Switched On Tech Design

Tag: Intel

  • Can you mix processor models in Intel’s Socket 2011 dual-CPU motherboards?

      Intel recommend using two identical CPUs in their socket-2011 dual-socket motherboards; it is theoretically possible to use non-identical CPUs, though, and Intel’s rules for that are that they must be:   Of the same processor family Have the same number of cores Have the same cache size at each level of cache Able to…

  • Is there any difference between a CPU assembled in Malay and one from Costa Rica?

    On the top of any modern Intel CPU you will see the country of assembly printed, and it will be either Malay or Costa Rica. Back in the day this could mean the difference between a chip with excellent overclocking potential and a dud; how about now?     In a nutshell, no more difference…

  • Just arrived: Intel Dual-10-Gigabit Network Cards

      We got our first Intel X520-T2 10Gbe cards in this week; benchmarks and a review won’t be available for a couple of weeks yet but we’re expecting big things…   Stay tuned for more!

  • Intel’s Socket 2011 vs. 1155/1156 – A size comparison

    For those moving from 1155/1156/1366 you might be a little surprised at just how much bigger the new CPUs are; it’s little wonder that they require a twin-lever clamping system on the motherboard.       Customer’s old CPU on the right (Intel i7-870, Socket 1156) and their new CPU on the left (i7-3820, Socket…

  • Ivy Bridge teaser

    We finished our first Ivy Bridge 3770 build today; here’s a few teaser shots before a full write-up:     More to come soon!

  • ECC in Intel Network Cards

    Intel have released some information about ECC in their networking cards;   Some of the older chips like the 82571 – found in cards like the Pro/1000 PT single/dual/quad port NICs – actually do have error correction on the in-band traffic, which is good news. You can see that the latest generation (i.e. i-350, i-540…

  • Intel Pro/1000 PT Quad review

    Intel Pro/1000 PT Quad review

    One of the more common quad-port network cards that pops up online is the Pro/1000 PT. This is a 2006 Intel design – discontinued in 2009 – which generally seems to be priced anywhere from AU$120-160 as a server pull. It uses two Intel  82571 chips, each controlling two gigabit ports, and is PCI-E 1.0…