Hardware Articles

Performance Comparison: E5-2690 vs E5-2687W

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When comparing two CPUs within a product line, it is usually very easy to tell which CPU has the better relative performance by comparing the specifications for each. The E5-2690 and the E5-2687W are a bit of an oddity in that they both have the same maximum Turbo Boost frequency even though the E5-2687W has a higher base clock speed. In this article, we will the question of whether or not the E5-2687W is actually any faster than the E5-2690 since both can technically turbo to the exact same frequency.

Tech Primer: Intel E5 Xeon CPUs (Sandy Bridge-EP)

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The launch of Intel’s new Xeon line has finally arrived with the arrival of the Intel Xeon E5 processors. With the move to the Sandy Bridge-E architecture, the E5 series should give higher CPU performance with the same or better thermal limits as the previous generation of Xeon processors.

Specs Explained: CPU

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With the advancement of computer technology, the number of specifications for each component in a computer has become overwhelming for those not deeply involved in the computer industry. In this article, we will explain all of the different specifications we list for CPUs and what they mean for you, the end user.

Technology Primer: AMD Opteron 6200 CPUs (Interlagos)

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AMD has launched their new Opteron 6200 series of processors (codenamed Interlagos) based on the recent Bulldozer architecture. Featuring an increase in cache size, up to 16 cores per CPU, a new 32nm manufacturing process and Turbo Core support — Interlagos should have many performance advantages over its predecessor.

Technology Primer: Intel Socket 2011 (Sandy Bridge-E)

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Intel has announced a new line of processors, which utilizes many of the advances in processor technology that was developed with the Sandy Bridge line of CPUs launched earlier this year. Codenamed Sandy Bridge-E, this article will examine some of the larger changes and how they will affect CPU performance.

Product Qualification: AMD FX-8150 CPU

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In this article we will be reviewing the FX-8150 3.6GHz 8-core processor from the AMD’s new Bulldozer line. We will be taking a look at how this CPU does from a thermal standpoint as well as how it performs compared to the similarly priced Intel Core i5 2500K.

Technology Primer: AMD FX Processors (Bulldozer)

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AMD has recently anounced the launch of the new FX series of processors (codenamed Bulldozer). Featuring an increase in cache size, up to 8 cores per CPU, and a new 32nm manufacturing process, Bulldozer should be both faster and cooler than its predecessor; AMD Phenom II.

Technology Primer – Sandy Bridge

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Intel has announced a new line of processors, which follow in the footsteps of the socket 1156 chips which have been popular in mainstream systems for the last year. While the role of the CPU is not changing, there are several differences from Intel’s previous generations. This article will explore the technology involved, in terms everyone can understand.

Cooling Solutions for Intel Core i7

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The latest powerhouse CPU offering from Intel is here. The Intel Core i7 — a quad-core processor available in three different speed configurations that is really taking the computing world by storm. Several new features have been added to this processor, such as on-chip DDR3 memory controller, smart cache, and HD boost. Of course, with all the extra features and power comes the issue of how to keep it cool. The Core i7 may be powerful, but it is also very hot running. From the stock heat sinks and fans, to liquid cooled solutions, the cooling possibilities are many. Unfortunately we can’t test them all, so in this article we’ll take a look at 4 popular cooling solutions and how they fared.