Processor Core 2 Extreme QX9770: specifications, review, reviews

At the time of sales beginning in 2008, Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was the most productive dextopic processor. His hardware "filling" allowed to solve any existing at that time tasks. Since then, a lot of time has passed, but even now this chip allows you to run the most demanding toys, albeit not at the maximum settings. And this already really says a lot.

CPU niche

Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was the most productive chip of its time. He belonged to the premium segment. On its basis, the fastest PCs were assembled from the point of view of performance. Also, he had a CPU frequency multiplier unlocked. That is, it was not difficult to disperse it. As a result, this processor was of the greatest interest for computer enthusiasts who can afford to throw out an impressive amount for the assembly or purchase of the most productive personal computer. It was for a niche of users demanding the performance of a personal computer and this chip was issued, which provided an uncompromising level of performance.

Hardware specifications

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is aimed at installation in the LGA775 processor socket. This chip included 4 independent computational units. The very same semiconductor crystal in this case was produced according to the technical process, the tolerance level of which corresponded to 45 nm. The first level of the fast cache was 128 KB, and the second - 12 MB. The number of transistors in this case was 820 million, the area of the crystal was 214 mm ² , and the dimensions - 37.5 x 37.5 mm.

Frequency

Intel's proprietary technology, called TurboBust, did not support this CPU. That is, he could not change his frequency dynamically, depending on the degree of heating and the complexity of the problem being solved at the moment. Therefore, the clock frequency was fixed in the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. The characteristics of the chip indicated that the frequency multiplier in the nominal mode is 8, and the system bus frequency is 400 MHz. Multiplying these two numbers together, we get 3200 MHz - this is the clock speed of the CPU on the passport. The multiplier was unblocked.

With a power supply unit with a power reserve and a high-quality cooling system, the multiplier value can be set to 10. This allows you to get the CPU clock frequency at 4 GHz by overclocking and the 15% increase in performance from the test results. All this in the sum did not leave the slightest chance to the competitors of this product. This is really the best CPU that you could buy in 2008.

Thermal package

Thermal package for Intel Core 2 Extreme Processor QX9770 Was equal to 136 watts. Against the backdrop of modern flagship solutions with a score of less than 100 watts, this value really looks very overpriced. But at that time, something better to expect from the chip, produced by the most advanced technology at that time, was not necessary. The maximum temperature for this silicon crystal was 55 ^° C. In reality, this value was in the range from 30 ^° C to 52 ^° C. In any case, for a stable and reliable operation, and to ensure reliable heat dissipation, it was necessary to have such a PC without fail Equip with a quality cooling system.

Prices, owner reviews

The key drawback of the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 was its cost. The manufacturer advised him to buy for $ 1000, but in the domestic market at the start of sales, this value was increased by 1.5 times, and in fact, such a chip could be purchased at best for $ 1500. This is quite a high cost for a computer component, which becomes obsolete in 2-3 years. Therefore, it is better to leave the issue of expediency of its purchase open. In other respects, this CPU could boast of excellent energy efficiency, phenomenal performance, and good overclocking potential. Therefore, from the position of technical parameters, this processor did not cause any criticism.

Results

The flagship processor for its time was the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. He without any problems in terms of performance bypassed any of his competitors. The only downside, as noted earlier, is the high cost. But the problem here was the lack of competition in the segment of the most productive solutions. AMD at that time in the development of the CPU was behind and could not offer a worthy alternative. Therefore, Intel already at its discretion set the price for its products, which was really sky-high.