Time comes to look at the Bios to learn about the options offered in order to configure the system the best way. In principle, we use the Core i7 870.

While the BIOS is not to my liking (not practical) in the first screen we get conclusive information processor and the memory size by figuring the HT technology to activate or not.

Additional information found in data relating to the motherboard as its model and serial number.

In the segment we have advanced the main settings of the various components of the system (USB, Boot, Video etc).

Here we can configure peripherals LAN, SATA, Firewire and Audio that are integrated into the P55 platform. If we are not handling any of them is preferable in order to nullify manage energy better.

If we know the system status, the Hardware monitoring screen is important to provide information about voltages, temperatures and even fan speed (in this case CPU Fan).

Performance Section (previously accepting a warning) is the specific place to make modifications on the processor upgrade and / or memories. It's a great success the comparative table on the Default settings, Present and Future with the aim of knowing in advance what we are doing (thus avoiding trial and error in some cases). At the top allows you to manipulate the Host Clock (Bus) but is manifested in default automatic.

When we entered "Processor Overrides" contains the multiplier, voltages extras and Turbo Boost technology. Unfortunately Lynnfield processors we have in our hands does not allow to increase the multiplier (more than prescribed) manually since it does not expect much in increasing the system bus.

Given that supports Extreme Memory Profile (XMP), selected the method is configured automatically memories at 1600MHz at latencies of 8-8-8-24 and a voltage of 1.65V. Otherwise taken at 1333 MHz (9-9-9-24).

If  to raise the bus frequency is the right place here because we can change the voltage options in order to get a categorical performance. However, taking into account the cooling system and other aspects of it is inadvisable to perform DP55KG intensive work in the area.
Rating:

For the analysis of this review, we use the Windows Vista SP2 64 bits running news programs (both the system and processor) and yield a great variety of application areas using in most cases a resolution of 1280x1024. We will also see the behavior in the scenarios of Multitasking, Encoding (video) MultiTOS-asking and file compression. It will measure the temperatures of operation of each of the processors Lynnfield (in idle mode and Full).

Here is a concrete example that is reflected in the task manager on the Hyper-Threading which we can appreciate the 8 threads on the left.

For a better idea of the impact on the empowerment of HT technologies and Turbo Boost performance tests, analyze a priori the system default in each graph showing the type of configuration.

The test machine is formed as follows:

     * Corsair Dominator DDR3-1600 4GB Kit @ 1333 MHz
     * MSI GeForce NGTX275 Lightning (OC)
     * Seagate 320GB SATA2 HDD
     * Source PowerCooler of 1050W PS-ATX PS 1050HE

Informational Programs:

     * Drivers
     * CPUZ - System
     * CPUZ - Intel i7 870
     * CPUZ - Intel i7 860
     * CPUZ - Intel i5 750
     * Sandra Lite 09 - Processors
     * Sandra Lite 09 - Memory

Overclocking:

     * CPUZ - Intel i7 870
     * CPUZ - Intel i7 860
     * CPUZ - Intel i5 750

Synthetic Tests:

     * 3DMark06
     * 3DMark Vantage
     CPU RightMark Lite
     * PassMark Performance Test 7.0
     * Cinebench R10
     * HDTach

Scientific Tests:

     * Science Mark - Molecular Dynamics
     * Science Mark - Primordia

Timed Games:

     Crysis Warhead - Ambush flythrough
     * Far Cry 2 - Ranch Small
     * Lost Planet - Performance Test
     * Resident Evil 5 - Benchmark

Realtime:

     * Grid - 70 seconds

Multitasking:

     * 3DMark06 Orthos + Science + Mark: Primordia

Encoding:

     * Virtual Dub Mod - Divx

Data Compression:

     * Winrar 3.70 - Tif Files

Temperature:

     * Intel CPU - Idle
     * Intel – Full

Informational Programs
  Drivers

Before starting the chain reaction of performance tests, we installed the drivers for the P55 chipset with Intel's property window.

While waiting to be installed the drivers prepare our cup of coffee for what's coming. Before we clarify that the video drivers Forceware 190.62 version belongs to which the GeForce GTX 275 MSI Lightning has much work to do.
CPUZ - System

First harvest information on the motherboard correctly identifying the model in question. Note the names provided by the program over the SB especially designated as HCP or Platform Controller Hub, nomenclature that has given its Intel P55 chipset as it is a unifying solution (single chip). We also have the BIOS version and video interface that operates at 16x PCIe maximizing the bandwidth.

The DDR3 memory operating in dual channel mode at optimal speed (1600 MHz through the XMP) forming a total of 4GB, enough for the tasks that we achieve. Recall that because processors are now integrated memory controller, it is appropriate to require more voltage to be a healthy range of 1.65V the (otherwise serious damage may occur).
CPUZ - Intel i7 870

This program has no problem detecting the processor splendidly identifying characteristics of which we discussed earlier. We can even confirm the support of SSE4.1 instructions and 4.2 for encoding intensive tasks.
CPUZ - Intel i7 860

Basically, the i7 860 has a multiplier less than the previous model resulting in a frequency of 2.8 GHz while maintaining the same amount of cache memory at all levels (8MB in 3).
CPUZ - Intel i5 750

The Core i5 750 has a speed of 2.67 GHz (133.5 MHz x 20) maintaining an appropriate level of operation without removing any memory cache (keeps the same) except that HT Technology is available having only 4 threads this being the most important difference. Anyway this model probably due to manifest temptations affordability in its acquisition.
Sandra Lite 09 - Intel i7 870

Impeccable performance gain from the i7 870 getting placed in an extremely competitive at par with other Intel solutions major. If we get the maximum benefit to the P55 platform, no doubt such a processor is an ideal companion.

In the media generates interesting results although there are no great differences with the Core 2 Quad architecture although these differences may be felt with particular applications (Cinebench for example).
Sandra Lite 09 - Intel i7 860

As expected, performance is slightly lower than the i7 870 but showing great potential that can achieve breakthrough levels if we activate the Turbo Boost or HT.

In this area where the CPU has an important role, the i7 860 shows strong leadership (especially floating point) also compete with solutions that give AMD Phenom II battle endlessly.
Sandra Lite 09 - Intel i5 750

When you run this test automatically comparisons point to lower levels (mystery) but does not remove the excellent performance achieved by the i5 750 showing that his name is synonymous with "inferior". Unfortunately you do not have HT which would increase its potential, but this is the series i7 800.

In this case maintains a good level to be an interesting idea to accompany an entertainment platform, especially for HD content (to have 4 cores).
Sandra Lite 09 - Memory

Now, using the best CPU to analyze the DDR3 memories are undoubtedly a significant improvement in dual channel mode compared to other configurations of the same type being surpassed only by the Triple-Channel.

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