HSW | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Sat, 20 Dec 2014 11:10:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png HSW | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 MSI unveils mini-ITX Z97 mainboard with 802.11ac Killer Wi-Fi, M.2, enhanced cooling https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/msi-unveils-mini-itx-z97-mainboard-with-802-11ac-killer-wi-fi-m-2-enhanced-cooling/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/msi-unveils-mini-itx-z97-mainboard-with-802-11ac-killer-wi-fi-m-2-enhanced-cooling/#comments Sat, 20 Dec 2014 09:00:05 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=227519 MicroStar International has unveiled its all-new Z97 Gaming ACK mini-ITX mainboard that offers a very good balance between performance, technologies and price. The platform is designed for gamers, who want to have a very small form-factor (SFF) high performance system that does not cost too much. The MSI Z97I Gaming ACK motherboard is powered by …

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MicroStar International has unveiled its all-new Z97 Gaming ACK mini-ITX mainboard that offers a very good balance between performance, technologies and price. The platform is designed for gamers, who want to have a very small form-factor (SFF) high performance system that does not cost too much.

The MSI Z97I Gaming ACK motherboard is powered by Intel Z97 core-logic and supports all – current and upcoming – microprocessors that come in LGA1150 form-factor, including Core i-series, Pentium and Celeron. Whether you plan to use a mainstream Core i5 “Haswell” chip, a high-end Core i7-4790K “Devil’s Canyon” processor or an upcoming Core i7 “Broadwell” central processing units, the MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is compatible with all of them.

msi_z97_gaming_mini_itx_ack_80211ac_mainboard

The mainboard features two DDR3 memory slots, one PCI Express x16 slot for graphics cards, one M.2 port (PCI Express 2.0 x2, up to 1GB/s of bandwidth) for solid-state drives, four Serial ATA-6Gb/s ports for storage devices, six USB 3.0 connectors, display outputs, 8-channel audio and so on. The main selling point of the MSI Z97I Gaming ACK mainboard is Qualcomm Atheros Killer DoubleShot Pro network controller solution that supports Gigabit Ethernet (E2205), 802.11ac Wi-Fi (1525) with up to 866Mb/s of bandwidth as well as Bluetooth 4.1.

The Killer DoubleShot Pro network solution not only automatically classifies and prioritizes the latency-sensitive applications, such as video games, in order to provide lag-free gaming experience, but it can also team Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi in a bid to maximize available bandwidth.

In a bid to ensure sufficient cooling and provide some headroom for overclocking, MSI redesigned the mainboard and located the CPU socket in such a way that it is now possible to install virtually all cooling solutions on this SFF platform, provided that they fit into the chassis. Traditionally, mini-ITX motherboards are not always compatible with the biggest and best cooling solutions.

msi_z97_gaming_mini_itx_ack_80211ac_mainboard_1

Thanks to compatibility with the latest microprocessors, graphics cards, high-performance solid-state drives in M.2 form-factor as well as on-board high-end network solution, the MSI Z97I Gaming ACK motherboard promises to be a fine base for a powerful small form-factor gaming PC.

Pricing of the mainboard is unknown, but expect it in stores near you in the coming weeks.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: If you are looking for a mainboard to build a high-performance mini-ITX system, the MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is clearly a worthy candidate. Unlike Asus ROG Maximus VII impact, the solution from MSI does not boast with discrete audio, improved M.2 port (PCIe 2.0 x4, up to 2GB/s of bandwidth) or very high-quality power supply circuitry (including enhanced CPU VRM), but it will certainly not cost you £175/$230 as well.

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Chaintech returns to market with enthusiast-class Intel Z97 mainboard https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/chaintech-returns-to-market-with-enthusiast-class-intel-z97-mainboard/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/chaintech-returns-to-market-with-enthusiast-class-intel-z97-mainboard/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2014 23:59:24 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=222947 Chaintech Technology and Colorful Technology this week teamed up again to bring back Chaintech-branded mainboards to the market. The first new Chaintech motherboard in years – the iGame Z97 – will sport massive water-block on its sophisticated 16-phase VRM and core-logic components and will be one of a few E-ATX mainboards based on the Intel …

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Chaintech Technology and Colorful Technology this week teamed up again to bring back Chaintech-branded mainboards to the market. The first new Chaintech motherboard in years – the iGame Z97 – will sport massive water-block on its sophisticated 16-phase VRM and core-logic components and will be one of a few E-ATX mainboards based on the Intel Z97 chipset.

Nowadays the market of high-end mainboards is controlled by four companies: Asustek Computer, Asrock, Gigabyte Technology and MicroStar International (MSI). There are smaller makers (EVGA, ECS, Sapphire, Supermicro, Zotac) who reveal interesting products from time to time, but the market is generally commanded by the big four. It is hard to imagine, but some 15 years ago there were more than ten companies producing decent high-end mainboards for performance enthusiasts. Chaintech, a little-known brand today, was one of the legendary names in the late 1990s, mainly for its 6BTM and some other models. Chaintech and Colorful tried to return the brand to the motherboard market in 2012, but without a lot of luck. This time they want to make another attempt by introducing one of the most advanced socket 1150 platforms based on the Intel Z97 core-logic.

The Chaintech iGame Z97 motherboard comes in E-ATX form-factor and fits only into high-end enthusiast-class computer cases that have a lot of room inside. The mainboard for Intel Core i-series “Haswell” and “Devil’s Canyon” processors sports four DDR3 memory slots, three PCI Express x16 slots (that work in different modes) for up to three graphics cards, three PCIe x1 slots for add-in boards, Gigabit Ethernet powered by Qualcomm Killer E2200-series network controller, eight Serial ATA-6Gb/s ports, an mSATA slot, USB 3.0 ports, 7.1-channel audio with OPAMP circuit and high-quality electrolytic capacitors and so on, reports TechPowerUp.

chaintech_igame_z97

While functionally the Chaintech iGame Z97 hardly impresses (it lacks M.2 slot for high-end SSDs and does not feature integrated 802.11ac Wi-Fi, like the latest solutions from MSI), the mainboard promises be one of the best platforms for Intel Core i5/i7 “Devil’s Canyon” overclocking. The motherboard sports 16-phase voltage regulator module that features monolith super ferrite chokes (SFCs) as well as solid-state capacitors (possibly, Tantalum capacitors), a unique combination of components not found even on on Intel X99-based high-end desktop platforms. The iGame Z97 mainboard also uses aluminum core capacitors with low equivalent series resistors (which mainboard makers call dark/black capacitors) and features 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors for maximum stability. The most notable thing about the iGame Z97 is that it comes with a massive water-block that covers components of VRM and the chipset in a bid to provide ultimate overclocking potential and apply to enthusiasts who use custom liquid cooling systems.

The Chaintech iGame Z97 mainboard is clearly not aimed at the mass market. At the same time, it is hard to imagine that it will become a product of choice for enthusiasts. The latter prefer select models from the big four and EVGA. Usually motherboard makers attract renowned overclockers to demonstrate potential of their platforms. Unless Chaintech and Colorful prove that the iGame Z97 is better than mainboards from the top makers, the motherboard will hardly get popular.

The mainboard is expected to be available in Europe and Asia this year. Pricing will vary, but will likely be very high.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Two and a half years ago Chaintech and Colorful did not manage to make Chaintech-branded mainboards popular again, even though they tried to create high-end solutions. It is unclear why they think that addressing the market of extreme enthusiasts makes more sense than making interesting products for the mass market…

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Intel and MSI to return up to £110/€140 to owners of latest mainboards and CPUs https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-and-msi-to-return-up-to-110e140-to-owners-of-latest-mainboards-and-processors/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-and-msi-to-return-up-to-110e140-to-owners-of-latest-mainboards-and-processors/#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2014 23:59:41 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=222156 MicroStar International and Intel Corp. on Monday announced a new cashback promotion that will help owners of certain Intel and MSI products to get some cash back. The promotion will work in multiple European countries, including the U.K. From the 16th of November until the 27th of December, 2014, MSI and Intel are offering a …

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MicroStar International and Intel Corp. on Monday announced a new cashback promotion that will help owners of certain Intel and MSI products to get some cash back. The promotion will work in multiple European countries, including the U.K.

From the 16th of November until the 27th of December, 2014, MSI and Intel are offering a cashback deal on MSI X99 and Z97 motherboards with Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors. Those, who purchased mainboards and central processing units during the promotion dates, should proof their purchase to MSI and Intel on a special web-site and receive up to £110/€140 in cash. Claims will be accepted not earlier than 30 days from the date of purchase.

msi-z97_gaming_9_ack-product_pictures-boxshot-2

For the X99 platform, end users will be able to get cashback for the Intel Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition, Intel Core i7-5930K and Intel Core i7-5820K processors in combination with any of the MSI X99 motherboards, including X99S Gaming 9 ACK, X99S Gaming 9 AC, X99S XPower AC, X99S Gaming 7, X99S MPower and X99S SLI Plus.

For the Z97 platform, the Intel Core i7-4790K and Intel Core i5-4690K are the processors to go for when combined with any of the MSI Z97 mainboards, including Z97 MPower, Z97 Gaming 9 ACK, Z97 Gaming 9 AC, Z97 Gaming 7, Z97 Gaming 5, Z97-GD65 Gaming, Z97-G45 Gaming, Z97 Gaming 3, Z97S SLI Plus, Z97S SLI Krait Edition.

The promotion works in France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, U.K., Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Austria.

The cashback promotion will help MSI and Intel to attract attention to their products and boost sales ahead of the holiday season. Lucky customers will be able to reduce their spending and get some unexpected money.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Cashback promotions are pretty rare and limited. Still, it is nice to see that at least some people will be able to get some cash back after the purchase.

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Core i7-4790K ‘Devil’s Canyon’ overclocked to 6GHz with all cores active https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-core-i7-4790k-devils-canyon-overclocked-to-6ghz-with-all-cores-active/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-core-i7-4790k-devils-canyon-overclocked-to-6ghz-with-all-cores-active/#comments Thu, 18 Sep 2014 22:48:24 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=212633 A Spanish enthusiast has managed to overclock his Intel Core i7-4790K “Devil’s Canyon” microprocessor from 4.0GHz to 6.0GHz with all cores and the Hyper-Threading technology active, which seems to be a new world’s record. The vast majority of contemporary microprocessor overclocking records are broken using chips with deactivated cores since they are easier to overclock. …

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A Spanish enthusiast has managed to overclock his Intel Core i7-4790K “Devil’s Canyon” microprocessor from 4.0GHz to 6.0GHz with all cores and the Hyper-Threading technology active, which seems to be a new world’s record.

The vast majority of contemporary microprocessor overclocking records are broken using chips with deactivated cores since they are easier to overclock. While such results are interesting, they are not really practical since it makes no sense to use multi-core chips with most of their cores disabled. Fortunately, some overclockers tend to achieve results useful in the real world.

Rety, an overclocker from Spain, has managed to overclock his Core i7-4790K to 6.0GHz with all cores, the Hyper-Threading technology and dual-channel memory access active. In a bid to do that, he used Asus Maximum VII Formula mainboard powered by Intel Z97 core-logic, Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR3 memory modules (2*4GB at 2666MHz with CL-10 12-12-21) as well as liquid-nitrogen cooling. To ensure stable operation, the Vcore of the processor was increased to 1.525V, up from 1.25V/1.23V.

intel_core_i7_4790_6ghz_oc_system

The overclocked system was stable enough not only to launch Windows and make a screenshot in CPU-Z application, but to complete the Cinebench R15 benchmark with 1223 score, which is a record for quad-core processors based on the “Haswell” micro-architecture.

intel_core_i7_4790_6ghz_oc_cpu_z  intel_core_i7_4790_6ghz_oc_full

The new overclocking record is a good news for those, who plan to get Intel’s Core i7-4790K and overclock it to the max. The question is how many of the “Devil’s Canyon” chips can really work at such high frequencies.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: If the newer “Haswell” chips have better overclocking potential than predecessors and 5GHz+ could be achieved with some luck and proper air or liquid cooling, then owners of overclocked Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge-based systems have something to think about.

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Intel finds erratum in Haswell and Broadwell chips, disables TSX instructions https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-finds-erratum-in-haswell-and-broadwell-chips-disables-tsx-instructions/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-finds-erratum-in-haswell-and-broadwell-chips-disables-tsx-instructions/#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2014 16:49:55 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=207265 One of the features of Intel Corp.’s Haswell micro-architecture (and Broadwell micro-architecture) were transactional synchronization extensions (TSX), which could significantly boost performance in multi-threaded applications that take advantage of them. As it appears, usage of the technology leads to unpredictable PC behaviour due to an erratum. As a result, Intel this week started to disable …

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One of the features of Intel Corp.’s Haswell micro-architecture (and Broadwell micro-architecture) were transactional synchronization extensions (TSX), which could significantly boost performance in multi-threaded applications that take advantage of them. As it appears, usage of the technology leads to unpredictable PC behaviour due to an erratum. As a result, Intel this week started to disable the tech using a microcode update.

Intel TSX provides a set of instruction set extensions that let software developers to identify regions of code for transactional synchronization. Programmers can use the TSX to achieve the performance of fine-grain locking while actually programming using coarse-grain locks. With transactional synchronization, the hardware can control dynamically whether threads need to serialize through lock-protected critical sections, and perform serialization only when required. This allows the processors to expose and exploit concurrency that would otherwise be hidden due to dynamically unnecessary synchronization. In general, TSX is aimed at server applications and hardly will be needed by consumers.

Unfortunately, the implementation of the TSX in the Haswell, Haswell-E, Haswell-EP and client Broadwell microprocessors contained an error, or erratum, which can cause instabilities. According to Intel, under a complex set of internal timing conditions and system events, software using the TSX instructions may result in unpredictable system behavior.

intel_core_i7_haswell_550

The bug was reportedly discovered by a software developer and caused Intel to disable the technology by updating CPU microcode using  BIOS updates. Intel will let developers to re-enable the TSX in BIOS so to write code for future processors, such as Haswell-EX, Broadwell-EP, Broadwell-EX and other. However, the tech will be disabled for typical users in order to avoid instabilities.

Erratums are often found in multiple microprocessors. Sometimes they cause chipmakers to even recall their products (Intel had to recall the original Pentium chips, whereas AMD had to recall its Opteron “Barcelona” processors in the past), but in many cases certain functions of central processing units just get disabled using a micro-code update.

Intel remains committed to the TSX instructions in the long run, so the technology will be enabled in future chips. However, new-generation mainstream servers will not get it.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While erratums have emerged in the past, with Haswell and Broadwell Intel seems to have experienced a lot of small problems that do not impact its business performance significantly, but makes us think about viability of the Tick-Tock strategy in general. Under the Tick-Tock plan, the company just has to introduce something new every year. In many cases it means rather tight schedules for everyone, which may cause things like limited overclocking potential of Intel’s Haswell, issues with 14nm process technology or the TSX erratum.

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Production version of Pentium G3258 overclocked to 6.7GHz https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/production-version-of-pentium-g3258-anniversary-edition-overclocked-to-6-7ghz/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/production-version-of-pentium-g3258-anniversary-edition-overclocked-to-6-7ghz/#respond Thu, 31 Jul 2014 13:22:28 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=205434 Intel Corp.’s Pentium G3258 “anniversary edition” central processing unit promises to become a hit among overclockers in budget. Unfortunately, so far only engineering samples of such chips have demonstrated extreme clock-rates. Nonetheless, a South Korean enthusiast has managed to prove that production versions of the chip are also capable of hitting extreme frequencies. NameGT, a …

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Intel Corp.’s Pentium G3258 “anniversary edition” central processing unit promises to become a hit among overclockers in budget. Unfortunately, so far only engineering samples of such chips have demonstrated extreme clock-rates. Nonetheless, a South Korean enthusiast has managed to prove that production versions of the chip are also capable of hitting extreme frequencies.

NameGT, a well-known performance enthusiast, has managed to overclock production version of the Intel Pentium G3258 “anniversary edition” to whopping 6708MHz using liquid nitrogen (LN2) cooling, an Asrock Z97 OC Formula mainboard as well as a G.Skill TridentX 4GB DDR3 memory module. Unfortunately, to hit the extreme clock-rate it was necessary to disable one core and increase the Vcore voltage to 1.949V.

intel_pentium_g3258_production_overclock

The 6708MHz is the third best overclocking result for the Pentium G3258 processor; it is considerably higher than the “average” LN2 overclocking result of 5857MHz. The best two results were achieved using engineering samples of the Intel Pentium G3258 “anniversary edition” central processing unit.

The result proves that production versions of the Pentium “anniversary edition” can be overclocked to very high clock-rates. Obviously, 6.50GHz – 7.0GHz frequencies can only be achieved using extreme liquid nitrogen cooling. Nonetheless, chances to overclock the Pentium G3258 to 4.5GHz using air cooling are pretty high.

intel_pentium_g3258_production_overclock_cpuz

The Intel Pentium G3258 microprocessor has two cores without the HyperThreading technology that work at 3.20GHz frequency, 3MB of LLC cache, an integrated graphics core, unlocked multiplier, LGA1150 form-factor as well as 53W thermal design power.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While the Pentium G3258 processor is an impressive overclocker, it should be noted that expensive Intel Z97- or Intel Z87-based mainboards are required in order to overclock it properly. The Z-platform requirement greatly reduces the value of the Pentium “anniversary edition” since inexpensive processors should be installed into affordable motherboards.

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Intel ‘Devil’s Canyon’ chips’ NGPTIM is still not efficient – research https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/uncategorized/anton-shilov/intels-devils-canyon-chips-ngptim-is-still-not-efficient-research/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/uncategorized/anton-shilov/intels-devils-canyon-chips-ngptim-is-still-not-efficient-research/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2014 22:58:11 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=202531 Intel Corp.’s NGPTIM [next-generation polymer thermal interface material], which was supposed to bring back record overclocking capabilities to the company’s processors is better than its predecessor, but is significantly worse than commercially available thermal interfaces, a new research has found out. Earlier this year Intel Corp.’s promised that its Core i7-4790K and Core i7-4690K “Devil’s …

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Intel Corp.’s NGPTIM [next-generation polymer thermal interface material], which was supposed to bring back record overclocking capabilities to the company’s processors is better than its predecessor, but is significantly worse than commercially available thermal interfaces, a new research has found out.

Earlier this year Intel Corp.’s promised that its Core i7-4790K and Core i7-4690K “Devil’s Canyon” microprocessors will have considerably better overclocking potential compared to the original chips based on the “Haswell” micro-architecture released last year thanks to improved thermal interface between the die and the heat-spreader as well as revamped power supply circuity. However, actual overclocking attempts of a Core i7-4790K central processing unit by KitGuru’s reviewer Luke Hill did not reveal any breakthroughs. Apparently, the reason for that is quite simple: the new thermal interface that Intel uses still has limited efficiency.

All Intel processors for desktop computers in the recent 15+ years have featured heat-spreaders (which many call lids) on their dies to protect the latter from damages and enable more efficient heat dissipation. Back in the days Intel soldered dies to heat-spreaders using a special Indium-based alloy, which enabled very efficient transfer of heat. However, starting from the code-named Ivy Bridge microprocessors Intel replaced the solder with a layer of thermal paste, which is considerably less efficient than the previously used alloy.

Many overclockers complained that in order to unlock maximum overclocking potential of the Core i7-3770K and the Core i7-4770K microprocessors they had to remove the heat-spreaders (de-lid the chips) and change thermal interface. With the latest “Devil’s Canyon” central processing units Intel started to use a new substance called the NGPTIM, which is more efficient than its predecessors. However, a research conducted by 3DNews web-site has revealed that the NGPTIM is far less efficient than even affordable thermal pastes available on the market.

intel_core_devils_canyon_delidded

In a bid to test efficiency of the NGPTIM, Ilya Gavrichenkov, a renowned microprocessor expert, removed the lid and switched Intel’s NGPTIM with different thermal compounds. During the tests the base frequency of the Core i7-4690K processor was increased from 3.50GHz to 4.20GHz, the VCore was set at 1.2V and the TurboBoost 2.0 technology was disabled. The microprocessor was cooled-down by the Noctua NH-D15 cooler. The CPU temperatures were measured under two types of load: Extreme (created by AVX2-supporting LinX 0.6.5 stress test utility) and Typical (created by Freemake Video Converter 4.1.4 video transcoding software).

graph_1-devils_canyon_thermals

graph_2-devils_canyon_thermals

In both cases Intel’s NGPTIM could only outperform KPT-8 (an old thermal paste developed in 1974 in the USSR) paste and was less efficient than inexpensive Arctic Cooling MX-2. Highly-efficient Coollaboratory Liquid Pro compound proved to be dramatically better than Intel’s NGPTIM.

Usage of more efficient Coollaboratory Liquid Pro thermal paste allowed to overclock the Core i5-4690K processor to 4.60GHz with 1.46V voltage, which is 200MHz higher compared to a result with Intel’s new thermal interface.

intel_core_devils_canyon_delid_process intel_core_devils_canyon_delid_process_1 intel_core_devils_canyon_delid_process_2

The web-site proposes an interesting way to de-lid a processor using a bench-vice.

In other words, if you want to get maximum from Intel’s “Devil’s Canyon” chips, remove the heat-spreader and switch the NGPTIM with something better. While you will definitely lose warranty, you will finally get something that could be comparable to a good-old Sandy Bridge running at 5GHz.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is noteworthy that even with a new thermal compound the Core i7-4690K still did not skyrocket to 5GHz. Looks like modern micro-architectures are not really tailored for extreme overclocking…

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Intel Pentium G3258 ‘anniversary edition’ chip overclocked to 6.8GHz https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-pentium-g3258-anniversary-edition-chip-overclocked-to-6-8ghz/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-pentium-g3258-anniversary-edition-chip-overclocked-to-6-8ghz/#comments Wed, 18 Jun 2014 17:13:39 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=198827 Intel Corp.’s Pentium G3258 ‘anniversary edition’ central processing unit was overshadowed by the much more powerful Core i-series “Devil’s Canyon” processors when originally introduced earlier this year. However, it looks like the chip is a rather good overclocker that has a lot of chances to become a decent choice for inexpensive enthusiast-class PCs, at least, …

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Intel Corp.’s Pentium G3258 ‘anniversary edition’ central processing unit was overshadowed by the much more powerful Core i-series “Devil’s Canyon” processors when originally introduced earlier this year. However, it looks like the chip is a rather good overclocker that has a lot of chances to become a decent choice for inexpensive enthusiast-class PCs, at least, based on its track-record so far.

The Intel Pentium G3258 microprocessor has two cores without the HyperThreading technology that work at 3.20GHz frequency, 3MB of LLC cache, an integrated graphics core, unlocked multiplier, LGA1150 form-factor as well as 53W thermal design power. Thanks to the fact that the chip is made using 22nm fabrication process and features only two cores without the HyperTreading technology, it clearly has rather significant overclocking potential (since four cores and the HT usually limit ability to work at extreme clock-rates).

Based on the results from leading overclockers, the chip clearly can work at rather incredible clock-rates. Hwbot reports that during the Kingston HyperX OC Takeover at Computex 2014 earlier this month various contestants managed to overclock engineering samples of the Pentium G3258 product to 4.50GHz – 6.0GHz using air or liquid nitrogen cooling. Moreover, Dfordog, a well-known overclocker from China, recently managed to push the Pentium G3258 (with only one active core, though) to 6861MHz using liquid nitrogen (LN2) cooling, a G.Skill DDR3 memory module and a Z97 MPower Max AC mainboard from MicroStar International (MSI).

intel_processor_core_pentium_celeron_lga1150_lga_broadwell_haswell_chip

In general, based on overclocking results achieved using engineering samples of the Intel Pentium G3258 anniversary edition, the chip seems to have a nice potential. Unfortunately, this may, or may not, translate into fine overclocking potential of commercial versions of the central processing unit.

It is noteworthy that all overclocking records of processors in LGA1150 packaging are set on high-end motherboards based on the Intel Z79 chipset and using high-end coolers or even liquid nitrogen cooling. In real life the Intel Pentium G3258 anniversary edition chip (which costs $75/ £53/€65) will be overclocked on mainstream or entry-level motherboards using moderate coolers. It is completely unknown how well the overclocking of the CPU will work on such systems.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While it is hard to expect the Intel Pentium G3258 anniversary edition to set up performance records, it may become a popular choice among overclockers in budget, especially if makers of mainboards enable overclocking of the unlocked entry-level processors on their mainstream offerings based on the “non-Z” chipsets.

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Asus to enable overclocking of ‘Devil’s Canyon’, Pentium processors on ‘non-Z’ platforms https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/asus-to-enable-overclocking-of-devils-canyon-pentium-processors-on-non-z-platforms/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/asus-to-enable-overclocking-of-devils-canyon-pentium-processors-on-non-z-platforms/#respond Wed, 18 Jun 2014 03:04:39 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=198706 Officially, Intel Corp. allows overclocking of its X- and K-series microprocessors on mainboards based only on the X- and Z-series core-logic sets. However, from time to time the company and its partners make exceptions in a bid to allow more affordable overclocking. It looks like this may happen with the latest Core i5 and Core …

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Officially, Intel Corp. allows overclocking of its X- and K-series microprocessors on mainboards based only on the X- and Z-series core-logic sets. However, from time to time the company and its partners make exceptions in a bid to allow more affordable overclocking. It looks like this may happen with the latest Core i5 and Core i7 “Devil’s Canyon” processors as well as the Pentium anniversary edition chip.

While all Intel's K-series microprocessors (such as the Intel Core i7-4790K) with unlocked multipliers (something that is compulsory for overclocking these days) are compatible with mainboards based on various chipsets, it is only possible to take advantage of unlocked multipliers on motherboards based on the Z-series core-logic (such as the Intel Z87 or the Intel Z97). Last year Asustek Computer and several other leading makers of motherboards allowed customers with new LGA1150 mainboards based on the “non-Z” chipsets to overclock their Core i5-4670K and Core i7-4770K processors with the help of special BIOS versions. According to a media report, the same is going to happen this year.

Tom’s Hardware reports that Asus prepares to release new UEFI BIOSes for its H87, H97, B85, and H81 series motherboards that will enable support for overclocking by changing multipliers of unlocked chips. It is projected that the new BIOS will allow to overclock all unlocked microprocessors from Intel, including the latest Core i7-4790K, the Core i5-4690K as well as the Pentium G3258 (the anniversary edition).

PR ASUS Z87 new color - CPU socket, power delivery heatsinks, and memory slots

Expensive mainboard may not be necessary for overclocking…

While the owners of the high-end Core i7-4790K and the Core i5-4690K most probably do own advanced mainboards to better overclock their systems, those, who plan to overclock the Pentium G3258 for $75/£53 usually do not buy expensive motherboards. To offer such customers a solution, mainboard makers either have to design low-cost platforms based on the expensive Z-series core-logic, or simply allow to overclock on affordable motherboards. Apparently, Asus decided to do the latter.

Last year virtually all leading makers of mainboards, including Asustek Computer, Asrock, Biostar, Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) and Gigabyte Technology enabled the so-called “non-Z” overclocking capability on various LGA1150 mainboards. Not all BIOS revisions supported the feature, though. Since Intel does need to sell its chips, including the affordable Pentium G3258, it will probably allow manufacturers of mainboards to enable “non-Z” overclocking for the new central processing units, at least, for a limited amount of time.

Asus and Intel have not officially confirmed the plan so far.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Obviously, the “non-Z” overclocking will be rather unofficial since Intel needs to sell the Z97 chipset, whereas mainboard makers need to sell expensive motherboards. However, it is still nice to see that overclocking of inexpensive components will remain an option…

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Asustek and Intel provide £35 cash-back with purchase of hardware https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/asustek-and-intel-provide-35-cash-back-with-purchase-of-hardware/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/asustek-and-intel-provide-35-cash-back-with-purchase-of-hardware/#respond Fri, 13 Jun 2014 21:57:48 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=198331 Asustek Computer on Friday announced a major promotion that it will be running together with Intel. From now on and until the 7th of July it will be possible to get up to £35 cash back when you purchase an Asus mainboard based on the Intel Z97 core-logic as well as an Intel Core i-series …

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Asustek Computer on Friday announced a major promotion that it will be running together with Intel. From now on and until the 7th of July it will be possible to get up to £35 cash back when you purchase an Asus mainboard based on the Intel Z97 core-logic as well as an Intel Core i-series unlocked processor.

To save money on your new desktop, you should buy an Asus Z97-series motherboard as well as an Intel Core i7-4770K or an Intel Core i5-4670K processor from one of the qualified resellers and then register on a special web-site to claim your cash back. The two companies will return £35 to those, who buy the Core i7-4770K processor, and £30 to those, who prefer the Core i5-4670K.

The qualified resellers are Aria PC, Box.co.uk, Dabs.com, Ebuyer.com, Eclipse Computers, Novatech, Overclockers UK, Scan Computers and Yoyo Tech.

More information on this promo campaign can be located here.

asus_intel_campaign

While Asus and Intel do not offer discounts on the latest Devil’s Canyon microprocessors, the previous-generation chips are based on the same Haswell micro-architecture as the new CPUs, they provide great performance out-of-the-box and can also be overclocked. If you do not plan to boost performance to the max, but will be satisfied with “good enough” overclocking, then the deal may make sense to you.

Keep in mind that the campaign lasts only till the 7th of July.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While the current offer lasts for a limited amount of time, note that resellers and Intel want to get rid of the “old” Haswell central processing units. Therefore, discounts on the Intel Core i7-4770K and the Intel Core i5-4670K processors are quite possible going forward.

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Intel Core i7-4790K overclocked to 4.50GHz with passive cooling https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-core-i7-4790k-overclocked-to-4-50ghz-with-passive-cooling/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-core-i7-4790k-overclocked-to-4-50ghz-with-passive-cooling/#respond Fri, 06 Jun 2014 22:27:58 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=197080 Earlier this week Intel Corp.’s Core i7-4790K “Devil's Canyon” central processing units already demonstrated their impressive overclocking potential when overclocked by professionals with advanced cooling systems. As it turns out, the chip can work in overclocked state at 4.50GHz even with passive cooling. At the Computex Taipei trade-show this week Intel demonstrated a passively cooled system …

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Earlier this week Intel Corp.’s Core i7-4790K “Devil's Canyon” central processing units already demonstrated their impressive overclocking potential when overclocked by professionals with advanced cooling systems. As it turns out, the chip can work in overclocked state at 4.50GHz even with passive cooling.

At the Computex Taipei trade-show this week Intel demonstrated a passively cooled system with Intel Core i7-4790K “Devil’s Canyon” (4.0GHz default clock-rate, 4.40GHz maximum Turbo Boost frequency) inside. The processors worked without any problem when overclocked to 4.50GHz with all four cores and the HyperThreading enabled during demonstrations, reports SweClockers.

While it is obvious that the demonstrations were not run non-stop for hours, it is still remarkable that the chip could handle the 4.50GHz clock-rate without throttling while being cooled passively.

intel_core_i7_passively_cooled_overclocked_system_devils_canyon_sweclockers

At present boutique PC makers sell factory-overclocked personal computers with the Core i7-4770K processors inside that are clocked at 4.20GHz – 4.40GHz and are cooled-down using closed-loop liquid-cooling solutions.

If commercial versions of the i7-4790K behave the same way as the samples that Intel demonstrated at Computex do, it looks like high-end PC makers will offer rather interesting solutions featuring the “Devil’s Canyon” microprocessors later this summer.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Keep in mind that the passive cooling in general heavily depends on environmental temperatures, hence it is not really suitable for any serious overclocking. The fact that Intel could show a chip capable of running at 4.50GHz inside a special fanless case that acts like a huge cooler itself does not mean that you should try something like this at home. What Intel wanted to show with the demonstration is that the new “Devil’s Canyon” CPUs are good overclockers in general.

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Intel Core i7-4790K overclocked to 5.5GHz on air, to 6.3GHz with LN2 https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-core-i7-4790k-overclocked-to-5-5ghz-on-air-to-6-3ghz-with-ln2/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-core-i7-4790k-overclocked-to-5-5ghz-on-air-to-6-3ghz-with-ln2/#comments Wed, 04 Jun 2014 18:08:11 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=196596 While the Core i7-4790K central processing units (CPUs) should offer impressive performance even in default mode, the reason why computer enthusiasts are waiting for the new microprocessors to arrive is their improved overclocking potential. Apparently, the latter is indeed pretty impressive. At the Computex 2014 Intel Corp. held an overclocking competition, where experienced teams of …

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While the Core i7-4790K central processing units (CPUs) should offer impressive performance even in default mode, the reason why computer enthusiasts are waiting for the new microprocessors to arrive is their improved overclocking potential. Apparently, the latter is indeed pretty impressive.

At the Computex 2014 Intel Corp. held an overclocking competition, where experienced teams of overclockers could try to overclock the Core i7-4790K code-named “Devil’s Canyon” chip. The results of the competition confirmed good overclocking potential of the new product. One microprocessor could work at 5498.72MHz with all four cores and the Hyper-Threading enabled while cooled-down using air/liquid cooling; another chip could work at 6331MHz with all four cores and the HT activated when cooled-down using liquid nitrogen (LN2).

While the results are considerably lower compared to the CPU-Z OC World Records, it should be noted that the results at the OC Challenge Computex 2014 were achieved on stage without significant amount of tweaking and without cherry-picking the CPUs.

intel_core_i7_haswell_lga1150

It remains to be seen whether a lot of Intel Core i7-4790K processors will manage to run at 5.50GHz with air or liquid cooling, but the first results are rather impressive.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is unclear whether the chips used for overclocking were engineering samples, or commercial products. In case of the original Haswell offerings commercial versions were not really good overclockers…

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Intel’s ‘Devil’s Canyon’ chips can work on previous-gen mainboards https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intels-devils-canyon-chips-can-work-on-previous-generation-mainboards/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intels-devils-canyon-chips-can-work-on-previous-generation-mainboards/#comments Tue, 03 Jun 2014 18:39:22 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=196406 Although it was initially believed that Intel Corp.’s Core i-series processors code-named “Devil’s Canyon” (DC) would exclusively work on mainboards based on the Intel 9-series chipsets, it is now evident that the chips are compatible with numerous previous-generation motherboards that are powered by the 8-series core-logic sets. However, a BIOS update is required. When the …

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Although it was initially believed that Intel Corp.’s Core i-series processors code-named “Devil’s Canyon” (DC) would exclusively work on mainboards based on the Intel 9-series chipsets, it is now evident that the chips are compatible with numerous previous-generation motherboards that are powered by the 8-series core-logic sets. However, a BIOS update is required.

When the world’s largest chipmaker first started to talk about its code-named “Devil’s Canyon” chips – the Core i5-4690K and the Core i7-4790K – it only indicated that they would be supported by mainboards based on the 9-series chipsets, but did not say whether or not the chips would work on previous-generation mainboards. Apparently, many (if not all) mainboards based on Intel’s 8-series chipsets will support the new DC-family processors. For example the vast majority of motherboards from leading suppliers (i.e., Asus, Asrock, Biostar, ECS, Gigabyte, MSI, etc.) featuring the previous-generation Intel chipsets will support the Devil’s Canyon with a simple BIOS update, according to Intel itself.

A good news is that enthusiasts will be able to upgrade their last year’s systems with new microprocessors that feature improved overclocking potential. It is unclear why Intel originally did not mention that mainboards based on the 8-series chipsets were compatible with the new microprocessors.

intel_core_pentium_devil_s_canyon_lga1150_haswell

Back in 2013 it transpired that the code-named Broadwell (BDW) as well as the Haswell Refresh (HSW-R, HSR) chips would require a new V_PROC_IO connection with a 1.05V power source as well as full-clock integration mode as the only platform clocking solution. Assuming that not all mainboards supported these requirements last year, it is possible that the new processors are not compatible with them. At the same time, it is also possible that Intel decided not to implement changes into the HSR/HSW-R/DC chips. Perhaps, while the previous-gen platforms fully support the Haswell Refresh as well as the Devil’s Canyon central processing units, they will not support the upcoming Broadwell processors, unlike the mainboards powered by the Intel 9-series core-logic sets. Nonetheless, since there is no reliable information about compatibility between the Broadwell and the motherboards based on the Intel 8-series chipsets, this probably needs further investigation.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Please keep in mind that while a lot of Intel 8-series motherboards do support the new Devil’s Canyon CPUs, it does not mean that all mainboards powered by the Intel 8-series chipsets support the latest microprocessors from company.

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Intel officially reveals Core i7, Core i5 ‘Devil’s Canyon’ processors https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-officially-reveals-core-i7-core-i5-devils-canyon-processors/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-officially-reveals-core-i7-core-i5-devils-canyon-processors/#comments Tue, 03 Jun 2014 16:23:01 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=196314 Intel Corp. on Tuesday officially introduced the Core i5 and the Core i7 central processing units code-named “Devil’s Canyon” as well as the Pentium anniversary edition product. While a lot of information about the new processors has been reported already, today Intel unveiled the official specifications and details about the new chips. As reported, Intel …

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Intel Corp. on Tuesday officially introduced the Core i5 and the Core i7 central processing units code-named “Devil’s Canyon” as well as the Pentium anniversary edition product. While a lot of information about the new processors has been reported already, today Intel unveiled the official specifications and details about the new chips.

As reported, Intel Core i-series “Devil’s Canyon” unlocked microprocessors are based on the Haswell micro-architecture, but feature a number of enhancements compared to the previous-generation chips released in 2013. The new central processing units come in a new package that features next-generation polymer thermal interface (NGPTIM) as well as additional capacitors to “smooth” power delivery to the die. According to Intel, the new enhancements enable additional performance and overclocking headroom.

intel_core_i7_devil_s_canyon

Specifications of the new microprocessors are as follows:

  • Core i7-4790K – 4 cores with Hyper-Threading, 4.0GHz frequency, 4.40GHz maximum Turbo Boost frequency, 8MB cache, 88W TDP, Intel HD Graphics 4600 integrated graphics core, LGA1150 packaging;
  • Core i5-4690K – 4 cores, 3.50GHz frequency, 3.90GHz maximum Turbo Boost frequency, 6MB cache, 88W TDP, Intel HD Graphics 4600 integrated graphics core, LGA1150 packaging;
  • Pentium G3258 – 2 cores, 3.20GHz frequency, 3MB of cache, integrated graphics core, unlocked multiplier, 53W thermal design power, LGA1150 packaging;

Although it was previously expected that the Intel Core i7-4790K would be clocked at 4.10GHz by default, Intel decided to stick to the 4.0GHz frequency. The new processor is still Intel’s fastest mainstream central processing unit ever made. Thanks to increased clock-rate potential, experienced enthusiasts will be able to further boost performance of the chip by overclocking it.

intel_core_i7_devil_s_canyon_1

It is noteworthy that the Core i7-4790K will be considerably faster than the rest Core i7 and Core i5 offerings. It is logical to expect the new offering to be much more popular than other products in the lineup.

Intel promises that the new central processing units will be available already this month. However, some sources in the supply chain indicated last week that mass availability of the Core i7-4790K will be delayed. Intel did not confirm that information.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While we do know that the Core i7-4790K and the Core i5-4690K will have significantly better overclocking potential compared to their predecessors, we are still not sure how high the potential actually is. Will we be able to overclock the Core i7-4790K to 5GHz? Or should we look at something like 4.60GHz – 4.70GHz? Stay tuned!

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Intel’s Core i7-4790K ‘Devil’s Canyon’ may not be available at launch https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intels-core-i7-4790k-devils-canyon-may-not-be-available-at-launch/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intels-core-i7-4790k-devils-canyon-may-not-be-available-at-launch/#comments Tue, 27 May 2014 22:52:59 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=195440 Intel Corp. reportedly plans to officially unveil its Core i7-4790K and Core i5-4690K central processing units designed for enthusiasts and overclockers next week. But while the new microprocessors will be introduced formally, they may not become available immediately, according to sources with knowledge of the matter. Intel’s positions on the market are very solid these …

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Intel Corp. reportedly plans to officially unveil its Core i7-4790K and Core i5-4690K central processing units designed for enthusiasts and overclockers next week. But while the new microprocessors will be introduced formally, they may not become available immediately, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.

Intel’s positions on the market are very solid these days thanks to the fact that its arch-rival Advanced Micro Devices cannot offer competitive products for the high-end of the desktop market. Still, this does not mean that everything is ideal at Intel. Last year the Santa Clara, California-based company faced two problems: its long-awaited code-named Haswell microprocessor turned out to be hotter than Intel had expected (which created another problem: poor overclockability of the Haswell-based chips), whereas its next-generation code-named Broadwell chip faced a delay because of yield issues with its 14nm process technology.

In a bid to offer new product families for all market segments this year, Intel had to boost clock-rates of microprocessors based on the Haswell micro-architecture, without increasing their power consumption. While it is fairly easy to increase frequencies of low-end or mainstream offerings, to boost performance of higher-end products Intel needed to re-spin the chip and optimize its power consumption. As a side benefit, Intel improved overclocking potential of its Haswell products and decided to offer its customers a couple of exclusive products that it called “Devil’s Canyon”.

In addition to improved thermal interface material, the Devil’s Canyon chips feature a new version of the Haswell core for desktops that features higher clock-rates (up to 4.10GHz in case of the Core i7-4790K) and, possibly, other improvements. Both the Core i7-4790K as well as the Core i5-4690K will be formally unveiled in early June at the Computex 2012 trade-show, but their retail availability will be delayed since Intel still has not started volume shipments of the chips.

Select Intel partners received their samples of the DC central processing units only very recently. Many system builders have received nothing, while the small number of customers who have samples coming do not have as many as they expected, according to a check made by KitGuru.

intel_core_pentium_devil_s_canyon_lga1150_haswell

The reasons for the postponement are not completely clear, but since we are talking about new processors with high clock-rates, it is highly-likely that Intel has troubles with mass production of chips that can stably work at 4.0GHz – 4.10GHz frequencies and allow further overclocking. The easiest way to get a lot of “fast” CPUs is to increase production of all processors and cherry-pick the high-performance dies. But that tactics means that Intel will produce a lot of “excessive” chips.

Different sources reveal different information about actual availability of the Devil’s Canyon processors. Some claim that the Core i7-4790K as well as the Core i5-4690K will be available in the Q3 2014, which means starting from July. Other believe that the first Devil’s Canyon products will reach the market only in September.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The reasons why Intel decided to create an ultra-high-performance Core i7-4790K processor (in case the information about 4.0GHz or 4.10GHz clock-rate is correct) are not completely clear. Such product will be significantly faster than almost everything on the market by a high margin. Moreover, when overclocked, it most likely will be faster that the upcoming code-named Broadwell and Skylake microprocessors. Basically, the Core i7-4790K has potential to affect Intel’s future sales. In addition to that, the company’s inability to ship the product now clearly will affect Intel’s revenue this quarter as well as sales of new mainboards and PCs.

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Intel ‘Devil’s Canyon’ chips prices leak as stores begin to take orders https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/prices-of-intels-devils-canyon-chips-leak-as-stores-begin-to-take-orders/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/prices-of-intels-devils-canyon-chips-leak-as-stores-begin-to-take-orders/#comments Fri, 23 May 2014 22:59:33 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=194971 Intel Corp. plans to start sales of its highly-anticipated microprocessors code-named “Devil’s Canyon” on the 2nd of June, but already now numerous stores are quietly taking pre-orders on the new chips and thus reveal their prices. Despite of all the hype that Intel created regarding the small family of CPUs with increased overclocking potential, those …

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Intel Corp. plans to start sales of its highly-anticipated microprocessors code-named “Devil’s Canyon” on the 2nd of June, but already now numerous stores are quietly taking pre-orders on the new chips and thus reveal their prices. Despite of all the hype that Intel created regarding the small family of CPUs with increased overclocking potential, those products will cost roughly the same amount of money as their predecessors.

ShopBLT, a store that usually begins to take pre-orders on the new chips from AMD and Intel ahead of others, currently offers the Core i5 and the Core i7 “Devil’s Canyon” processors as well as the Intel Pentium “20th anniversary edition” for pre-purchase:

  • Intel Core i7-4790K (4 cores with HT, 4.1GHz/4.4GHz frequency, 8MB cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600, 88W TDP) – $351/$362 for tray/box version;
  • Intel Core i5-4690K (4 cores, 3.5GHz/3.9GHz frequency, 6MB cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600, 88W TDP) – $242/$254 for tray/box version;
  • Intel Pentium G3258 (2 cores, 3.2GHz frequency, 3MB cache, Intel HD Graphics, 53W TDP) – $78 for both tray and box versions.

The prices of the new microprocessors are similar to those of the Core i7-4770K, the Core i7-4670K as well as the Pentium G3400-series chips. While these prices on the new “Devil’s Canyon” processors are only applicable to the U.S. market, expect similar situation in the UK and mainland Europe. The new processors for overclockers will cost roughly the same amount of money as their predecessors, i.e., the Core i7-4790K will cost in the range between £230 and £240, whereas the Core i5-4690K will be priced between £160 and £170.

intel_core_i7_haswell

The “Devil’s Canyon” line of products for performance enthusiasts and overclockers feature marginally different packaging with improved thermal interface material, which promises to enable higher overclocking potential. While the chips come in LGA1150 form-factor, they are only compatible with the Intel Z97 and the Intel H97 platforms.

Intel traditionally sells different generations of microprocessors for the same market segment at similar price-points. It is not a surprise that with the new chips for enthusiasts it decided to keep the same policy.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The Core i7-4790K chip seems to be a rather good choice. Previously the difference in performance between the Core i7-K and the Core i5-K products was not really significant, unlike the price. This time performance gap between the i7-4790K and the i5-4690K is going to be rather massive thanks to the huge 600MHz (17 per cent) clock-rate difference.

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Intel further boosts default clock-rate of the Core i7-4790K https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-furthers-boosts-default-clock-rate-of-the-core-i7-4790k/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-furthers-boosts-default-clock-rate-of-the-core-i7-4790k/#comments Fri, 23 May 2014 22:58:01 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=194964 Intel Corp.’s Core i7-4790K was expected to be the chipmaker’s first desktop central processing unit with 4.0GHz clock-rate. For some reason, the company decided to make a last-minute change of the product’s specifications in a bid to make it even faster. As it appears, the final default clock-rate of the Core i7-4790K processor will be …

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Intel Corp.’s Core i7-4790K was expected to be the chipmaker’s first desktop central processing unit with 4.0GHz clock-rate. For some reason, the company decided to make a last-minute change of the product’s specifications in a bid to make it even faster.

As it appears, the final default clock-rate of the Core i7-4790K processor will be 4.10GHz, 100MHz higher than originally planned, according to ShopBLT store, which is already taking pre-orders on the processor. All other specifications reported about the chip earlier seem to be correct: four “Haswell” cores with Hyper-Threading, 4.40GHz maximum Turbo Boost frequency, 8MB last-level cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 integrated graphics core with 20 execution units, 88W thermal design power, LGA1150 form-factor.

The Core i7-4790K central processing unit, just like other members of the “Devil’s Canyon” family of products for enthusiasts, will feature slightly different packaging with improved thermal interface, which is expected to improve  overclocking capabilities of the CPU. The DC chips are projected to be exclusively compatible with Intel Z97 and Intel H97 platforms.

intel_core_pentium_devil_s_canyon_lga1150_haswell

The reason why Intel decided to make the Core i7-4790K faster that it was originally supposed to be according to Intel’s own internal documents is not completely clear. At present there are no “external” rivals for the Core i5 and Core i7 “Devil’s Canyon” chips: AMD’s FX-series is considerably behind in terms of performance.

In fact, at 4.10GHz the Core i7-4790K may actually outperform Intel’s least expensive high-end desktop (HEDT) processor, the Core i7-4820K (four “Ivy Bridge” cores with HT, 10MB last-level cache, 3.70GHz/3.90GHz clock-rate, quad-channel DDR3 memory controller, LGA2011 form-factor), which means that the company creates competition between its own product lineups. Obviously, since there are Core i7 “Haswell-E” chips incoming shortly, any competition between the Core i7-4790K and the Core i7-4820K may not be an important factor for Intel.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It seems like 4GHz clock-rate is Intel’s unicorn. The company first planned to release the Pentium 4 processor with 4GHz frequency back in 2004, but the chipmaker changed the direction of its microprocessors’ evolution. Intel dropped the concept of rapid clock-rate rise and focused on increasing the number of cores inside its chips as well as boosting parallelism of its micro-architectures (i.e. processing parallelism of its cores), which allowed the company to sell competitive CPUs with relatively low frequencies for many years. Since clock-rates have been gradually increasing (in addition to everything else), this year could be the time to finally release a CPU clocked at 4GHz. For some reason, the company decided to skip the milestone and jump right to 4.10GHz.

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Specifications of Intel Pentium ‘20th anniversary edition’ revealed https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/specifications-of-intel-pentium-20th-anniversary-edition-revealed/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/specifications-of-intel-pentium-20th-anniversary-edition-revealed/#respond Thu, 22 May 2014 20:14:28 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=194726 As reported earlier this year, Intel Corp.’s highly-anticipated code-named “Devil’s Canyon” family of chips designed for overclockers consists of three microprocessors: a Core i7, a Core i5 and a Pentium. The latter was named the Pentium “anniversary edition”, but its specifications remained a complete mystery until today. Chinese version of the VR-Zone web-site has published …

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As reported earlier this year, Intel Corp.’s highly-anticipated code-named “Devil’s Canyon” family of chips designed for overclockers consists of three microprocessors: a Core i7, a Core i5 and a Pentium. The latter was named the Pentium “anniversary edition”, but its specifications remained a complete mystery until today.

Chinese version of the VR-Zone web-site has published a screenshot from CPU-Z utility, which reveals key specifications of the Pentium G3258 “20th anniversary edition” central processing unit. Without any surprises, the new Pentium chip will have two cores (based on the Haswell micro-architecture) short of the Hyper-Threading technology, 3MB of cache, 3.20GHz clock-rate (no Turbo Boost), integrated graphics core, unlocked multiplier, LGA1150 form-factor as well as 53W thermal design power. The chip will feature improved thermal interface between the die and the heat-spreader, which will enable better overclocking.

intel_pentium_g3258

Unlike its Pentium-branded ancestors from the nineties and the early 2000s, the Pentium G3258 will not be a performance champion. The chip will be a nice option for an overclocker in budget thanks to unlocked multiplier and the new thermal interface, but it will certainly not be a dream of a performance enthusiast.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The reason why Intel called the Pentium G3258 as the “20th anniversary edition” is completely unknown. The very first Pentium processor was released in March, 1993, so the new chip is more than a year late for the brand’s 20th birthday…

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Asrock boosts bandwidth of M.2 SSDs with ‘Ultra M.2’, but there is a catch https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/asrock-doubles-bandwidth-of-m-2-ssds-with-ultra-m-2-but-there-is-a-catch/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/asrock-doubles-bandwidth-of-m-2-ssds-with-ultra-m-2-but-there-is-a-catch/#comments Thu, 15 May 2014 16:24:08 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=193402 Sometimes mainboard makers come up with rather interesting solutions that truly leap performance of desktop personal computers forward by overcoming limitations of mainstream PC platforms. Unfortunately, in many cases elimination of one bottleneck just leads to creation of another… In a bid to boost performance of solid-state drives, Intel Corp. this year added support for …

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Sometimes mainboard makers come up with rather interesting solutions that truly leap performance of desktop personal computers forward by overcoming limitations of mainstream PC platforms. Unfortunately, in many cases elimination of one bottleneck just leads to creation of another…

In a bid to boost performance of solid-state drives, Intel Corp. this year added support for SSDs in M.2 form-factor to its Intel Z97 and Intel H97 platforms. While the M.2 slot (based on PCIe 2.0 x2 interconnect) boosts theoretical maximum bandwidth available for an SSD to 1GB/s, some drives can work even faster. In order to take advantage of such SSDs, Asrock has developed its own Ultra M.2 slot that supports up to 4GB/s of bandwidth. But there is a catch.

asrock_ultra_m2_4

Asrock this week introduced a new family of mainboards based on Intel Z97 core-logic set designed for current and upcoming Intel’s processors in LGA1150 form-factor. The flagship member of the new lineup is Z97 Extreme6 motherboard that, in addition to other premium features, sports not only a typical M.2 connector, but also the so-called Ultra M.2 slot for solid-state drives with truly extreme bandwidth.

The industry-standard M.2 slots for SSDs rely on PCI Express 2.0 x1 or x2 interconnections, thus providing up to 500MB/s or up to 1GB/s of bandwidth, respectively. Technically, it is possible to use PCIe 2.0 x4 connection (and get 2GB/s of bandwidth), but that will affect expandability of a mainboard.  PCI Express 2.0 interconnections are controlled by Z97 core-logic.

By contrast, the Ultra M.2 slot relies on PCI Express 3.0 x4 interconnection and thus boasts up to whopping ~4GB/s, two times higher compared to PCIe x4 and four times higher compared to PCIe x2 connection. The Ultra M.2 uses the same connector as the typical slot and thus is compatible with the same solid-state drives. Thanks to increased bandwidth the new Ultra M.2 slot provides, it can realize full potential of modern SSDs, such as Samsung XP941 (which is used by MacBook Pro laptops), unlike the default M.2. According to Asrock, its Ultra M.2 is up to 46 per cent faster than the typical M.2 socket.

asrock_ultra_m2_3

But there is a problem. On the Intel Z97 platform PCI Express 3.0 is only supported by the microprocessor itself. The CPU has 16 PCI Express 3.0 lanes that can be used to connect a graphics card in PCIe 3.0 x16 mode or reconfigured as 8+8 lanes (to support a dual-GPU configuration) or 8+4+4 lanes (to support a multi-GPU or multi-PCIe devices configuration). As a result, once an SSD in plugged into the Ultra M.2 slot, the bandwidth between central processing unit and graphics processing unit is cut-down by half. Therefore, while the end-user gets additional SSD performance, he/she may lose some GPU performance because of insufficient bandwidth between it and the CPU.

asrock_ultra_m2_2

If one needs maximum storage performance and he or she can sacrifice certain amount of graphics processing performance for that, then Asrock Z97 Extreme/6 with Ultra M.2 slot is a product to watch. Not all GPU workloads require massive amount of PCIe bandwidth, thus, such a compromise may make a lot of sense. But for those, who prefer to have maximum graphics performance Asrock’s solution is hardly an option.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Although the Ultra M.2 solution from Asrock has its drawbacks, it is clearly an interesting solution. It is not a very good option for gaming PCs, but notebooks can use this concept quite well…

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Intel officially rolls-out Z97 and H97 chipsets https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-officially-rolls-out-z97-and-h97-chipsets/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-officially-rolls-out-z97-and-h97-chipsets/#comments Tue, 13 May 2014 11:12:31 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=192779 Intel Corp. has officially unveiled its latest core-logic sets for desktop computers, the Z97 and H97. The new chips support all existing microprocessors in LGA1150 packaging that belong to the Haswell and Haswell Refresh families as well as the upcoming code-named Broadwell central processing units. The fresh platforms do not revolutionize desktops, but provide numerous …

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Intel Corp. has officially unveiled its latest core-logic sets for desktop computers, the Z97 and H97. The new chips support all existing microprocessors in LGA1150 packaging that belong to the Haswell and Haswell Refresh families as well as the upcoming code-named Broadwell central processing units. The fresh platforms do not revolutionize desktops, but provide numerous incremental improvements.

The new Intel Z97 and Z87 chipsets bring three important enhancements compared to the Intel 8-series chipsets: support for solid-state drives in PCIe M.2 form-factor (PCI Express 2.0 x2 interface with up to 1GB/s maximum bandwidth), Intel device protection with boot guard technology as well as Intel Rapid Storage technology with support for PCI Express-based storage drives. The new core-logic sets exclusively support enthusiast-oriented Core i5/Core i7 and Pentium “Devil’s Canyon” processors as well as the future code-named Broadwell chips.

intel_chipsets_artwork

The support for solid-state drives in PCIe M.2 form-factor (PCIe 2.0 x2) will boost maximum storage bandwidth to 1GB/s up from less than 600MB/s today provided by Serial ATA-6Gb/s, something that will clearly be appreciated by enthusiasts.

The new platforms will also support Intel Rapid Storage tech for M.2 PCIe SSDs, which will allow to create hybrid storage solutions (consisting of a hard drive and an M.2 PCIe solid-state drive) with increased performance.

The Intel’s 9-series chipsets will also bring support for Intel Device Protection technology with Boot Guard, which will boost security of personal computers based on the latest platforms from Intel. The technology was developed by Intel Security division and is a combination of hardware and software. This will be the first time for Intel consumer core-logic sets to feature an advanced security technology.

intel_9_series_chipsets

Intel 9-series chipsets will also support six Serial ATA-6Gb/s ports, 14 USB ports (with up to six ports in USB 3.0 mode), PCI Express 3.0 x16 (via CPU, reconfigurable in case of Z97), PCI Express 2.0 x8 and so on.

Traditionally, Intel’s Z-series chipset (Z97) will support overclocking of microprocessors, multi-GPU technologies (thanks to reconfigurable PCI Express slots) as well as Intel Dynamic Storage Accelerator. The H-series core-logic (H97) will not support overclocking/performance tweaking knobs, but will feature Small Business Advantage platform tech.

intel_z97_block_diagram

Leading mainboard makers, such as Asustek Computer, Asrock, Gigabyte Technology, ECS, EVGA, MicroStar International (MSI) and others are already shipping mainboards based on the Z97 and H97 chipsets.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While the new Intel platforms hardly provide a lot of advantages compared to last year’s Z87 at first glance, if you are an enthusiast who wants maximum overclocking potential (only provided by the Devil’s Canyon chips), high-performance solid-state storage and other advantages, then Intel’s new Z97 is just what the doctor ordered for you…

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Intel finalizes specs of Core i “Devil’s Canyon” chips https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-finalizes-specs-of-core-i-devils-canyon-chips/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-finalizes-specs-of-core-i-devils-canyon-chips/#comments Mon, 12 May 2014 22:35:30 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=192637 A Chinese web-site has revealed the final specifications of Intel Corp.’s Core i-series “Devil’s Canyon” microprocessors that promise to offer better overclockability than existing chips based on the Haswell micro-architecture. As it appears, in addition to higher overclocking potential, the new flagship LGA1150 chip will offer very high performance out-of-the-box thanks to 4GHz default clock-speed. …

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A Chinese web-site has revealed the final specifications of Intel Corp.’s Core i-series “Devil’s Canyon” microprocessors that promise to offer better overclockability than existing chips based on the Haswell micro-architecture. As it appears, in addition to higher overclocking potential, the new flagship LGA1150 chip will offer very high performance out-of-the-box thanks to 4GHz default clock-speed.

As reported, the “Devil’s Canyon” family of microprocessors will consist of three chips that belong to different classes of products: a Core i7, a Core i5 and a Pentium. The latter will be available later this year, whereas the Core i models will be released in the coming weeks. Specifications of the new central processing units were published by Expreview web-site on Monday:

  • Core i7-4790K – 4 cores with Hyper-Threading, 4.0GHz frequency, 4.40GHz maximum Turbo Boost frequency, 8MB cache, 88W TDP, Intel HD Graphics 4600 integrated graphics core;
  • Core i5-4690K – 4 cores, 3.50GHz frequency, 3.90GHz maximum Turbo Boost frequency, 6MB cache, 88W TDP, Intel HD Graphics 4600 integrated graphics core;

intel_core_i7_haswell

While the Core i5-4690K part is only slightly faster than its predecessor, the Core i5-4670K (which is clocked at 3.40GHz), the Core i7-4790K is Intel’s first desktop processor with 4.0GHz clock-rate and it should deliver up to 14 per cent higher performance compared to the Core i7-4770K.

The new unlocked Core i-series “Haswell Refresh” chips also known as “Devil’s Canyon” will feature improved thermal interface, which will enable better overclocking. The higher overclocking potential of unlocked CPUs will clearly make them popular among enthusiasts.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: With 4GHz default clock-rate it should probably be possible to boost performance of the Core i7-4790K well beyond 4.40GHz, a typical frequency of Core i7-4770K inside factory-overclocked PCs. Are we talking about 5GHz and over here?

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MSI readies Intel Z97 mainboards: images and details unveiled https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/msi-readies-lineup-of-intel-z97-mainboards-images-and-details-unveiled/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/anton-shilov/msi-readies-lineup-of-intel-z97-mainboards-images-and-details-unveiled/#comments Wed, 16 Apr 2014 19:52:26 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=187736 MicroStar International is working on a new family of mainboards based on Intel Corp.’s upcoming Z97 core-logic that will support the forthcoming microprocessors for enthusiasts code-named Devil’s Canyon as well as future chips based on the Broadwell micro-architecture. All mainboards will be aimed primarily at gamers, but who said that enthusiast-class hardware should be expensive …

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MicroStar International is working on a new family of mainboards based on Intel Corp.’s upcoming Z97 core-logic that will support the forthcoming microprocessors for enthusiasts code-named Devil’s Canyon as well as future chips based on the Broadwell micro-architecture. All mainboards will be aimed primarily at gamers, but who said that enthusiast-class hardware should be expensive and come in large form-factors?

msi_z97_gaming_mainboards_specifications

MSI Z97 Gaming mainboard family will consist of five different motherboards with LGA1150 sockets based on Intel’s next-generation Z97 chipset. The platforms will provide different features and will be available at different price-points. For example, high-end MSI Z97 Gaming motherboards will feature three PCI Express x16 slots for graphics cards and high-performance PCIe solid-state drives; 12-phase CPU VRM [voltage regulator module] to ensure better overclocking; as well as eight Serial ATA ports. By contrast, more affordable mainboards will come with two PCIe x16 slots, 8-phase or 6-phase CPU VRM and six SATA ports.
msi_z97_gaming_9

MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC mainboard

While the mainboards within the MSI Z97 Gaming line will be rather different, they will have numerous similar premium components and technologies designed to ensure better gaming, higher performance and improved stability:

  • M.2 slot on all ATX mainboards for SSDs with up to 1TB/s bandwidth;
  • Qualcomm Atheros Killer E2205 Gigabit Ethernet network adapter that prioritizes video-games related network packages and thus ensures shorter latency;
  • MSI Gaming Device Ports, a PS/2 port with up to 1000Hz polling rate for advanced mice;
  • MSI Audio Boost 2 – integrated 600Ω headphone amplifier, golden audio jacks, EMI shielded audio codec, high quality audio capacitors;
  • Solid-state capacitors;

It is noteworthy that in addition to motherboards in ATX form-factor, which is preferred by enthusiasts, MSI will also offer a gaming-oriented platform in micro-ITX form-factor, which is gaining popularity these days. While the mainboard lacks M.2 SSD support, it has a built-in Wi-Fi 802.11ac module.

msi_z97_gaming_itx

MSI Z97 Gaming micro-ITX mainboard

The mainboards will hit the market in mid-May.

msi_z97_gaming_3

MSI Z97 Gaming 3 mainboard

While by default Intel 9-series chipsets and Intel Core i-series “Haswell Refresh” processors can hardly ensure a significant performance increase over existing systems powered by 8-series core-logic and Core i-series “Haswell” chips, there are some benefits that the new platforms provide exclusively. Firstly, they support new Core i- and Pentium-series unlocked microprocessors code-named Devil’s Canyon with upgraded thermal interface and overclockability. Secondly, they support higher-performance SSDs in M.2 form-factor. Thirdly, they are compatible with the upcoming Broadwell microprocessors made using 14nm fabrication process.

msi_z97_gaming_7

MSI Z97 Gaming 7 mainboard

Intel and MSI did not comment on the news-story.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: MSI’s upcoming Z97 Gaming mainboards seem to be rather decent: they feature quality audio, advanced network processor as well as support for new-generation SSDs. Moreover, those motherboards will be available at different price-points and will vary only by, perhaps, overclocking capabilities. In general, a nice product family to choose from.

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Intel adds ‘Haswell Refresh’ chips into the price-list, starts shipments https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-quietly-adds-haswell-refresh-microprocessors-into-the-price-list-starts-shipments/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-quietly-adds-haswell-refresh-microprocessors-into-the-price-list-starts-shipments/#respond Tue, 15 Apr 2014 13:08:48 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=187527 Intel Corp. on Monday quietly added numerous microprocessors that belong to the so-called “Haswell Refresh” family into the price-list. The addition of certain chips into the list indicates that the world’s largest chipmaker has begun to sell and ship them to customers. At present the lineup of “HSR” chips lacks a number of high-end models …

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Intel Corp. on Monday quietly added numerous microprocessors that belong to the so-called “Haswell Refresh” family into the price-list. The addition of certain chips into the list indicates that the world’s largest chipmaker has begun to sell and ship them to customers. At present the lineup of “HSR” chips lacks a number of high-end models designed for enthusiasts.

The new microprocessors with integrated graphics cores that belong to the “Haswell Refresh” lineup of chips are available under Core, Pentium and Celeron brands for desktops as well as notebooks. The new desktop processors that belong to the HSR family are available from $42 to $303, whereas mobile “Haswell Refresh” CPUs cost from $75 to $225.

The new microprocessors feature the same Haswell micro-architecture as today’s chips and are made using the same 22nm tri-gate process technology. The HSR products have slightly higher clock-rates and slightly improved graphics engines (in some cases) compared to models that belong to the original “Haswell” family of central processing units with built-in graphics. Eventually HSR family CPUs will completely replace existing processors on the market. The “Haswell Refresh” processors are drop-in compatible with current platforms based on Intel 8-series central processing units.

intel_core_i7_haswell

It is noteworthy that at present Intel’s price-list does not include Core and Pentium microprocessors with unlocked multiplier that are known under the “Devil’s Canyon” code-name. The latter will feature improved thermal interface, which will enable better overclocking, something that will clearly make them popular among enthusiasts. The “Devil’s Canyon” microprocessors will become available starting the 10th of May, 2014. The chips will only be compatible with platforms based on Intel 9-series core-logic sets.

KitGuru Says: The code-named “Haswell Refresh” chips work on slightly higher clock-rates compared to existing “Haswell” products, so they can hardly be an interesting buy for an enthusiast. Still, if you wanted to get a mainstream PC with slightly higher performance, then the coming weeks is the time to do it: the new HSR chips cost the same amount of money as their slower brethren. Or wait till Intel and its partners cut prices on existing CPU models.

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Launch date of Intel Core “Haswell Refresh” chips revealed https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/launch-date-of-intel-core-haswell-refresh-chips-revealed/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/launch-date-of-intel-core-haswell-refresh-chips-revealed/#respond Thu, 10 Apr 2014 22:56:24 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=186937 While it was pretty obvious that Intel Corp. plans to start selling its new code-named “Haswell Refresh” central processing units sometimes in April or May, the actual launch date was not completely clear. Apparently, that will happen in exactly one month time. Intel plans to start selling its improved Core i-series “Haswell Refresh” microprocessors next …

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While it was pretty obvious that Intel Corp. plans to start selling its new code-named “Haswell Refresh” central processing units sometimes in April or May, the actual launch date was not completely clear. Apparently, that will happen in exactly one month time.

Intel plans to start selling its improved Core i-series “Haswell Refresh” microprocessors next month, starting the 10th of May, according to a report from TechPowerUp. Previously sources with knowledge of Intel plans indicated that the mainboards based on Intel Z97 and H97 chipsets will debut on the 10th or 11th of May.

intel_core_i7_haswell

While the code-named Haswell Refresh (HSR) desktop platform will hardly bring a lot of innovations for typical end-users, it will offer a lot for enthusiasts. The new unlocked Core i-series HSR chips also known as “Devil’s Canyon” will feature improved thermal interface, which will enable better overclocking. The Core i-series HSR chips will work on slightly higher clock-rates compared to existing code-named Haswell products, but higher overclocking potential of unlocked CPUs will clearly make them popular among enthusiasts.

Intel 9-series core-logic sets offer three noteworthy improvements compared to the 8-series chipsets: support for solid-state drives in PCIe M.2 form-factor (PCI Express 2.0 x2 interface with up to 1GB/s maximum bandwidth), Intel device protection with boot guard technology as well as Intel Rapid Storage technology with support for PCI Express-based storage drives.

intel_9_series_chipsets_overview

Image by Hermitage Akihabara

Traditionally, Intel’s Z-series chipset (Z97) will support overclocking of microprocessors as well as Intel Dynamic Storage Accelerator. The H-series core-logic (H97) will not support overclocking/performance tweaking knobs, but will feature Small Business Advantage platform tech.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

KitGuru Says: Start of sales means that Intel will let reviewers publish results of their experiments with the Haswell Refresh/Devil’s Canyon processors a little ahead of that. The results of HSR chips' overclocking should be an interesting read since they will reveal actual potential of Haswell micro-architecture when it comes to clock-rates. 5GHz? 6GHz? What will be the limit for Intel's Haswell Refresh processors. 

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