Own An Intel K-Series CPU? Win A Core i7-980X!
Do you own one of Intel's new K-series CPUs? How high have you overclocked it? We have a bunch of hardware here to give away, if you're willing to share your overclocking successes!
Update: After some initial issues getting contest entrants connected to their automatic CPU-Z submissions, we've changed this up a bit (and sent emails to the folks who expressed their desire to enter). Rather than simply submitting your validated CPU-Z link, we need the Submitted By: field to read FirstnameLastname THContest (for example: JohnSmith THContest). This will allow us to match the submission to the entry email. Of course, make sure that email has your name in it somewhere, rather than a username or handle, so it can be matched to CPU-Z.
If your first and last name exceed CPU-Z's character limit, use your first initial and last name (my screenshot below is CAngelini THContest, for instance).
In order to accommodate this change, we've extended the contest duration to September 30th. So, if you'd still like to enter, there's time!
For nearly a decade, the only multiplier-unlocked processors that Intel sold were its Extreme Edition chips. Of course, those $1000 processors have always been priced well beyond the budgets of most enthusiasts. The launch of the Core i7-875K and Core i5-655K CPUs changed that, bringing unlocked multiplier ratios down to price points power users can actually afford ($342 and $216, respectively).
Back in May, when these two chips launched, we had good luck overclocking them using air cooling. Our quad-core Lynnfield-based -875K was stable enough to complete our entire benchmark suite at 4.13 GHz, and the Clarkdale-based Core i5-655K peaked at an astronomical 4.66 GHz.
We don’t think those processors necessarily topped out, though. The Core i7-875K was nearly solid at 4.26 GHz and the i5-655K finished most of our tests at 4.8 GHz. We were even able to get it to POST at 4.93 GHz. On air. At 1.45 V.
Don’t get us wrong. We’re not that proud of ourselves. After all, we’ve seen Core i5-655K overclocks up above 7.3 GHz (and more than 2 V—ouch). But if you think you can do better than us, we certainly want to see what you can do.
Intel was kind enough to kick in a little summer sizzle to make the stakes a bit more interesting, too.
- If you submit the highest-frequency overclock on either CPU, you’ll win a Core i7-980X processor, an Intel DX58SO motherboard, and two Intel X25-M 80 GB SSDs to build a quick little RAID 0 array with.
- If your submission falls into second or third place, you’ll win a Core i7-980X processor and DX58SO motherboard.
- If you’re fourth through 23rd (the next 20 highest entrants), you’ll win two cases of Talking Rain Sparkling ICE water to tide you over until it gets a little cooler outside (hey, it’s still in the 90s down here in Southern California). That's 24 winners total.
Here’s what you need to do:
Once you’ve hit the maximum overclock on your Core i7-875K or Core i5-655K processor via any cooling technique you want to use, fire up the latest version of CPU-Z (1.55). Click the Validate button, and, using the Online mode, submit your results with Tom’s Hardware Contest (please see the update at the top of this post for more instructions on submissions) in the Name field. This will show Submitted by: online.
Read and then fill out our entry form to indicate your intention to participate in the contest.
You’ll receive a confirmation email within two or three days. Send your validated CPU-Z link to the address specified in that email. You’re then entered in the contest!
We’re running the contest from September 4th to the 25th. Good luck!
I have another special-ops overclocking project in the works that you should see online before the contest ends. Keep an eye out for that one, too!
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above 7.5ghz? holy balls..that'll need a 10 foot radiator + an air conditioner to keep cool
or i suppose that sparkling juice could do the trick....oh that looks thirst quenching...
*sigh*
How about one for AMD Phenom II Black Edition Owners?
/off topic self pity
above 7.5ghz? holy balls..that'll need a 10 foot radiator + an air conditioner to keep coolor i suppose that sparkling juice could do the trick....oh that looks thirst quenching...
Liquid Nitrogen!
*sigh*How about one for AMD Phenom II Black Edition Owners? /off topic self pity
i'm right there with u
This is great! They're giving away what, $4500 worth of CPUs, $400 worth of SSDs, $800 in motherboards. Say they get 10,000 applicants and 1% (100) fry their CPUs in the process of overclocking... then they buy a replacement that costs $342 or $216... meaning they at least make $21,600 off this.
*sigh*How about one for AMD Phenom II Black Edition Owners? /off topic self pity
Remember that one time when we gave away the AMD Phenom II X4 42 Black Edition TWKR CPUs? No? Here's the link ;-)
And of course, we're not looking for anyone to fry their hardware. Just show us what you've already done with your K-series chip. There's a good chance that you'll at least walk away with the water just for entering!
If you guys don't have a K-series processor, please allow me to show you to the System Builder Marathon giveaway going on right now! Three full systems being awarded, no strings-attached!
Why not for us older i7 users??
And for what it's worth guys, I'm going to try to keep contests running so there will always be a chance to win some new gear just for reading the site. Much love!
Chris
*sigh*How about one for AMD Phenom II Black Edition Owners? /off topic self pity
I think they could easily do it IF AMD gave them free CPUs and mobos to give away. Remember, Intel gave THG the parts to give away.
But thats all because Intel is pretty good at marketing. Maybe AMD will do it soon.
how about one for an older amd XD (lets say athlon 64 X26400) *sorry had to try....dont have the cash while in college for anything better*
For those who can enter, good luck :-D
dtemple ~ you criticizing intel for the applicants stupidity?
Comp seem's nice, too bad I don't have one of these CPU's...
I've been looking for benches but there aren't really any around. can tom's hardware do a article on these, comparing them to phenom 955/965's and thuban 1090t's plus an i5-750 i7-870 i7-920 and i7-980x
I know thats ALOT of benchmarking, but it would help put these CPU's into perspective.
dtemple ~ you criticizing intel for the applicants stupidity?Comp seem's nice, too bad I don't have one of these CPU's...I've been looking for benches but there aren't really any around. can tom's hardware do a article on these, comparing them to phenom 955/965's and thuban 1090t's plus an i5-750 i7-870 i7-920 and i7-980xI know thats ALOT of benchmarking, but it would help put these CPU's into perspective.
Hi decode!
We covered them at launch; here's the link to that story!
Regards,
Chris
time for some liquid helium i think lol
Makes me wish I had the needed stuff to pull this off
Just a modest 1366 setup though
it doesnt have to be stable. just stable enough to log into windows and validate
Hi decode!We covered them at launch; here's the link to that story!Regards,Chris
Thanks man, Nice response time too!
Can't wait for the new 6xxx series, hope you guys beat rage3d etc for the un/official info's and benchmarks in future then I don't have to go googling constantly
I'll be at IDF next week, poking and prodding for whatever info I can get =)
At first I thought it was one bottle of water. Two cases ain't bad. =P
Tom's seems to be having contests pretty regularly now, huh? I like it.
BTW, does anyone know when it's revealed who was the smartest and most witty? That was the most awesome contest in the history of contests.
Nice. Good luck to all the contestants!
How about us people that still can't afford more than a Dual-core? I still have a 5600+ Windsor in my computer. =/
Dear Tom's, Im sure that yourselves and Intel have the best intentions of giving away all this cool hardware to a few lucky winners, but the true logic of it is that these people that qualify already have a brand new PC infront of them and the means of affording that kind of stuff. And to a greater extent your limiting it to people that have the resources and knowledge to do this kind of thing.
Why not do something for the little guy still just getting by with a P4, that cant enjoy that kind of financial freedom? Do not get me wrong its very nice thing to do, but seems like your giving things to the wrong demographic.
I envy this contest, I can only put my tongue out.
Dear Tom's, Im sure that yourselves and Intel have the best intentions of giving away all this cool hardware to a few lucky winners, but the true logic of it is that these people that qualify already have a brand new PC infront of them and the means of affording that kind of stuff. And to a greater extent your limiting it to people that have the resources and knowledge to do this kind of thing.Why not do something for the little guy still just getting by with a P4, that cant enjoy that kind of financial freedom? Do not get me wrong its very nice thing to do, but seems like your giving things to the wrong demographic.
I have to agree in that it is a great contest but it only appeals/applies to a very small number of your readers. Kudos for giving away the nice hardware but next time if you could come up with a contest that more people could participate in.
Commenters are not thinking in a marketing kind of way. This is a simple,yet cost effective way to shine a light on Intel's new K line of products. Also to prove what a few normal people can do overclocking the new chips.
As far as who can enter the contest goes,Fair don't come into play.
Even if you don't own one, your talking about one..
That means it's working.
Dear Tom's, Im sure that yourselves and Intel have the best intentions of giving away all this cool hardware to a few lucky winners, but the true logic of it is that these people that qualify already have a brand new PC infront of them and the means of affording that kind of stuff. And to a greater extent your limiting it to people that have the resources and knowledge to do this kind of thing.Why not do something for the little guy still just getting by with a P4, that cant enjoy that kind of financial freedom? Do not get me wrong its very nice thing to do, but seems like your giving things to the wrong demographic.
Check out those SBM contests
Best of luck!!
Chris
I understand the not being able to participate thing as I certainly don't have the overclocker know-how to compete. But they do contests fairly often, and this has been the first in awhile I've seen that has had any real requirements. Plus, the results will be interesting, and there wont be a thousand pity-me-more-than-the-other-guy-so-I-can-get-free-$#!T comments to read through for them. Also, theChief73 & otacon72: It's not them limiting anything, I doubt Toms can call up Intel and demand $5000+ worth of hardware for a free giveaway all the time. This way Toms gets to give its readers, especially the crazy-overclocking variety, good information about overclocking capabilities and free expensive goodies. (What could be better than expensive goodies?) While Intel gets free stress-testing of its product for bragging rights, some nice PR, and some income from people melting their cpus and buying new ones. Sounds like a win for everyone but the cpu-melters. So kudos to Toms for giving away awesome hardware in a creative manner and double kudos for doing it so often.
You know what would be way cooler then this ?, The same contest but with any cpu you would like to use! The winner would be the one that gets the biggest OC percentage relative to the original core speed.
*looks at old faithful Q6600* *sigh*
*sigh*How about one for AMD Phenom II Black Edition Owners? /off topic self pity
Same except mine is a X3 Rana 440 unlocked 4th core. Maybe we will get in on the next giveaway.
Best of luck!!
Chris
rule.
:| .. guru3d did something "global" a while back.
can we do a competition fo rus socket 754 users... oh i'm the only one /pout ..
but look forward to when you guys post results, 7.3Ghz is Redickulously awsome