Intel’s Sandy Bridge-based processors dramatically advance gaming value by increasing performance at lower prices than LGA 1366-based configurations. But is the platform it sits on worthy of that CPU? We test three slot configurations to find out.
Test Hardware And Benchmarks
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Test System Configuration
CPU
Intel Core i7-2600K (Sandy Bridge) LGA 1155, 3.40-3.80 GHz, 8 MB L3 Cache Overclocked to 4 GHz at 1.25 V
OCZ-Z1000M, 1000 W Modular, ATX12V v2.2, EPS12V, 80 PLUS Gold
Software
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
GeForce Graphics
GeForce/Ion 266.58
Radeon Graphics
AMD Catalyst 11.2
Chipset
Intel INF 9.2.0.1019
Offering x16, x8, and x4 slots, we chose Asus’ P8P67 Pro to represent various slot configurations at maximum CPU performance.
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Benchmark Configuration
3D Games
Aliens Vs. Predator Benchmark
Alien vs Predator Benchmark Tool Test Set 1: Highest Settings, No AA Test Set 2: Highest Settings, 4x AA
Crysis
Patch 1.2.1, DirectX 10, 64-bit executable, benchmark tool Test Set 1: Highest Quality, No AA Test Set 2: Highest Quality, 4x AA
F1 2010
v1.01, Run with -benchmark example_benchmark.xml Test Set 1: Highest Settings, No AA Test Set 2: Highest Settings, 4x AA
Just Cause 2
Version 1.0.0.2, Built-In Benchmark "Concrete Jungle" Test Set 1: Highest Details, No AA, 16x AF Test Set 2: Highest Details, 4x AA, 16x AF
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call Of Pripyat
Call Of Pripyat Benchmark version, all options, HDAO Test Set 1: Ultra Preset, DX11 EFDL, Ultra SSAO, No AA Test Set 2: Ultra Preset, DX11 EFDL, Ultra SSAO, 4x MSAA
Synthetic Benchmarks and Settings
3DMark 11
Version: 1.0.1.0, Benchmark Only
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