Overclocking

We have had Core 2 Duo E6850 processor in our lab for quite some time now. Preparing for the launch of platforms with 1333MHz bus Intel sent us this sample. Like all other CPUs supporting 1333MHz bus, this processor is based on G0 core stepping that boasts lower heat dissipation and slightly better frequency potential.

This CPU runs at 3GHz default frequency achieved as 9 x 333MHz, i.e. Core 2 Duo E6850 has the highest working frequency of processors on Core micro-architecture today. The nominal VID of this particular piece is 1.35V.

We have already overclocked this processor before. In the first review of this solution called New Member In Core 2 Duo Processor Family: Introducing CPUs with 1333MHz Bus we managed to overclock it to 3.79GHz with the Vcore raised to 1.5V. Although that time we used a different cooler: Zalman CNPS9700 LED. This time we are going to use a more efficient Scythe Infinity cooler. So we could easily push the voltage to 1.55V and hit even higher 3.85GHz speed.

In this case the CPU not only passed all the standard tests, but also successfully passed the 12-hour Small FFT stress-test in Prime95 25.3 supporting multi-core processors.

FSB frequency in this case reached 428MHz. As a result, the memory was clocked at 1712MHz frequency with 8-8-8-24 timings. We ensured its stability by pushing the memory voltage to 1.9V.