Intel i7

sygnus21 said:

If you're going with a Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R, again, wait or look for rev 2.0 as these are upgraded boards from the rev 1.0 boards. Gigabyte x58a udr3 Revision 2.0

And if you do go with Gigabyte, here's a good site for tips/help - TweakTown forums - GIGABYTE

Win7User512 said:

They are both supposed to support 32nm 6-cores -- important to know for upgrading CPU.

Most if not all X58's will, you just need to check that the BIOS supports the chips, and if neccessary, do a BIOS update.

I know I had to do a BIOS update right off the bat with mine as it shipped with the basic BIOS (F1) which didn't fully recognize my 930 chip.

I would do some homework on BIOS updates on the board you choose prior to purchase, this way you won't be left in the dark should you need to do one to get your system up and running.

Good luck.

I can't find Rev 2.0 online anywhere.

sygnus21 said:

Looks like those things will be harder to find than finding gold in your back yard

It doesn't even seem to be because of high demand. It's not even backordered anywhere.

Guess I'll just have to settle for Rev 1.0.

What is the fastest RAM that 930 supports without overclocking?

I'm looking at a 930 + ASUS P6X58D-E + OCZ PC3-12800 (which is 1600mhz). From what I've read, the i7's automatically set it at 1066 as default.

My question about the speed limit for that chip was because the Intel site says "800/1066" for memory type. Not sure what those numbers correspond to.

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id...ec-codes=SLBKP

TVeblen said:

The lower numbered i7 processors are what Intel calls "Locked processors". These processors are meant to be run only at their stock clocks and speeds - *.

The fastest the memory is supposed to be run at these stock clocks is 1066. Your BIOS defaults will set the memory at 1066 regardless of what speed memory you buy and put on the motherboard. So if you were not going to overclock at all you would buy 1066 memory and save some money.

But what Intel intends and what people do are 2 completely different things. It has always been curious that Intel does not want folks overclocking their stuff. But people do all the time.

*- Asus motherboards have very convenient overclocking features. You can install faster memory for your 930 and set it to run at that higher speed in the BIOS without needing a college degree in electrical engineering. As long as you have the "AI Tweaker" set to Auto it is a one step effort. The memory is overclocked, I believe, by the good ol' bus clocking method.

I have 1333 memory running at 1333 with my i7-920 with no problems. My Asus board has easy settings for 1600, 1800, and 2000 memory also.

Hope that helps.

One important note: When you first set up your rig and test it out, leave everything at the stock, BIOS default, clocks. Load W7 and test everything out first to make sure you are not dealing with issues from some piece of defective hardware. If everything runs well, particularly video, then go in and set the memory to higher speed and test everything again. This method will make diagnosing new-build issues easier, should you have any.

Thanks for all the info! :)

Just to make sure, running the memory at 1600 will not likely damage it, the board, or CPU right? I haven't heard it does, and thought that speed was normal given just about everyone running between 1333 and 1600. I didn't realize the "i" series was "topped" at 1333 by Intel given that other quad cores before it had similar speeds. Just assumed the technology had advanced further.