Thursday, May 24, 2012

Intel CPUs - Ivy Bridge

Hi folks,

Today is my day off so I wanted to use this opportunity to talk about Intel's latest offering in the CPU world, namely, the Intel Ivy Bridge Processors. It represents the "tick" in Intel's tick-tock model. If you are new to the computer components world, you might be wondering what it means. Fear not! for I shall help explain this model to you to the best of my abilities and understanding.

Intel uses the Tick-Tock model to release CPUs consistently without a break. A "tick" represents a refinement of the current micro-architecture by reducing the size and increasing transistor density which may enable new capabilities, higher performance levels and greater energy efficiency. A "tock" is a whole new architecture Intel will build based on the manufacturing technology used in the previous "tick" cycle.

The current Ivy Bridge is therefore the "tick" based on the Sandy Bridge line from Intel. Whereas the Sandy Bridge was based on a 32nm Fabrication Process, the Ivy Bridge is based on the 22nm Fabrication Process.

Intel Core i5-3570K



Set by Intel as the replacement to the ever favorite i5-2500K, the 3570K is a worthy successor to the 2500K. Same as the 2500k it does not feature Hyper-Threading but as before, in most cases you will not feel that the 3570K is under powered in any way. The 3570K is faster across the board than the 2500K with a difference of up to 10% in most benchmarks. It does however feature lower power consumption and combined with the Z77 motherboard, will provide a host of new features. However, it unfortunately also has a higher operation temperature.
So should you get it? That is an interesting question as the 3570K is clearly better but the margin is such that an argument could be made against updating your hardware. My thoughts are as follows. People will 2500K already in there system can safely stay with it unless they are the kind of people who want the newest hardware as soon as it comes out. If however you are building a new system, you might as well get the newer CPU as it is overall better than the 2500K, even if the margin is slim. Selling for $239.99.

Intel Core i7-3770K


The story for the 3770K is pretty similar to the story of the 3570K. Difference between the 3770K and 2700K is marginal at best. The biggest difference is that the video solution provided by the on-chip video is much better. That is a nice feature to think about if you are going for entry level builds and for providing simpler solutions for everyday computer work and, at best entry level gaming. Anything more and you are going to be looking at a dedicated video card anyways. As before if you are a new computer builder or a die-hard enthusiast, go for it but for most of everybody else, you can wait for the "tock". Selling for $349.99.






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