Intel silently revises Core 2 Duo

Author: Brett Thomas
Published: 19th December 2006
Comments (10) Stumble
I scream, you scream, we all scream for lower thermal output!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for lower thermal output!

For everyone who has been looking at a new Allendale core version of Intel's Core 2 Duo chips, here's a new reason to check your box. Apparently, the E6300 and E6400 chips have been given a little makeover without telling anyone - idle power is down considerably.

The new chips are evidently Intel's (albeit quiet) answer to AMD's latest engineering marvel, the Brisbane core. Brisbane consumption goes down to as low as 7 watts at idle, making low-usage CPU cooling easier and cheaper than most other components in the entire case. Its maximum output escalates up to 65W, so that's a pretty large spread!

However, Intel's Allendale cores (the 2MB cache section of the Core 2 Duo lineup) consumed a whopping 22W at idle, just like its 4MB cache big brothers. This is because Allendale is actually a Conroe core, just with 2MB of its cache disabled.

The new revision has lowered this 22W down to around 12W, cutting power consumption nearly in half for someone who leaves his computer on 24/7 (and thus is in full load states only a fraction of the time compared to when the computer is idle). One could possibly attribute this to Intel finally cutting power to the disabled section of cache, thus reducing the chip's total consumption.

Power management is growing to be a greater and greater concern, as many corporations don't shut down their machines nightly. In fact, many of us don't, either. The amount of electricity saved running even a few of these systems nonstop will definitely help ease the bottom line of your bill.

If you're curious to determine whether the one you're buying is a new revision or not, I'm afraid you'll need the box. The new version is dubbed "LP2" and is labeled with product code SL9TA instead of SL9SA. You can also look at the CPU ID - current Allendales end in 6F6, whereas LP2 versions are 6F2. The 4MB cache Conroe (E6600 and up) and quad-core Kentsfield cores are not affected in this revision.

Have you got a thought on the revision? Let us know in our forums
Quote Mankz. 19th December 2006, 19:59
that seems like a good move by Intel.
Quote oasked 19th December 2006, 21:06
I've been told that the 6300 and 6400 are actually cut-down Conroes. The "true" Allendales are the future 4300 etc chips from Intel, with lower FSB's etc.. :)
Quote Da Dego 19th December 2006, 21:16
Quote:
Originally Posted by oasked
I've been told that the 6300 and 6400 are actually cut-down Conroes. The "true" Allendales are the future 4300 etc chips from Intel, with lower FSB's etc.. :)
Yep, that's true - at the time C2D was released, Allendale was the name applied to all 2MB cores. However, it is actually a cut down Conroe, as the article states :)
Quote Spaceraver 19th December 2006, 23:46
hmm. would that imply that one might be able to hack the core and activate the remaining 2 mb cache on the older ones??
Quote Mankz. 20th December 2006, 00:06
nope.
Quote Tyinsar 20th December 2006, 01:26
Quote:
Originally Posted by Article
One could possibly attribute this to Intel finally cutting power to the disabled section of cache, thus reducing the chip's total consumption.
You'd think they would have / Should have done this when they disabled that section :( Was there any reason for not doing it then?
Quote DXR_13KE 20th December 2006, 01:30
nice power characteristics.... might get one for my server, or to connect it to my tv as a media center.
lets hope that C2D becomes revised and consumes less...
Quote Aankhen 20th December 2006, 02:00
Blast. Just a week or so after I bought mine.

Yes, I know technology keeps moving on. You should, too. :p
Quote mclean007 20th December 2006, 10:24
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spaceraver
hmm. would that imply that one might be able to hack the core and activate the remaining 2 mb cache on the older ones??
If you fancy taking off the heatspreader, pulling out your electron microscope and repairing a load of 65nm traces that have been burnt through with a laser, go ahead. And please remember to video the results and post in the forums. Kudos!
Quote specofdust 20th December 2006, 11:18
Seems like a simple update, but one which will save many people some money, good stuff.

Oh btw, I scream, you scream, we all scream for a new intel image :-D
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