Intel Core i7 940 Processor BX80601940 – 2.93GHz, 8MB L3 Cache, 4.8GT/s QPI, HyperThreading, Quad Core, Bloomfield, LGA 1366, Retail, Fan
- Price: $559.99
- List Price: $654.99
- Manufacturer: Intel
- Item Model: BX80601940
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Box Size: ( Length: 8, Width: 7, Depth: 4 )
- Warranty: 36 months parts; 36 months labor
- Categories: Computer Components
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Intel Core i7 940 Processor BX80601940
Check out the most significant architectural change in the x86 architecture in 13 years, the Intel Core i7. Intel has completely reinvented their CPU design, removing the antiquated Front Side Bus and replacing it with the new Intel QuickPath Interconnect, delivering up to 6.4 GT/s. Also new to the Core i7 line is the integrated memory controller, supporting Triple Channel DDR3 Memory allowing for more maximum memory, up to 24GB on some boards, and faster access times. Located directly on the CPU die is 256KB per core of L2 cache and 8MB L3 cache shared across all four cores means the CPU can do more without having to access the main memory, further increasing performance.
The Intel Core i7 processor is the latest in cutting edge processor technology for the desktop PC. Based on the new Intel Nehalem microarchitecture, the Intel Core i7 processor delivers four complete execution cores within a single processor along with the rebith of Intel HyperThreading Technology, delivering unprecedented performance and responsiveness in multi-threaded and multi-tasking business and home use environments and the ability to simultaneously process up to 8 seperate threads.
The unprecedented performance of the Intel Core i7 processor is made possible by each of the four complete execution cores delivering the full power of Intel Nehalem microarchitecture. More instructions can be carried out per clock cycle, shorter and wider pipelines execute commands more quickly, and improved bus lanes move data throughout the system faster. This quad-core, eight-thread processor represents Intel’s continued leadership and drive of multi-core processing and more parallel computing.
Doing More with Intel Quad-Core
The Intel Core i7 processor is at the center of today’s most interactive and content rich software experiences. The evolving set of threaded multi-media applications, including digital content creation, will shine as users are able to complete tasks faster. Game play can achieve even greater visualization and realism as tasks such as artificial intelligence (AI), physics, and rendering can be distributed across each of the four complete execution cores and run in parallel.
Tags: Intel Core i7 940, LGA 1366
The purpose of this review is to evaluate if the i7 940 is a worthwhile purchase vs the less expensive i7 920. I cannot see any reason to spend the additional money for the i7 940. While overclockers or benchmarkers will gravitate to the i7 965 for obvious reasons, for more mainstream users, the i7 940 seems to be in a no-man’s-land of a very moderate performance increase for a hefty price difference.
Comparing the i7 920, I7 940 and i7 965 is fairly straight forward. They all have the same architecture and features. The main differences are their operating thresholds. The i7 920 clocks in at 2.66ghz, the i7 940 at 2.93ghz, and the i7 965 at 3.2ghz. The i7 965 also has a faster throughput (quick path) of 6.2GT/sec vs. 4.8GT/sec for the 920 and 940. Each has 4 cores, and 8 logical cores available to the system. While few programs take advantage of that many cores currently, with the release of Windows 7 and CPU/GPU load sharing, that will change and allow multi-core hyperthreading processors like the i7 series really come into their own.
This 940 seems to be the worst of the i7 options. Only 10% faster than the i7 920, it costs almost 50% more. The i7 965 has the added advantage of a faster through put (quick path) that for an enthusiast would justify the hefty price tag. For the average user, I can see no reason to purchase an i7 940 over an i7 920, considering a simple overclock will have the 920 operating at over 3ghz. a 10% performance increase for a 50% price difference is not justifiable.
I would recommend purchasing the i7 920 instead. It’s cheaper, and only 10% slower. You can overclock it to get equal or better performance with ease. If you have to have top end speed and have the money, I suppose you could consider the i7 965 which is easier to overclock than the i7 920 and 940 respectively. Of the three cards, the i7 920 easily has the best price point/performance ratio and is the best value.
Overclockers and benchmarkers looking for top performance regardless of price should get the i7 965 if they can afford it.
The first time that i tried overcloking over a year ago, my CPU got overheated and got fried.“*
The first time that i tried overcloking over a year ago, my CPU got overheated and got fried.:-~