Pentium G3258 | 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 Pentium G3258 | 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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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 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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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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