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Intel Next Generation Core i5-2500K and i7-2600K “Sandy Bridge” Processors Reviewed

Eric Garay
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Sandy Bridge is Intel’s next generation 32nm architecture processor adding to their already illustrious CPU genealogy. While Sandy Bridge is architecturally similar to the Core i3, i5, and i7 processors featuring an integrated memory controller and on-die integrated graphics, it is indeed a new beast.  The new on-die graphics core promises to change our perception of what integrated graphics can offer and new internal optimizations make the processor far more media aggressive than anything  have seen to date. Let’s go over the features that make this new platform special and see what the benchmarks say.

Sandy Bridge Features for Desktops and Laptops

The new architecture bridges performance gaps across desktop and laptop platforms inside the all new 32nm architecture. The overall goal of the architecture is to improve upon some very useful existing features like Intel Turbo Tech while offering a few new ones that boost performance in multimedia related tasks.

Sandy Bridge utilizes a new high bandwidth LLC (last level cache) and is able to dynamically access the cache as it becomes available skipping the need to transact with memory. This keeps much of the execution in the cache which further assists overall performance. The end result is much greater performance when the cores are in Turbo mode and ripping through both encoding and GPU heavy tasks.

The new Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 allows the system to maintain that automated overclock longer and sometimes higher through internal monitoring. Dynamic Turbo also compliments Sandy Bridge resulting in independent CPU core performance with automatic overclocking where needed, and disabling cores when not needed.

Sandy Bridge On-Die Graphics

For the desktop,  Sandy Bridge offers two different flavors of GPU: Intel HD Graphics 2000 and Intel HD Graphics 3000. Sandy Bridge Mobile is currently positioned to offer Intel HD Graphics 3000. This explains why some of the initial demos we witnessed revealed such great mobile performance. At the same time, each core’s individual turbo frequency was as high as 3.8GHz consistently during the task. It definitely would seem that an upgrade to Intel HD 3000 graphics is worth the money.

Being on-die gives the GPU immediate communication with the CPU through the previously mentioned LLC cache and video processing is completely hardware driven. Whether it be H.264 or MPEG2. For early adopters of 3D capable HDTVs, Sandy Bridge graphics fully supports Stereoscopic 3D Blu-ray. The end result is a far more aggressive GPU performance and potential overclocking performance.

Latest Sandy Bridge Updates

Since the launch of Sandy Bridge earlier this month, Intel has been working closely with Lucid Technologies to bring us some worthwhile improvements to the platform. First, P67 platforms using a discreet graphics solution will still be able to utilize the platform’s capable Intel Quick Sync (IQS) at the same time. At launch, that wasn’t possible. They’ve also made it possible to utilize dual displays with the H67 chipsets as well.

Even with these features running, we didn’t see the Core i5’s resources top 55% while transcoding and running a graphical application. That of course drops when using a discreet graphics card. And, the 3D feature encompasses all facets currently offered in the world of 3D whether pictures or movies. A few more details can be found in our CES 2011 coverage.





Current Intel Core Second Generation SKU Processors

Two versions of Sandy Bridge processors will ship in both the desktop and mobile markets. First there is a desktop series that offers “limited” unlocked features for enthusiasts. Then there’s the “K” series which offers an unlocked multiplier for overclockers. If you see Core i7-2600K in the name, it’s an unlocked multiplier. This is similar to the “Black Edition” moniker AMD uses for their unlocked multiplier processors.

Overclockers will obviously want the unbridled hidden potential underneath the K series as they are fully unlocked through and through. Your highest frequency depends on you skill and CPU cooling with early tests hitting 5GHz on air. The regular SKUs have a likelihood of maxing out at lower frequencies, if you can call 4.5GHz low. Either way, the processors perform the same at stock frequencies.

There are several SKUs that offer various TDP (power consumption) levels lower than we’ve ever seen. Processors from the “T” series require an impressive 35 or 45 watts depending on the model while the “S” series consume 65 watts. The lower the TDP, the lower the Intel HD GPU chip on-die. Overall, the mobile processors are positioned to consume the least amount of wattage right away which is a great thing for extending battery life.

The Core i5-2500K prices in at about $216 and non-K at around $205 USD. The Core i7-2600K will be about $317 and non-K model at $294 as well. At these prices, there’s no reason not to opt for the K series if separated by less than $30 bucks.

Exploring Intel DP67BG Extreme and DH67BL Media Motherboards

We received these two boards which are just a few of the many models coming down the pipe as you read this. One would think that the P67 chipset is the only platform to offer the farm to enthusiasts. That’s not the case. While the P67 has the BIOS and VRM necessary to support overclocking, the bulk of the platforms (depending on the model SKU) will offer a full line of features including SATA3, USB 3.0, Intel Raid Storage, and of course Intel LAN Pro.

The DP67BG Extreme supports dual PCI Express 2.0 graphics (8x by 8x) which is perfectly fine given current VGA doesn’t even maximize the PCIe bus. This platform supports DDR3 1600MHz which means there’s probably some headroom above based on past experience. Integrated audio continues to be Realtek ALC892 which can be a worthy codec if properly implemented.

As for the DH67BL and any media platform, it comes with all of the necessary video out ports to tap in to Sandy Bridge’s GPU. The DH67GD and CF are the Cadillacs of the Media series featuring DVI, HDMI, and Display Ports. You can also expect other vendors to offer fully packed boards as well. Again, the Realtek ALC892 is featured on this platform and is fully capable of backing up Sandy Bridge’s HD capabilities.

Test System Setup and Installation Notes

It’s always refreshing to work with some new hardware. Our two test systems here sport two different model Core series processors. The Core i7-2600K will be paired with the DP67BG ATX motherboard. And, the Core i5-2500K will be paired with the DH67BL micro-ATX motherboard. We’re including an SSD and a platter hard drive so users can compare their own system’s IO performance.

Sandy Bridge LGA1155

Clarkdale and Lynnfield LGA1156

Shared Components

Thanks to the Intel engineers, they’ve kept us updated with the latest motherboard BIOS and CPU graphics drivers.  However, I did discover that the DP67BG Burrage motherboard doesn’t like to boot with my favorite high powered Antec TPQ-1200 watt power supply. It appears that not enough load is placed on the board’s 12V rail, so it doesn’t start up properly. However, the DH67BL media board liked the TPQ-1200 just fine. Go figure. So, the final build is using the NZXT HALE90 750 Watt an 80Plus Gold efficient power supply. Can’t have dirty power mucking up the results.





Benchmark Suite Notes

For video game tests, driver settings were left to default. Game settings and resolutions are noted in the graphs. Hardware acceleration was enabled throughout as well. Your results may vary if your test system is configured differently.

CPU Performance Benchmarks

To save everyone the time, let me first say that the primary focus is in just how well Sandy Bridge’s architecture impacts media performance. We’re starting off first with a few encoding apps that make use of Sandy Bridge’s new architectural features like Intel Turbo Technology 2.0, new integrated memory controller, and of course Hyper Threading.

  • Graysky H.264 3.0 Benchmark
  • Cyberlink Media Espresso 6
  • Arcsoft Media Converter 7
  • SANDRA CPU Mathematical & Multimedia
  • 3DMark Vantage
  • Cinebench R11.5

GraySky H.264 3.0 Benchmark

Anyone can readily download this benchmark for free to compare their own system’s encoding performance. The surprise here is how Intel Turbo Tech 2.0 actually scales between the processors. I noticed that the 2500K seemed to jump in to Turbo mode more quickly than the 2600K. The end result is the four cores averaging each other in the first pass. However, the 2600K outpaces all of them in the second pass.

Media Espresso 6

In this bench, a 449MB 1080 video file is converted to 640×360 – 3Mbps video file using just the processors. Hyper Threading use to be the big dog here but it’s all about the Intel Quick Sync now.

When Sandy Bridge’s H.264 IQS hardware acceleration is enabled, encoding just flies like there’s extra processors hidden somewhere in the computer case. Lynnfield and Clarkdale rely on brute Turbo power and Hyper Threads to get the job done. This is why Sandy Bridge is capable of out multitasking the other cores.

Media Converter 7

Again, IQS proves to be far superior than the other two brothers. The 2500K needs a mere 30 seconds while the 2600K needs 23 seconds to complete the project. Without IQS, the 2500K is capable of keeping up with the 875K showing us how Sandy Bridge design is another evolutionary jump in performance.

SANDRA CPU Mathematical & Multimedia

This is one of industry’s staple benchmark apps that tests a computer’s components and subsystems. It’s a very thorough program which can be downloaded for free in a LITE version.

This ultimately sums up some of the reasons why Sandy Bridge is so capable. It’s a powerful media processor as evidenced by the results above.

3DMark Vantage – CPU Scores

Sandy Bridge just continues to be a performer beating out its powerful Lynnfield 875K sibling. The surprise is that the 2500K isn’t that far behind either.

CineBench R11.5

In our final CPU benchmark, we see more evidence of Sandy Bridge’s architectural improvements kicking rendering butt.  The results make the 2500K look like the optimal choice even if you happen to find the unlocked Core i5-655K Clarkdale some place dirt cheap.





Sandy Bridge 3D Performance

Everyone knows any Intel (or AMD) processor since Conroe coupled with any performance video card is more than capable with games. That’s why video games are the secondary focus even though a few are industry standard benchmarks. Keep in mind this is using Sandy’s integrated GPU which isn’t intended to replace a discrete graphics card so much as enhance the CPU beyond last generation.

Games represented in our 3D performance testing include:

  • Batman: Arkham Asylum
  • Resident Evil 5
  • Farcry 2

These three titles represent all the DirectX flavours and are still games that are both demanding and a lot of fun to play even today. All games were tested in both two popular resolutions for entry level graphics: 1680×1050 and 1280×720. The former represents most 22 inch LCDs while the latter is the standard for HD resolution. We included high and medium settings at 720p and ran only medium at 1680×1050 which we refer to in the graphs as “1050”.

Batman: Arkham Asylum (DX9)

Sandy Bridge leaves Clarkdale in the dust thanks to the internal graphics architecture improvements. Even if you overclock the Clarkdale 655K, it still won’t quite match Sandy Bridge. Let’s check the next one out.

Resident Evil 5 (DX10)

Sandy Bridge, of course, wins the day again. She’s tuned better for both DX9 and DX10. The frame rates again are nearly playable. Clarkdale is still much more capable than the old school HD 3500 and 4500 GPUs but it’s nowhere near the new hotness.

Farcry 2

You would think Farcry’s expansive mapping would cripple integrated graphics or GPUs that share memory. The short answer is no. Sandy Bridge can keep up to some degree while besting the Clarkdale again. Remember, Sandy is able to utilize the LLC cache very efficiently. That in turn helps cut down on the hunger for memory resources.

Platform IO, Audio, and Power Consumption

Measuring the motherboard’s expansion features are often uneventful. But, we have to make sure there’s on surprises or glitches in the chipset matrix. We also like to keep track of the integrated audio codecs and vendors who do a good or bad job of implementing them. Power consumption is often important to those who are green conscious such as home theater users and system integrators.

DP67BG and DH67BL IO Performance

As far as the PCI-Express bus is concerned, Sandy Bridge’s chipset no longer suffers from having to share bandwidth with any other subsystem which was an issue brought up with earlier Core platform designs. There’s plenty of bandwidth for all devices. The one thing I would like to note is that any real world SATA3 benefits for the desktop user are somewhere between “meh” and none at the moment with conventional hardware. At least the price of SSDs continue to come down which transforms SATA2 into a technology that is finally coming into its own for mainstream users.





RightMarkAudio Integrated Codec Test Results

Intel tends to do a reasonable job with integrated audio. Their solutions are typically free of excessive noise and distortion. Just to be sure, I tested both motherboards’ Realtek ALC892 codecs. Both scored identically so I’m only including the results from DH67BL Media board so that we don’t take up too much room:

24-bit 48Hz

24-bit 96Hz

24-bit 192Hz

As you can see, general performance is good. In some ways, both reference boards scored very good. The end result on both platforms was great clarity and good quality playback in analog mode.

Power Consumption

Pairing up the boards and chips, we saw a similar pattern of power consumption. For the DP67BG, you can blame the GTX 460 which is needed for video as the board doesn’t provide a video out port like the DH67BL. Still, the Media board consumes very little thanks to Sandy Bridge’s new architecture.

Sandy Bridge Can Overclock!

What was probably (inaccurately) leaked was that the CPU Bus Clock just doesn’t scale as high like Lynnfield or Bloomfield. But, that doesn’t mean the core can’t be overclocked. A little different technique must be mastered in regards to the CPU bus and multiplier. After applying very little patience to start, reaching the 4GHz region was as easy as enabling Intel Turbo Tech and increasing the CPU bus just a bit.

However, after switching over to the MSI P67A-GD65 motherboard, I was able to verify that if you go off reservation via the BIOS, my K SKU chips were very close to 5GHz just I had seen on ASUS’ P8P67 EVO motherboard. One thing to keep in mind is that Turbo can cause the clocks to spiral out of control. Even though you may only be operating at 4.2GHz, Turbo will try and boost on top of that which can become unstable. We’ll cover more overclocking later we’ll be launching our Intel P67 motherboard round up very soon.

Final Thoughts

There’s so many good things about Sandy Bridge, I scarcely know where to begin. First off, it’s a new processor architecture that offers valuable performance enhancements that even the average user will enjoy. This includes the new Intel Turbo Technology 2.0, the HD 3000 IGP and Intel Quick Sync. Sandy Bridge does a good job of using the IGP for boosting media performance as well as actually making some game titles playable even at 720p. It’s not hardcore gamer impressive, but it’s definitely much better than previous generations and should satisfy most casual gamers. The great thing is that these features are available in both desktop and mobile processors.

The bottom line here is that Sandy Bridge is worth the upgrade if you’re sitting there on a Core 2 based system. Performance is great, power consumption continues to drop especially if you’re on a laptop, and fully featured chipsets support it. The quad core 8-thread Sandy Bridge laptop I beheld near Intel HQ provided four hours of battery life while encoding some video. Try that on Core i7-700QM.

Pricing is very aggressive for desktops especially for the K SKUs which carry the more aggressive IGP and full unlocked features. At prices starting under $300 USD, that extra performance is worth the cost. If you’re still on Core 2 and have been saving your money for something new, this is the new you’ve been waiting for. Current Core i5 and i7 users could hang tight for just a little while longer.

Pros

  • New 32nm  Sandy Bridge Architecture
  • Capable Intel HD 2000 and 3000 dynamic IGP
  • Supports 3D Technology
  • Intel Quick Sync and Turbo Technology 2.0
  • Availability of K-SKU unlocked processors
  • LGA1155 socket works with LGA1156 CPU Coolers

Cons

  • Overclockers have to learn something new 😛
  • Native software application Support for Sandy Bridge is still coming

Overall Rating: 9.5 / 10.0

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