGA1156 i7-860. The weaker architecture of the Phenom 1090T microprocessor does not allow its real 6-cores to compete on an equal footing with any Intel chip. In Photoshop CS4, the forces are distributed as follows in seconds:

1. 980X - 12.4.

2. 970 - 12.8.

3. 860 - 16.4.

4. 1090T - 18.6.

In the game Left 4 Dead you get so many fps:

1. 980X - 141.

2. 970 - 135.

3. 860 - 131.

4. 1090T - 127.

These three tests are enough to determine the level of performance of the hero of this article. He slightly loses the flagship of 980X, and all the other representatives of his generation confidently bypasses.

Price and reviews

Initially, in 594 dollars by the company "Intel" was estimated i7-970. A review of current offers in online stores indicates that this model of the CPU can be purchased for 150-190 dollars. Use this chip as the basis for a new computer to date is not justified because it is obsolete and at a similar price you can find more advanced microprocessor solutions. But to repair a PC based on LGA1366, this processor is perfect. He had only one minus - this is a fairly high cost.

But to its positive aspects, the owners attributed flawless energy efficiency, high performance and the availability of a three-channel controller for RAM.

Results

Indeed, the top-end microprocessor solution by the standards of 2010 was i7-970. This CPA due to its advanced organization continues to be relevant and to date. On it, even any modern software will start without any problems and owners of such PCs do not have much reason to think about their modernization.