Intel Core i5 750 Review - Overclocking Phase-Change vs LN2

CPU by massman @ 2009-09-13

Intel´s latest CPU is put to the test against their own Core 2/Quad and Core i7 series, as well as AMD´s Phenom II. We wrap up the testing with an overclocking session using phase-change and LN2 Cooling. Does the Core i5 and S1156 i7 impress? Let us find out

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MSI P55-GD80 - Pictures

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Micro Star International was founded 22 years ago, back in 1986. From then on MSI grew to become one of the world largest mainboard manufacturer as well as being a market leader in the video card industry. But there is more, MSI is specialized in the server industry, notebooks, barebone systems, add-on cards, communication and many more consumer electronics. When you go visit your nearby computer retailer the chance that you stumble upon a MSI product is very real, not just because MSI offers a wide range of products but also because of their large availability in the entire world. Everyone who has done something with computers probable recognizes these three letters in group.

Previous reviews containing MSI motherboards:

  • MSI X58M LGA 1366 Intel X58 Micro ATX Motherboard Review
  • AM3 motherboard shootout: DFI DK 790FXB-M3H5 vs. MSI 790FX-GD70
  • 7 Intel Core i7 X58 Motherboards Tested and Compared
  • MSI P45-8D Memory Lover Motherboard Review
  • P45 head-to-head: MSI P45 Platinum and Asus Maximus II Formula
  • MSI P7N SLI Platinum (750i) Motherboard Review
  • 4-Way Intel P35 Motherboard Overclocking Roundup
  • MSI K9N SLI Platinum AM2 Motherboard Preview
  • MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum A64 S939 Review
  • MSI K7N2 Delta2 Platinum Athlon XP nForce2 Review
  • VIA KT400 Chipset Overclocking

    BOX AND ACCESSOIRES

    Madshrimps (c)


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    The GD80 is MSI's high-end solution for LGA1156 and that you notice when opening the box. The amount of extra's and added features is absolutely complete.

    Underneath a list of the box' content:

  • 8 x Manual (incl. user guide and reference files)
  • 5 x M-connector
  • 5 x Sata cable
  • 4 x V-check cable
  • 3 x SLI cable
  • 2 x Drivers disc
  • 2 x Molex-to-sata cable
  • 1 x Crossfire cable
  • 1 x E-sata bracket
  • 1 x IDE cable
  • 1 x I/O Shield
  • 1 x Molex-to-two-sata cable
  • 1 x USB bracket

    Motherboard

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    As complete as the added peripherals are, the board itself might even be more complete. Without going too much into detail (we are not a marketing website), I can say that the touch-on power buttons really are a nifty feature. As for overclockers, the V-check and the V-switch tools will definitely come in handy! For more details on the motherboard's specs, please refer to the list underneath:

  • 7 x USB 2.0 ports
  • 6 x Flexible Audio ports
  • 2 x Lan ports
  • 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
  • 1 x PS/2 mouse port
  • 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out connector
  • 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out connector
  • 1 x Esata/usb combo port

  • 3 x PCI Express x16 slot (x16/x0/x0 or x8/x8/x0 or x8/x8/x4)
  • 2 x PCI Express x1 slots
  • 2 x PCI slots

  • 8 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
  • 4 x System fan headers
  • 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
  • 2 x BCLK control buttons
  • 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
  • 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
  • 1 x CD-In connector
  • 1 x Chassis intrusion connector
  • 1 x Clear cmos button
  • 1 x CPU fan header
  • 1 x CPU phase led panel
  • 1 x D-Led2 panel connector
  • 1 x Debug led panel
  • 1 x Front panel audio header
  • 1 x Green power button
  • 1 x Green power genie connector
  • 1 x IDE connector
  • 1 x IEEE1394 header
  • 1 x OC Genie button
  • 1 x Over-voltage switch
  • 1 x Power button
  • 1 x Reset button
  • 1 x S/PDIF Out header
  • 1 x TPM module connector
  • 1 x Voltage check point set

    Madshrimps (c)

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    Comment from Massman @ 2009/09/13
    As said: a lot more to digg into. Expect more overclocking action, more motherboards, more turbo mode testing, more memory testing ...

    Much more
    Comment from Diegis0n @ 2009/09/14
    Great work PJ!

    It makes me count my money and try to get a i5 platform

    UD3 + 750: 277€, surprisingly affordable since i can sell C2 combo out for ~200.

    I'll be ready for some action in a few months btw, lots of hardware will become "available"
    Comment from Kougar @ 2009/09/14
    Nice article... Looks like Turbo Mode will make subzero OC'ing rather interesting...

    Quote:
    just think about the secrecy with which AMD developed its new HD58xx series: so close to the launch and publicly no one has a real clue about its performance.
    Spoke too soon. Still, is a very valid point. The entire NDA situation with Lynnfield is not just absurd, it is plain stupid.
    Comment from thorgal @ 2009/09/15
    Seems you woke up someone at Anandtech LOL. One day after your article they present a clock comparison themselves
    Comment from Diegis0n @ 2009/09/15
    I well prefer PJ's writing skills; at least there's some nice pictures to look at
    Comment from bartx @ 2009/09/16
    Nice work. I like reviews from [M]

     

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