Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 Review & Overclocking - PAGE 1

Today we are looking at an Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 - a 'value' quad core CPU.

The Q8300 is a 45nm Penryn derived part, and consists of two dual core die's in an MCM (multi-chip module) module like all other current Core 2 Quad processors. By contrast, the Core i7 has all four cores on a single die.

There are basically three variants of the 45nm Core 2 Quad:

• 6MB of L2 cache per die (12MB per MCM)
• 3MB of L2 cache per die (6MB per MCM)
• 2MB of L2 cache per die (4MB per MCM)

In a nutshell, the more L2 cache a chip has, the faster it will run software - so Intel prices the processors by a combination of L2 cache size and frequency; however there is a potential price advantage to parts with a smaller L2 cache, as it allows Intel to use a smaller die, thus getting more dies per wafer, instead of disabling part of a larger cache.

Theoretically, with a smaller die, the 45nm Core 2 Quad Q8300 ought to be a great overclocker - unfortunately the rather low multiplier of 7.5 will drastically limit the overclocking potential of the chip due to its normal 1333MHz FSB.

We will be comparing the Q8300 to the following processors:

• Core i7 920
• Core 2 Quad QX9770
• Q8200
• Phenom II X4 940
• Phenom II X4 810
• Phenom X4 9950

My main focus for this look at the chip is to see how it would performs in terms of value for the dollar.

Specifications:

Product Family: Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor
Code Name: Products formerly Yorkfield
Launch Date: Q4'08
Mfg Availability: 2+ Years
Lithography: 45 nm
Number of Cores: 4
L1 Cache: 4 x 32KB I cache, 4 x 32KB D cache
L2 Cache: 2 x 2 MB
FSB: 1333MHz
Clock Speed: 2.5GHz (7.5x333)
Intel® Virtualization Technology: No
Intel® 64 Architecture: Yes
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology: Yes
Execute Disable Bit: Yes
Intel® Trusted Execution Technology: No
Package Size: 37.5mm x 37.5mm
Tcase: 71.4°C Max
TDP: 95 Watts
Core Voltage: 0.962V-1.225V
1k Estimated Price: $183.00