Shocker! Retail Core i7 CPUs caught using DDR3-1600 memory
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted March 6th 2009 1:07AM
posted March 6th 2009 1:07AM
The kids over at Maximum PC have told us a sordid tale involving Core i7 processors, "extreme heat and smoke damage," and a pair of jumper cables -- we'll spare you the details -- and have come to the realization that, contrary to popular belief, the retail version of the budget-minded Core i7 920 processor (and its midrange brethren, the 940) is shipping with unlocked multipliers and memory ratios. According to some "Deep Throat"-esque shadowy figure at Intel, the company chalks it up to a "marketing decision" made after receiving "requests from some of our customers." If this is indeed the case, customers will be able to rock the fast-paced DDR3-1600 memory without shelling out big money on a Core i7 Extreme Edition 965 CPU. And that ain't the least of it -- hit the read link for plenty of talk about QPI speeds and benchmarks. You'll be glad you did.
Hmm. Only for memory multipliers and for QPI speeds.
You still can't change the speed the CPU runs at without changing the input clock.
OH NOES! Now that it matters too much, as it's still a great processor as long as you have a good clock speed... (Correct me if I;m wrong here)...
And thus, the demand for the 965 does a freefall..
ill stick to my OC'd q6600. what could i possibly need more processing power for
And I'll stick to my Apple ][. What could I possible need color for?
I'll stick to my IBM XT. What could I possibly need more than 640KB for?
I'll just stick to pen and paper. What could I use a computer for anyway?
I'll just use my brain. Apparently everyone on this website lacks one. ;-)
@Kyle: I agree... 640K ought to be more than enough memory for anybody.
*scoff* Females? I'll just stick to my hand.
lawyer bird: You mean Apple-1. Or Mac.
The Apple ][ actually does have color.
"what could i possibly need more processing power for"
You could create a sophisticated computer model to analyze your posts for the purpose preventing inane comments.
It's a CPU that can run so hot it'll destroy itself. Can it do any other tricks?
Intel's CPUs shut off before they destroy themselves.
And a 920 doesn't run any hotter than a fast quad-core C2D.
I think you meant C2Q.
I was unaware Intel changed the name. Their initial press releases called the quad-core Core 2s (the first model, which was only available as an Extreme) Core 2 Duos.
http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/reseller/apac/eng/sales/336707.htm
Which was really dumb. I'm glad Intel changed the terminology.
@Why not
Huh?
Core i7 has nothing to do with Core2 processors. It's completely revamped and does not use a Shared Frontside Bus technology anymore. The memory controller is also integrated with the CPU, rather than the Northbridge - two technologies AMD has had since they first released the AMD64 cpu.
@Precurse
I'm quite sure he is aware of all that. He didn't compare the two lines beyond their operating temps.
I didn't know this is a news.
Am I missing something?
Yea pretty sure everyone knew this about a week after the retail releases. Or maybe I'm reading something wrong?
No, I agree... I was thinking what the catch, but there isn't one.
I can't find the news behind your Gizmodo-esque Shtick.
Hmm.. I am a little behind the times. I was thinking.. how the hell is the memory in the CPU?!?!?!
memory controller is built into the cpu
With high priced mem and mobos as a barrier to entry, they needed something that would start moving product in this economy.
i just recently did a build with a core i7 920 for myself, these settings are unlocked. i set out to get it running as well or better than a 965 extreme, right now i have the CPU running at 3.21ghz with a QPI of 7.7GT (6.4GT divider at a 160 base clock) with 6 gigs of DDR3 1600mhz ram. with the fact you can finagle the base clock to upwards of 200 stable, theres no need for an unlocked multi. there really is no need for the 965 extreme. :)
Wow! you're like... a nerd!
Bet you dinner talk gets all the girls going.
tim, you're reading and commenting on engadget
No Tim. The computer is HIS girlfriend.
i wonder whatever happened to kermit these days...
dora jus doesnt cut it.
Chalk a big negative for computer users who believe building your own PC is the most reasonable way to go to get more bang for the buck. I like the idea that everything can be modified for more speed, but it only works as long as you don't get carried away with that "I can tweak it just a little bit more" syndrome.
Huh? How is this a negative?
Apparently this guy doesn't know how to read.
Yeah let's all buy iMacs.
LOL.
Good to know.
Strider, Newegg has a promotion going on these aimed at the early adopter crowd if you feel like building a new rig. They even reference the rumor. Gotta love Newegg.
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Mar-0-2009/EarlyAdopter06/index-landing.html?
Cheers
Is this news? A little late to the game aren't we guys?
I've been using DDR3 1600 with my i7 920 since I bought it in November. The only thing that pisses me off is when I bought said DDR3 1600 from Newegg it was 250 dollars on November 25th, today it is 109 bucks. OUCH.
G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ - Retail
Item #: N82E16820231225
$249.99
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115202
$299.99
ASUS P6T Deluxe LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813131346
$299.99
Since the day I recieved it the CPU is running @ 4.0Ghz the memory is running @ 1678 Mhz and it is rock solid and stupid fast.
So this really isn't "new" news.
Agreed.
I actually have the same RAM, though I've tweaked the timings to 8-8-8-25. I shelled out $220 for 6GB of DDR3, now I saw it in the 'Egg's email for $99.99 with promo code, 109 otherwise. They have the Core i7 on sale too, though Microcenter has had it for as low as $229
I opted for the EVGA x58, and have my i7 920 running 200x20, Turbomode off.
So does any one know what brand of PC's have these CPU's???