Xeons are new Opterons

lopri

Elite Member
Jul 27, 2002
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Received a Xeon 3060 (equivalent of E6600) and started testing. I previously had a very good performing E6700 @3.60GHz (360FSB, 1:1), but I didn't like the fact that I couldn't max out every component I had. (It was only last week the new BIOS allowed multiplier change on P5W-DH) So I had settled with an E6400 @3.40GHz (425FSB, 1:1). While it let me push my board (425FSB) memory (DDR2-850/CAS3) to limit, I was somewhat annoyed that I hadn't gotten a 'golden chip' that everyone seemed to be getting.

So ever since I found out about the LGA775 Xeons, I had the feeling they would overclock higher than regular C2Ds and have been eyeing on them. Plus, I haven't owned a Xeon chip to date (well, now I do) so I had no problem justifying my impulse buy. :D

To make things short, I now have a Xeon 3060 on my P5W-DH, mated with TeamGroup DDR2-667, and have been testing its potential. The results are quite pleasing to this point.

Max frequency under stock Vcore (1.30V): 3.15GHz (9x350)
3.60GHz @1.50V: Currently Priming @3.70GHz (9x411), 1.55V.

The performance is right up there with my now-sold E6700 and maybe some more! Although this is my experience which is less than 12 hours at most, I have a feeling that we have a succesor to the legendary Socket 939 Opteron. If you're looking to build a C2D rig today, I highly recommend to give these new toys a serious take.

Update: 3.70GHz done

Update (10/15/06): 3.80GHz is only benchmark-stable with my current cooling. (Temps rise above 70C load)
Unexpected bonus: I've just found out the new BIOS on this board allows 4:5 ratio @400+FSB. Now I have a more flexibility with the memory configuration and have nice and even DDR2-1000. :) Previously the only possible ratio above 400FSB was 1:1.
 

NoStateofMind

Diamond Member
Oct 14, 2005
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Why not get the 3050? I think we all wanted to know if the lower one's still had the 4mb cache! Grrr!! Bad Lopri Bad!

Nice to see it OC'ing well. Is that 1.55vcore in BIOS or windows?
 

lopri

Elite Member
Jul 27, 2002
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Vcores are set in the BIOS. Under load (of course in Windows) it typically drops by 0.03~0.04V. I could pick neither 3040 nor 3050 knowing my board's limit. (430FSB) Yeah but with a capable board, those low-multi 4MB Xeons should be a no brainer with current prices. (Check NewEgg for the prices. My 3060 was $327 w/ free shipping)
 

nealh

Diamond Member
Nov 21, 1999
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Hi Kane..man you sure do get some sweet cpus..another 50% OC congrats, my friend
My head is still into WCing too much


..I am pretty dense is the Xeon 3040/3050/3060 4mb cache per core or 4mb shared ie 2mb per core)

E6600 is 2mb cache per core....the 6700 is 2mb aslo correct???

I can wait for the holidays...wife will be out of town for a week....and a new Lian Li(I think anyway..conroe/mobo/ram/VC...now to start slowly setting aside some $$$)
 

zsdersw

Lifer
Oct 29, 2003
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None of the Conroe/Allendale/Merom/Woodcrest processors have "cache per core". The cache that's available, be it 2MB of 4MB, is shared between the cores. There is no dedicated amount.
 

emilyek

Senior member
Mar 1, 2005
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So a Xeon 3040 is a 6300 with 4mb cache for $20 more?

Am I seeing this correctly?

If so, I know what my next CPU will be.
 

NoStateofMind

Diamond Member
Oct 14, 2005
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lopri

Elite Member
Jul 27, 2002
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Originally posted by: nealh
Hi Kane..man you sure do get some sweet cpus..another 50% OC congrats, my friend
My head is still into WCing too much


..I am pretty dense is the Xeon 3040/3050/3060 4mb cache per core or 4mb shared ie 2mb per core)

E6600 is 2mb cache per core....the 6700 is 2mb aslo correct???

I can wait for the holidays...wife will be out of town for a week....and a new Lian Li(I think anyway..conroe/mobo/ram/VC...now to start slowly setting aside some $$$)
Neal,

Glad to see you alive! I know you've been into water sports and the addictive nature of it is why I don't dare to jump in. :D Yeah you can think Conroes have 2MB L2 per core, albeit in a 'unified' form. Allendales (E6300, E6400) have '1MB L2 cache' per core, which makes total 2MB shared L2 cache. As for the difference between Conroes and Allendales, just think of the difference between Toledo and Manchester. Other than the obvious multiplier difference, they share similar characteristics.

Let your wife know that I will call her and inform her of your purchases while she travels. No worrys. ^^
 

lopri

Elite Member
Jul 27, 2002
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Update: 3.7GHz done

Load
Idle

I might as well try 3.8Ghz for the hell of it but it looks like 3.6GHz will be my 24/7 clock.
 

NoStateofMind

Diamond Member
Oct 14, 2005
9,711
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Originally posted by: lopri
Update: 3.7GHz done

Load
Idle

I might as well try 3.8Ghz for the hell of it but it looks like 3.6GHz will be my 24/7 clock.


What kind of HSF are you using? I get about the same temps (a little higher) @3.5GHz with a Scythe Infinity.
 

compuwiz1

Admin Emeritus Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
27,112
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Hmmm. Compuwiz1 has been dormant for so many years, but I think your post has awakened that beast inside me. Now I am having trouble resisting the urge. :)
 

evenmore1

Senior member
Feb 16, 2006
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Nice! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

I plan to get a Xeon 3040. An E6300 with 4MB cache for $20 more? :shocked: New Opty 144!!

Can't wait! Hopefully they will make more models (not to mention cheaper Quads ;))