Intel Core i7 Processor i7-920 2.66GHz 8 MB LGA1366 CPU BX80601920
by Intel
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Intel Core i7 Processor i7-920 2.66GHz 8 MB LGA1366 CPU BX80601920
Customer Review: My new favorite CPU
Summary: 5 Stars
My previous "favorite" CPU was the E8400 for price and overclocking ability. The i7 920 is now my new favorite CPU for this!
Pros:
* FAST
* Easy overclocking - I'm overclocking to about Core i7 975 Extreme levels (recommend the D0 stepping which should be widely available now)
* 4 cores, each with hyperthreading
* Great for dual video cards (or more) with more PCI-E lanes than the 8xx and lower series which only have 16 PCIe lanes for graphics use (I use dual video cards to run 4 monitors)
* Triple channel memory - lets me use 6x2GB sticks for 12GB with Windows 7 x64 (I'm using Corsair XMS3 1600 8-8-8-24 memory)
* Much less expensive than next higher model - the 940 - but can overclock to be faster
* SpeedStep technology lets my processor sip power when not computing - saves a bunch of energy, generates less heat, and keeps CPU really cool
* Did I say FAST?
Cons:
* Cost money?
Other:
* If overclocking, I would recommend an aftermarket CPU cooler. I use a Scythe MUGEN-2 but it's big and a bit of a pain to install... but has great cooling.
Customer Review: The D0 stepping really puts the Core i7 920 over the top
Summary: 5 Stars
I got my second Core i7 920 here on Amazon in early November, and received the D0 stepping. You can tell by looking for a sSpec number of SLBEJ on the box. (SLBCH was the C0 stepping.) You don't need to unseal the Intel box to know what you're getting, so you could just return it if you didn't get the D0. Not that that's likely anymore. I initially wasn't impressed by the D0, using the same overclock settings I'd zeroed in on for the C0. If anything, it seemed to run even hotter. Then I learned the secret. You can turn the core voltage WAY down, which is the key to heat. I was at 1.30 volts to run the C0 stable at 3.7ghz (air cooled with Coolermaster V10). I've been able to turn it down to just a hair over 1.20 volts with the D0. With the bclk at 194, multiplier at 21, I'm now running over 4.0 ghz. That's running Prime95 all night on all eight threads, with max core temps at 73 C or below. To summarize, the big improvement with the D0 stepping is being able to run with much lower voltages, which in turn allows higher overclocks with safe temps.Customer Review: Nice processor, intended for computer enthusiasts
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using this processor for about 1 month now, and it performs flawlessly. I would have to say, given it's higher price (compared to other processors) and high level of performance, at this time (early 2010) this unit is intended for computer enthusiasts like myself, and the average computer user would probably be happy with a less expensive processor.
This unit has 4 physical cores, so it's technically a "quad core" chip, however each core has hyperthreading automatically built in. This means 8 threads of data can be computed simultaneously.
Although you can run multiple programs at the same time (each program using a single thread of the processor), your programs must be specially designed to use ALL the threads at the same time. Many newer programs have been designed to use multiple threads. Photo/Video editing tasks are completed much faster with this chip.
If your budget allows, and you have a need for an (excessively) faster processor, I would highly recommend the Intel 920.
Customer Review: Awesome power for the future!
Summary: 5 Stars
This CPU is absolutely stunning. When I upgraded my custom-built Core 2 system for Windows 7 I wanted a CPU and motherboard that was ready for 64 bit applications. Together with this upgrade we upgraded the chassis with an over-engineered CPU fan and a bigger power supply, and the resulting performance is spectacular. Applications that used to take a minute or more to load now take ten seconds.
This CPU will really come into its own when 64 bit applications become available. Digital photographers, in particular, must manipulate huge amounts of data and 64 bit processing, together with the ability to access more than 4GB of DRAM, should make a huge performance difference. This CPU combined with Windows 7/64 bit will be ready for this.
My unit has worked flawlessly on a 24/7 basis using Win7/64 Pro. No overheating issues, just great performance.
Highly recommended. RJB.
Customer Review: It's a beast
Summary: 5 Stars
Excellent performance; you will not be disappointed. The processor is highly overclockable - with a decent aftermarket cooling solution, it can easily be clocked over 4ghz. Even with the stock cooler, I was able to reach 3.3ghz with safe temperatures (fan at 100%) under normal usage (but prime95 stress test would push the temps a little too high at this speed). Even without overclocking, I noticed an improvement in speed and multitasking ability over my core 2 duo system. Highly recommended, particularly for those building a new rig. I use the core i7 primarily for gaming and general computing.
Cons - stock fan is somewhat loud to me even at low speeds, though I strive for silent computing. Invest in a quality aftermarket heatsink/fan (plus it will enable you to push performance well beyond the stock 940 at less expense).