Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450

The 45nm chips have been out for some time now. the dual core e8400 and e8500 are proven performers ,  some reaching demented speeds. the problem has been that the just 45nm yorkfield processors out have been the "extreme" line-up ,  specifically the qx9650 and now qx9770 models. while the functioning of the extreme line-up has been rightly documented but the consumer looking for a non "extreme" quad core cpu has been left out in the bloodless...until now. the regular quad core 45nm parts ,  q9300 ,  q9450 ,  and q9550 are in e-tailors' hands for shipment (if you may find them in stock) ,  rightly it was towering time that a functioning testing was in direct. with all of the latest games becoming supplemental and supplemental cpu intensive ,  multiple core cpus volition originate to become supplemental advantageous during gameplay ,  not to mention the benefits during video encoding and workstation productiveness.

So what does the intel core 2 quad 9450 offer over its 65nm predecessors to concoct it an appealing buy? initial ,  there is the additional l2 cavern ,  three megabytes per core versus two per core ,  a higher bus haste (333mhz vs. 266mhz) ,  higher clockspeed of 2.66ghz instead of the 2.4ghz on the q6600 that we have grown rightly doting of. the 45nm devising procedure has reduced the die size ,  and thence the cogency requirements needed to operate. this of course brings the profit of reduced cogency consumption and a gape thermal signature. but hey ,  this is overclockerclub ,  we're not worried with Regards To that ,  rightly let's attain on to seeing just how far the q9450 may be pushed since that's what in Reality matters. let's see if the quad core
Q9450 may counterpart the results of its dual core cousins.

sSpec Number                       :           SLAWR

CPU Speed                            :           2.66 GHz

PCG                                        :           05A

Bus Speed                              :           1333 MHz

Bus/Core Ratio                      :           8

L2 Cache Size                        :           12 MB

L2 Cache Speed                    :           2.66 GHz

Package Type                                    :           LGA775

Manufacturing                      :           45 nm

Core Stepping                        :           C1

CPUID String                        :           10677h

Thermal Design Power         :           95W

Thermal Specification           :           71.4°C

VID Voltage Range               :           0.85V – 1.3625V

Features:

• Quad-Core Processing: Provides four independent execution cores in a single processor package. Four dedicated processing threadshelp operating systems and applications deliver additional performance, so end users can experience better
  multitasking and multi-threaded performance across many types of applications and workloads.
• Chipset

Support: Intel® Express Chipsets offer an array of exciting capabilities including dual graphics and deliver an impressivelevel of performance for demanding users. Other third-party chipsets may support Intel Core 2 Extreme quad-core processors; contact your board manufacturer for compatibility.

• Intel® Wide Dynamic Execution: Improves execution speed and efficiency, delivering more instructions per clock cycle. Each core can complete up to four full instructions simultaneously
• Intel® Smart Memory Access: Optimizes the use of the data bandwidth from the memory subsystem to accelerate out-of-order execution.A prediction mechanism reduces the time in-flight instructions have to wait for data. Pre-fetch algorithms
  move data from system memory into fast L2 cache in advance of execution. These functions keep the pipeline full, improving instruction throughput and performance

. 45nm versions further improve this feature,with more efficient methods of loading and storing data in main memory.

• Intel® Advanced Smart Cache: Dynamically allocates the shared L2 cache to each processor core based on workload. This efficient, dual-core-optimized implementation increases the probability that each core can access data from fast L2 cache, significantly reducing latency to frequently used data and improving performance.
• Intel® Advanced DigitalMedia Boost: Accelerates the execution of Streaming SIMD Extension (SSE) instructions to significantly improve the performance on a broad range of multimedia and compute intensive applications. The 128-bit SSE instructions
  are now issued at a throughput rate of one per clock cycle, effectively doubling their speed of execution on a per-clock basis over previous generation processors. 45nm versions include a new Super Shuffle Engine,which improves existing SSE instructions while enabling significant gains on the latest SSE4 instruction set. SSE4-optimized applications, such as video editing and encoding in high-definition resolution, will see additional performance improvements.
• Intel® Virtualization Technology

(Intel® VT): Allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. Intel VT improves manageability, limits downtime, and maintains worker productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions

• Intel® 64 Architecture: Allows the processor to access larger amounts of memory. With appropriate 64-bit hardware and software, platforms based on an Intel processor supporting Intel 64 architecture can allow the use of extended virtual
  and physical memory.
• Execute Disable Bit: Provides enhanced virus protection when deployed with a supported operating system and prevents the code from infecting the system. Memory can be marked as executable or non-executable, allowing the processor
  to raise an error to the operating system if malicious code attempts to run in non-executable memory.
• Better Acoustics:Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processors are equipped with a Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) to enable more efficientprocessor and platform thermal control. Thermal sensors located within the processor measure the maximum temperature on the die at any given time. The acoustic benefit of temperature monitoring is that system fans spin only as fast as needed to cool the system and slower spinning fans generate less noise. This Intel-designed thermal solution for boxed processors utilizes a 4-pin header with variable fan speed control, based on processor temperature and power usage to minimize acoustic noise levels. The latest 45nm boxed Intel Core 2  processor includes a new, more advanced thermal solution with improved acoustic and thermal performance

the performance of the intel core 2 quad q9450 was better than the ol' intimate q6600. this ,  of lesson ,  was the expectation going into the testing. in the scientific benchmarks ,  the q9450 pulled out ahead in 20 out of 35 tests. while that does not seem like a earth beater ,  9 of the 35 tests were ride related and the expectation is that no alter would happen. upon even terms taken as 20 out of 26 tests ,  this looks a atom better. in the gaming tests ,  it pulled ahead of the q6600 in 25 of 36 tests. surprising? no! the performance of the q9450 in the gaming tests show that game performance falls for the most fraction between the ancient standby and the king of the hill ,  the qx9770. in a Good Deal Of of the tests ,  the performance of q9450 was upon par with that of the qx9770.

Am i disappointed in the overclocking headroom available from this processor. not in the least! with the demented speeds being offered up by the dual core variants ,  i was still searching for a atom supplementary than the 3.7ghz i was able to drag from this quad core processor. but horizontal although i was expecting supplementary ,  a greater than 1 ghz overclock is nothing to chuckle at. the clockspeed augment was likewise done with a relatively slavish 1.36 volts to the processor. much fewer than i possess needed with both my q6600 and qx9770s to win the maximum core speed. temperatures were ,  for the most fraction ,  kept in obstruct throughout the testing. 64 degrees celsius under load was the highest temperature i saw upon air cooling during my stability testing with prime 95. with better cooling ,  could the max overclock be increased? probably ,  but the vast majority of users will be upon air ,  injustice that's where i spent my time testing.

As enthusiasts ,  a Good Deal Of times we buy a lower purpose processor hoping for increased performance injustice that we effect not possess to disburse vast coin upon the top rated processors. of lesson ,  with the vast bucks come a guarantee of processor speed whereas in overclocking your mileage may vary. what you possess with the q9450 when overclocked is performance that beats the qx9770 in all but a few instances. upon this account the q9450 is a success. ultimately ,  it means top purpose performance for bottom line dollars (at least for a quad core). priced at $379 ,  it does value supplementary than the q6600 ,  but is a far howl from the $1400 of the qx9770. again ,  upon this point it is a success. but is the performance that much better than the q6600 it replaces for that same price? it genuinely depends upon what you want to effect. in the scientific testing ,  it sure was. in the gaming ,  it was not as much of an improvement as i would possess hoped for. for almost $200 supplementary (at this point) ,  the value may be a atom precipitous to manufacture a switch from the ancient to the unprecedented ,  but ultimately whatsoever performance augment for an enthusiast is an augment. the q9450 performance scales injustice as the clockspeeds augment ,  injustice with that being said ,  quad core 45nm performance may be had without the "extreme" dollars that were needed up till this point. the price/performance ratio is there. if you are in the market for a unprecedented quad to add to the stable or simply looking for a performance boost ,  intel's non "extreme" 45nm quad core is out correct now! finally!