Intel Ivy Bridge Processor IPC and Overclocking @ [H]

Xaijin said:
The thing is that if you are building today, you can get a 2600k at MC for $200. I can not justify spending an extra +$117 for 4-7% better IPC.
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The length of time that 2600k for $200 deal lasted could have been measured in microseconds. They went out of stock immediately at my MC and the deal was not continued when they went back in stock. If you know some place you can reliably get a new 2600k for $200 I would love to hear it.
 
Mr. Pedantic said:
That's my point, though. Reading the [H] review, I get the sound impression that Ivy is no good for, well, anything really.

Whereas reading the Anandtech review, I get the impression that there are some minor but useful IPC improvements, reasonably large IGP improvements, and similarly impressive Quick-Sync improvements, with lower power consumption. It's still not as good as Fusion with IGP performance, but it's getting there. All in all, it's impressive for a tick.

I can't really say that [H] did a crap review, it delivers exactly what the title says it does - IPC and overclocking comparisons with SNB. But given what everyone else has done, I think [H] has really dropped the ball here.
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Ivy is useful for the thing it was designed for... extending battery life in notebooks (ultrabooks) while the processor is under load. The enhanced IGP allows a notebook manufacturer to skip a discrete GPU without the portable computer becoming truly abysmal. On the desktop front the only real gain is, again, for cheap OEMs who want an intel chip for productivity but want to forgo a GPU.

For enthusiasts, unless you absolutely need the two extra SATAIII and PCIe 3.0, Ivy is a basically a total wash.
 
fps4ever said:
Yup, if I was getting a new setup and was keeping it at stock or mild OC then IB is a no brainer! The limited testing [H] did does did not due it justice, but at the same time nothing they said is untrue either.
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That's because they're tricky and clever! I still haven't read a single at least semi-thorough IPC review between SB and IB, instead they're all reviewing the chips and getting the same exact results. The point of this article, unless I'm mistaken, is to compliment other reviews from other sites as well as a future full review from HardOCP. I'd rather read reviews testing different parts of a chip than what amounts to the same review over and over again.

You guys may want to take a look at AT's IB laptop review and compare it to the desktop IB review. Note how much more impressive IB is in a laptop form than it is stuck in the desktop. Improved quicksync is great and shouldn't be understated, but as for the rest it doesn't really matter if you're overclocking both SB and IB. Frankly, I'm looking forward to the i3 IB variants later this next month to see how things stand between Trinity/IB in the laptop segment.
 
Mr. Pedantic said:
That's my point, though. Reading the [H] review, I get the sound impression that Ivy is no good for, well, anything really.

Whereas reading the Anandtech review, I get the impression that there are some minor but useful IPC improvements, reasonably large IGP improvements, and similarly impressive Quick-Sync improvements, with lower power consumption. It's still not as good as Fusion with IGP performance, but it's getting there. All in all, it's impressive for a tick.

I can't really say that [H] did a crap review, it delivers exactly what the title says it does - IPC and overclocking comparisons with SNB. But given what everyone else has done, I think [H] has really dropped the ball here.
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If they were going to keep it apples to apples, they should have thrown in a classic Core i7 with 4 cores to show the igp scaling between them.

I get the feeling that we are going to see another article, just like how they had broken up the GTX 680 reviews into multiple articles.


Also, I think that the 3570k is going to be the real monster here. Throw out HT and a bit less L3 cache and you have a lower heat generating chip. Clock speed difference is negligible and you knock a solid $100 off the top 3770k...
 
I get it that it's not a much of an upgrade coming from Sandybridge but what about us still running LGA 775 Kentsfield Q6600, which would be the better choice?

I've already bought an 1155 board but waiting on reviews before i splurge on the CPU. I don't believe I'll be upgrading the board/CPUfor at least 2-3 generations.
 
devman said:
The length of time that 2600k for $200 deal lasted could have been measured in microseconds. They went out of stock immediately at my MC and the deal was not continued when they went back in stock. If you know some place you can reliably get a new 2600k for $200 I would love to hear it.
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At least there is a Microcenter near you. The nearest one for me is a 1279 mile round trip according to Google Maps, and at 28mpg highway I would not be realizing any savings.
 
Soyo13 said:
I get it that it's not a much of an upgrade coming from Sandybridge but what about us still running LGA 775 Kentsfield Q6600, which would be the better choice?

I've already bought an 1155 board but waiting on reviews before i splurge on the CPU. I don't believe I'll be upgrading the board/CPUfor at least 2-3 generations.
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Get an IB for sure...upgrading from that old a set up.
 
big win for intel laptops.

this year's stripped intel laptops will be worth buying.
 
WEll done, [H]. With all the hype around teh intarwebz regarding IB, I was thinking we would see greater gains. Chock one up to ignorant over-hype, I suppose.
 
defaultluser said:
On the desktop AMD IGP still wins, but that's because they have the power to spare. But when AMD has to rein-in the power with the mobile version of Llano, performance falls drastically.

On the mobile end of things, they trade blows (with HD 4000 winning in more games):

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5772/mobile-ivy-bridge-and-asus-n56vm-preview/6

ivy20bridge20hd20400020vs20lla.png


This is why I say good job Intel: you've matched and almost beaten AMD IGP on the notebook.
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I think most laptop gamers would go for a discrete GPU. In which case AMD has the advantage of crossfire across IGP and GPU vs Intel + NVIDIA/AMD GPU.
 
devman said:
The length of time that 2600k for $200 deal lasted could have been measured in microseconds. They went out of stock immediately at my MC and the deal was not continued when they went back in stock. If you know some place you can reliably get a new 2600k for $200 I would love to hear it.
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They have been on sale for $200-229 quite a few times over the last couple months. I got mine almost 3 months ago on sale at MC for $229.
 
My wallet is extremely grateful this time around Intel, thank you! Seriously. Had Ivy Bridge Been a solid over-clocker, I would have upgraded my Sandy Bridge. New motherboard, CPU and finally, gone to 16GB of ram. Also, Corsair would have sold another H100. But, because there is nothing to gain, I get to save all that money for Haswell. They say a fool and his money is easily parted. When it comes to computer gear, I almost agree. Just, not this time around. Only a total fool would spend all those hundreds of dollars for zero benefit.

Thanks Kyle and Co.
 
The article was written with the enthusiast desktop Ivy Bridge processor user specifically in mind. I would suggest that the way we covered it will tell that specific demographic all they need to know about Ivy Bridge. If it did not then I would suggest your needs will be better covered at other hardware review sites.
 
im glad i read the review before i got all buying crazy

Fixing, thanks for the extra eyes. - Kyle
 
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I enjoyed the review, answers my question, my 2600k is staying where it is, specially since it's about the same voltage @ 4.9ghz, i'm at 1.38v,

The only thing I'm missing, is power draw @ overclocked #s.
 
What did you mean by "If you are using an Intel system prior to Sandy Bridge, excluding X58 users, then there seems to be little reason to purchase a Sandy Bridge system if Ivy Bridge is open to you as a choice."

Are you saying to me and my fellow old time X58 users that it's time to jump ship? I like my 1366 CPU... get off my lawn!
 
I've been waiting for Ivy Bridge (since I'm getting a new PSU, I'm not going to worry about power) should I just go for Sandy Bridge mainly because of the availability, temps, overclocking and price? Was thinking of doing a Z77 plus a SB? If I do that I can just order right now and get my system up and running this week.
 
I never seem to be able to hit those extreme frequencies anyway when I overclock because the temperature runs out of control or the system just becomes flaky and unusable. I'm perfectly happy with a 4.2 - 4.4 GHz overclock with very low power consumption and temperatures, which is what I'm expecting when I get mine.

The only thing that annoys me is the lack of VT-d in the expensive model (why is it present in the low-end i5 parts, but not in the most expensive part?). I think I'll build a separate Bulldozer system (based on one of the cheaper CPUs) for virtualization - partially to support AMD.
 
SolidSnakeUS said:
I've been waiting for Ivy Bridge (since I'm getting a new PSU, I'm not going to worry about power) should I just go for Sandy Bridge mainly because of the availability, temps, overclocking and price? Was thinking of doing a Z77 plus a SB? If I do that I can just order right now and get my system up and running this week.
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Only you can answer that for yourself but why buy older technology? Are you going to OC to extremes or what?
 
Seems like the opposite of the Bulldozer launch...sorta. With Bulldozer we had lower IPC, but higher max overclocks that can sort of compensate. With IvyBridge we have a slightly higher IPC, but with lower overclocks, however in this case the higher IPC may not compensate for the lower overclock of IvyBridge. Not saying Bulldozer is better than IvyBridge, but where with Bulldozer it was better for the Enthusiast Overclocker to get that over an older Phenom II(Max on an 8150 is around 5Ghz where the Max I got outa my Thuban is 4.2Ghz, and the 8150 at max is usually faster than the 1090t at max), with IvyBridge it seems that the enthusiast would be happier sticking with SandyBridge as the max I got with mine is 5.2Ghz (which more than makes up for the IPC difference it seems) and IvyBridge seems to max at 4.7/4.8Ghz. For the Non-Enthusiast this is a fine chip, hell even enthusiast who really don't wanna OC this is a fine CPU. But it's just scary thinking that the relative low Overclockability of the IvyBridge class CPUs as the second step in Intel's walking away from the enthusiast market. The first step? Not allowing overclocks on anything but the "K" and "X" series. I would personally have upgraded my media pc from a Phenom II x4 @3.6Ghz, to an i3 2100 that could OC to 4Ghz and, in typical sandybridge fashion, stay cool and efficient doing it. I really hope Piledriver performs at least at Nehalem level (it's sad that asking for that feels like a lot) IPC, otherwise, we may start seeing Intel step further away from the enthusiast market. It's gradual, but really bad things sometimes takes a really long time to occur because it has to be so gradual that you don't notice or care.
 
Xaijin said:
The thing is that if you are building today, you can get a 2600k at MC for $200. I can not justify spending an extra +$117 for 4-7% better IPC.
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Nope. That deal has ran out. Dammit should've bought that instead. Now I'm left wondering if I should just get 2500k for 180(which is norm for MC), go with 3570k which doesn't oc as well and will be more expensive(don't care about the HD4000), or stick with my oc'd 3.7G e8400 and wait another year for Haswell. Bahh :eek:
 
Good review as always, enjoyed reading the overclocking part.

Currently I'm still rocking my i7 930 @ 4GHz. My next upgrade will be when we can hit 5GHz easily on air. :p
 
Rauelius said:
But it's just scary thinking that the relative low Overclockability of the IvyBridge class CPUs as the second step in Intel's walking away from the enthusiast market. The first step? Not allowing overclocks on anything but the "K" and "X" series.
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You think Intel or AMD gives a rat's ass about the enthusiast market when they design a CPU? That's rich :D

Intel and AMD design mainstream CPUs to hit their performance needs for the mainstream market - any outstanding overclockability is purely coincidental. AMD and Intel used to ignore enthusiasts entirely because there was no money in it (overclocking cheap CPUs to get the same performance as high-end CPUs used to be the name of the game).

Intel has since completely shut-out the cheap enthusiasts, and now they only cater to the high-end overclockers. If you want Intel power consumption with overclockability, be prepared to pay extra - otherwise STOP COMPLAINING and get out of this thread and go buy yourself an FX-4100.

We cheap overclockers (yes, that includes me - I started with Slot 1 Celerons) got a good deal while it lasted, but those times are over. Luckily for you, you don't have to overclock that i3 2100 to get fantastic gaming performance: at stock, it's much faster than any AMD processor in existence.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-fx-pentium-apu-benchmark,3120-10.html

Also, nobody has checked this yet, but Kyle: whatever happened to the rumors that Ivy Bridge would have multiple BCLK settings (like socket 2011)? Is it true? Does this mean we could overclock multiplier-locked processors again?
 
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SolidSnakeUS said:
Isn't it usually about 4.8 for those?
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Yeah, that is more realistic for that series. But how much time is your pc actually going to be clocked at 4.8GHz or whatever where its using all that horsepower? IB should clock to 4.5/4.6GHz with better IPC and power management. I guess you can't go wrong with either set up though! :)
 
Won't be building a new rig any time soon I will be waiting until DDR4 is well established, then see what I can build.

Nice review, thanks.
 
My only question is...are we sure about the CPU enough that i wont regret ordering a 3770K sight un-seen on day one if they are still in stock? Basically i dont want to order and get it on day one and then threads on [H]ere start popping up with "Barely Overclocks!" and "Getting really hot!". Do you get what i mean?
 
NathanP2007 said:
My only question is...are we sure about the CPU enough that i wont regret ordering a 3770K sight un-seen on day one if they are still in stock? Basically i dont want to order and get it on day one and then threads on [H]ere start popping up with "Barely Overclocks!" and "Getting really hot!". Do you get what i mean?
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There's still some questions regarding the TDP. People have posted pictures of a 95W TDP 3770K but all of the reviews thus far have been 77W TDP. Whether this is a matter of Intel shipping the reviewers the better chips or whether the 95W TDP pictures were fake, we don't know :/ That will be cleared up when the chips officially go on sale next week.

It's hard to judge, from what I've seen. Some people have noted overclocks up to 4.9ghz with good cooling while others have posted only 4.5/4.6ghz with equivalent cooling. It's always a mixed bag but what can't be disputed is that these chips do run hotter so you'll likely need better cooling when compared to SB to reach equivalent clocks. The TJmax is apparently 105C but I don't think anyone wants to reach that high or get anywhere close. What we don't know yet is if Intel placed the temperature sensors in a different area or the chips themselves naturally run hotter.

As always, early adopters are the beta testers :mad: If I were you I'd wait a couple of weeks after launch and see what happens after the dust settles.
 
I have to believe Intel will release a new stepping to iron out some of the heat/TDP issues with IB. I'd give it about 3-4 months or so...maybe around Piledriver release?
 
pelo said:
There's still some questions regarding the TDP. People have posted pictures of a 95W TDP 3770K but all of the reviews thus far have been 77W TDP. Whether this is a matter of Intel shipping the reviewers the better chips or whether the 95W TDP pictures were fake, we don't know :/ That will be cleared up when the chips officially go on sale next week.

It's hard to judge, from what I've seen. Some people have noted overclocks up to 4.9ghz with good cooling while others have posted only 4.5/4.6ghz with equivalent cooling. It's always a mixed bag but what can't be disputed is that these chips do run hotter so you'll likely need better cooling when compared to SB to reach equivalent clocks. The TJmax is apparently 105C but I don't think anyone wants to reach that high or get anywhere close. What we don't know yet is if Intel placed the temperature sensors in a different area or the chips themselves naturally run hotter.

As always, early adopters are the beta testers :mad: If I were you I'd wait a couple of weeks after launch and see what happens after the dust settles.
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Thank you, the concerns you said are the ones i have been hearing about and wanted to confirm as still concerns. I totally agree with your last sentence, but it upsets me a bit cause i already waited...probably since August to build a new Rig, and waited for Ivy-Bridge..and waited...and waited..and it sucks for it to release and then still again, wait more. I agree with the [H]ard OCP review conclusion, if i could go back i would just have gotten a 2600/2700K back in Aug/Oct and skipped IB. But now iv waited so i'll be getting it.
When it comes to cooling, i have no clue what im going to do in that department. I love my Hyper 212+ but i am tempted to go the Pho Watercooling route (H70/100) but am not totally sure how good that route actually is.
 
NathanP2007 said:
Thank you, the concerns you said are the ones i have been hearing about and wanted to confirm as still concerns. I totally agree with your last sentence, but it upsets me a bit cause i already waited...probably since August to build a new Rig, and waited for Ivy-Bridge..and waited...and waited..and it sucks for it to release and then still again, wait more. I agree with the [H]ard OCP review conclusion, if i could go back i would just have gotten a 2600/2700K back in Aug/Oct and skipped IB. But now iv waited so i'll be getting it.
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Why did you wait for Ivy Bridge at all? When you posed this question in January even you admitted that you should probably have already purchased a 2500K or 2600K. When you said you wanted a platform that was more "futureproof," people suggested the 3820, which you admitted was enticing.

When you suggested holding on to your system, you said Wait For Haswell was the most logical choice if you didn't buy a system RIGHT NOW. Ivy wasn't even on your radar.

I see you took neither your own advice about the 2500/2600K, waiting for Haswell OR the advice of the forums to jump on the 3820. What do you have to complain about here, aside from your own regrets over indecisiveness?
 
MacLeod said:
They might be. This is AMD's chance to make up ground lost with Bulldozer. If Piledriver can come out with a big jump in performance, they wont be faster than IB but maybe they'll be fast enough to be a viable alternative
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LOL... been hearing that for five years now.
 
defaultluser said:
Why did you wait for Ivy Bridge at all? When you posed this question in January even you admitted that you should probably have already purchased a 2500K or 2600K. When you said you wanted a platform that was more "futureproof," people suggested the 3820, which you admitted was enticing.

When you suggested holding on to your system, you said Wait For Haswell. Ivy wasn't even on your radar.

I see you took neither your own advice about the 2500/2600K, waiting for Haswell OR the advice of the forums to jump on the 3820.
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I could explain myself, hell i was typing my explanation but i just deleted it to reply with this..things change. Whether it was then or now, my temptation to get anything other than IB has never been more than 49% so i never did, and in my most recent post i admitted that i probably should have, but i didnt and now IB is releasing soon so theres no point in looking backward at decisions i could have made, but cant anymore because i dont own a time machine. IB-E was always way to expensive and i didnt need the 2 extra cores for gaming/HTPC use, waiting for Haswell...well i bet i still could if i bought the SSD i plan on getting for IB and used it as boot drive, and got the 680/7970 i plan on getting for the IB rig, the 9550 would hold up, but i am selling the PC in sig to my brother so...why not just get IB now.
 
Why are people waiting to order this CPU?
Now that the results are out, this CPU is basically a more expensive version of SB, while offering near identical performance?

Surely the smart thing to do would be to buy Sandybridge 2X00K, looking for good deals on an SB CPU.

I honestly can't think of even 1 reason why I would buy an Ivy Bridge over a Sandybridge.

If I have missed something please let me know as I have waited for Ivybridge for months and am extremely disappointed.

Basically, this is Intel's Bulldozer.
 
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