DDR3 Memory Scaling: Intel's Core 2 Quad Examined

CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770

We could have used several popular Core 2 Quad models, such as the Core 2 Quad Q9650, but we decided to go for flagship of Intel's Core 2 Quad family, the Core 2 Extreme QX9770.

The Core 2 flagship is designed around two individual 45 nm Wolfdale die, each with 6 MB L2 cache, which combined adds up to 12 MB L2 cache. While the Skulltrail Core 2 Extreme processors are specified at a TDP of 150 W, the Socket 775-only QX9770 is limited to 136 W. That is still 6 W more than prior processors, but is acceptable for such a high-end CPU.

Hyper-Threading is not supported by Core 2, and the Enhanced Halt State C1E is missing as well, but SpeedStep and virtualization technology are included. The key difference between Extreme Edition processors and regular models is their unlocked multipliers. You can set any clock speed ratio you want, which is ideal for overclocking. We decided to stick to 3.2 GHz for testing, but changed the memory speed and timings.

Related Core 2 Reviews:

Wolfdale Shrinks Transistors, Grows Core 2

Intel Skulltrail, Part 1: The Power of Eight Cores

Intel Skulltrail, Part 2: Overclocking and Power

Intel Skulltrail, Part 3: Eight vs. Four Core Performance

Overclocking Intel’s Wolfdale E8000

Intel Power Consumption Then and Now