Core i7 Reviews

[N. Chapman]

So with all these core i7 reviews coming out, why hasn't there been any tests with FSX? Tom's Hardware didn't even test it. :-/

Is there a big performance increase with Core i7 in FSX?

[NickN]

1. In order to take full advantage of i7 you must buy the extreme version.. FSB overclocking no longer works

2. i7 will, in my opinion, (without clocking) increase FSX perf by 25-35% and with clocking, in my opinion, as much as 50% going apples to apples on the same video card assuming that card is a 8800GT or higher

3. Too clock the i7 requires an entire different approach

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/sho ... ?p=3379790

As shown in Crysis tests the i7 Extreme against the QX9770, without clocking on the same 3.2GHz clock, and, on the same video adapter nets a solid 30-35% increase


FSX will follow that trend I am sure


You will need 1500-2000 USD for i7 (Extreme +3 sticks DDR3 + x58 motherboard not including anything else in a tower) when released in a few days

[N. Chapman]

Thanks Nick but i was really hoping that someone would have published some numbers in the way of FPS with everything maxed and flying through the New York or LA area. I guess then there would be more stress on the GPU then because of all the texture work for all the buildings.

[macca22au]

Here I am in deep downunder Australia, where the i7 Extreme will retail at more than $A2000.  However I have been offered a deal on a new manufacturer warranted i7 940 which Guru 3D shows as the second choice i7 gaming CPU.   I can do no other than take it ... it also means a new motherboard, new DDR3 RAM (we are hunting down Nicks recommendations in this area, and a new DVD/CD RW.  

Yet the Guru 3D comparisons show this to be a powerful option even against an oc'd 9770.

I can only wait and see.  I will report back.  Nick no-one ever sends me anything to test, I have to buy it, so I will try and make the best of this setup.  Maybe try a small OC but within the basic temp range only.

FS11 better run out of the box on the hardware available at the time. Otherwise I will never be able to afford an upgrade again.  Mind you I might be looking up at the inside of the lid!

[NickN]

If its not the extreme edition overclocking the chip is very different from overclocking a 9770

Memory must be desiged for i7 and there are very limited options in that area right now. What is available is very high CAS timing

As for the result I can not predict how far you will get with the clock but you also need a heatsink designed for the new socket layout. Although you can do some clocking on the unit that comes with the processor to do any kind of high clocking where the advantage of the proc would really come through will require a replacement HSF and right now there are not a lot of options out there for those.

I really think people should wait to dive into this platform for several reasons

1. Memory speed and better timing product to be released in the next months

2. Heat sink upgrades for the socket

3. Cost to come down a bit as competitive memory enters the market

4. Time for better reviews and to look at how the platform may or may not help FSX


With the exception of a few motherboards some months ago I have been out of the testing game for a while so I pay for my toys like everyone else

[macca22au]

On the basis of your comments, Nick, I am going to run the system out of the box.

[Ivan]

me wants one...

But that 130W TDP isnt something to be proud of... just wait till they have that under control, as the coolers that are tested for it are over 1kg or so (guessing by the size)