Extreme and... er... not extreme

[THERESONATOR]

I haven't been researching the latest hardware for long, but I notice that the Extreme editions of Intel processors, particularly the quad core beasts, are ridiculously expensive relative to their not-extreme counterparts. Why is this?

Also is it worth shelling out the extra cash? I worry that even if it further satisfies the enthusiast's desire to overclock to the max potential, I might break it in the process of being said enthusiast.

 

[lyssword]

i don't know about extreme intel cpu's but I know about extreme kayaking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO2Abp0FbA0

 

[lyssword]

Originally posted by: THERESONATOR
I haven't been researching the latest hardware for long, but I notice that the Extreme editions of Intel processors, particularly the quad core beasts, are ridiculously expensive relative to their not-extreme counterparts. Why is this?

Also is it worth shelling out the extra cash? I worry that even if it further satisfies the enthusiast's desire to overclock to the max potential, I might break it in the process of being said enthusiast.

If you worry about it breaking, and then you have to buy a new one, then obviously price is an issue

 

[THERESONATOR]

Well, I don't find cash to be an issue, but like anyone else I'd rather buy it once, not twice. Just good financial sense isn't it?

 

[AmberClad]

They're ridiculously expensive because 1) they have an unlocked multiplier, and 2) there's a rather large premium associated with the best-of-the-best.

 

[THERESONATOR]

What are the implications of having an unlocked multiplier?

 

[The-Noid]

You are not FSB limited in your overclock.

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: Yoxxy
You are not FSB limited in your overclock.

Ditto.

It makes overclocking a LOT easier and also you are quite likely to achieve even higher clocks than any other CPU of the same series.

 

[aigomorla]

*sigh* <because its true, and i wish it wasnt>

The only EE processor worth it right now would be the QX9650. Reason is because im hearing its hard for the fsb communication device to talk to both cores when your overclocked at a high fsb.

So the highest multi you can get will be a 8.5x while on a QX9650 is a 60x multi.

That leads to a higher overclock without stressing the fsb communication device, and hencec hold a more solid oc.


This is coming from JAG on the Yorkies. On the Q6600, this statement holds true, hence why when you get to 400fsb+ you really need to push some voltage on the north bridge and the fsb termination voltages.

 

[THERESONATOR]

A lot of info to take in! Why not the QX9770, isn't that the latest one? Is there any danger in setting the multiplier too high? For example having a really low FSB but high multiplier to - what would that achieve? Also how do I have to adjust voltage in accordance with the multiplier, or does that have no bearing on it?

 

[THERESONATOR]

Also does AMD have an equivalent?

 

[aigomorla]

ummm...

the QX9770 will just have a 1600fsb. Otherwise i dont think theres a difference between the two chips besides slight tweeks.

The QX9775 will be only offered for skulltrail.


And to answer your last quesstion, NO.

AMD has no contender for this area and thats why people are very sad. The Kents even gobble up phenom.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: THERESONATOR
Also does AMD have an equivalent?

They had the FX series, but it's DOA ATM. FX-74 was the last entry. I believe they are working on a Phenom version, but to be honest, I wouldn't hold my breath. Phenom so far is an utter disaster, and we may be looking at a repeat of Cyrix's final days as a legitimate player.

 

[Sheninat0r]

AMD Black Edition processors have unlocked multipliers, but no Black Phenom yet.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: Sheninat0r
AMD Black Edition processors have unlocked multipliers, but no Black Phenom yet.

Only the BE 5000+. The BE 6400+ doesn't have an unlocked multi.

 

[lopri]

Originally posted by: Sheninat0r
AMD Black Edition processors have unlocked multipliers, but no Black Phenom yet.

It's hot off the oven.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819103244

 

[taltamir]

Well... if money is absolutely not an issue then why not? I mean even if I was a millionere I Wouldn't... I would just get one level below it and upgrade every 3 months.
But if you are a person who throws money around... then at least those extra 500$ over the cost of the 500$ cpu means you get a little extra... compared to putting a diamond chandelier in your chevrolet malibo and making it into a 500,000$ car....