Review: Intel Core i5 655K
In this modern age of multi-core CPUs, can dual-core really cut it in an enthusiast chip? Intel obviously thinks so. How else to explain the Core i5 665K?
One of a pair of new K Series processors aimed at overclocking addicts, the Intel Core i5 665K's stand out feature is an unlocked CPU multiplier. Previously only found on ultra expensive Intel Extreme Edition models, an unlocked multiplier allows for CPU overclocking without stressing other parts of the system.
Indeed, it's the unlocked multiplier that explains why the Core i5 665K is marginally more expensive than the closely related Core i5 661 despite a slightly slower 3.2GHz standard operating frequency.
What's harder to justify is the how the dual-core 665K stacks up against quad-core processors from Intel and AMD. The likes of the Intel Core i5 760 and AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition are both cheaper and more powerful. As for the six-core AMD Phenom II X6 1055T, the less said the better.
Intel's Nehalem CPU architecture is a scorcher in quad and six-core trim and it makes for an impressive in dual-core chip, too. Running at the standard 3.2GHz clock (add a few hundred more MHz when Turbo Boost kicks in), the dual-core Intel Core i5 665K is a match for quad-core processors such as the AMD Athlon II X4 620.
For that you can thank HyperThreading, which allows the Core i5 665K to simulate the presence of an extra pair of cores. What's more, you get an integrated graphics core built into the CPU itself (note, however, that not all LGA1,156 motherboards will support the graphics functions).
But none of this is enough to match more powerful AMD quad-core processors such as the Phenom II X4 965 BE or Intel's own Core i5 760, all of which are actually cheaper and hammer the Core i5 655K in literally all of our benchmarks.
Incredibly, the six-core AMD Phenom II X6 1055T can also be had for about £10 less. That's a chip that hoses the Core i5 655K even more comprehensively. The 655K has a tough time justifying its existence.
All of which leaves us wondering whether the 655K's unlocked processor multiplier can make the difference. The simple answer is no. In our testing, the Core i5 655K actually overclocks better via the baseclock, not the multiplier. Still, overclock well it does, hitting 4.2GHz with a little help from some extra voltage.
Unfortunately, Intel's similarly priced quad-core processors will also nail 4GHz or higher, leaving 655K back where it started - bringing up the rear.
We liked:
If dual-core computing was state of the art, this chip would be our weapon of choice. Thanks to HyperThreading, Turbo boost and the awesome Nehalem architecture, it's a seriously quick dual-core processor. It also runs cool, uses little power and overclocks well.
We disliked:
Unfortunately, dual-core computing hasn't been cutting edge since 2006. The Core i5 655K therefore costs too much and delivers too little processor performance compared to similarly priced quad and six-core alternatives. As for the built-in graphics core, it's no good for gaming.
Verdict:
Intel makes some outrageously good CPUs. This isn't one of them. It's the wrong chip at the wrong price.
Follow TechRadar Reviews on Twitter: http://twitter.com/techradarreview
Related Links
 |  |
Review: Intel Core i7 875K
Intel's quad-core Core i7 870 is a great all rounder. Short of a six-core monster machine, it's a hard to imagine what can beat it. However, for overclocking enthusiasts it does lack one key feature: an unlocked CPU multiplier.
Enter, therefore, the new Intel Core i7 875K. It's identical to the 870 save for a slightly elevated price tag and an overclocking friendly unlocked multiplier. The multiplier, of course, is a ratio that combines with the chip's base clock to generate the overall operating frequency. Crucially, it's not linked to any other part of the system and theoretically allows a chip to be overclocked without knock-on effects to subsystems like buses and memory controllers.
Anywho, if clocking the twangers off CPUs is your bag, an unlocked multiplier is a bit of a no brainer. For everyone else, it arguably just makes the Core i7 875K that little bit less competitive with the likes of AMD's Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition.
Intel's Nehalem CPU architecture is simply the most advanced in the world. That's why a quad-core 2.93GHz chip like the Core i7 875K can take on AMD's fastest six-core effort, the 3.2GHz Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition and win.
In multi-threaded applications, there isn't much in it. The Core i7 875K is just over half a frame per second quicker in our HD video encoding benchmark, for instance. Of course, with just four cores to the Phenom's six, the Intel chip is much more powerful on a core-for-core basis.
It's no surprise to find, therefore, that the Core i7 875K pretty much monsters the six-core Phenom processor in software that only generates a handful of truly CPU-intensive threads. That typically includes apps like games and file decompression.
However, there are plenty of much cheaper Intel processors with those very same cores. The Core i5 750 and Core i5 760 both essentially match the 875K for gaming grunt for over £100 less.
All of which means that the unlocked multiplier that comes with the K-series moniker had better deliver the goods. Unfortunately, it doesn't. That's not to say the 875K doesn't overclock with the best of 'em. If our test sample is anything to go by, you can expect frequencies in excess of 4GHz with an air cooler.
However, that speed is achieved courtesy of ramping up the baseclock, not twiddling the multiplier. That's because Intel's firmware adjusts the multiplier settings to manage thermals. Of course, the unlocked multiplier still adds flexibility. But it isn't the magic overclocking bullet you might expect.
We liked:
Intel's relationship with hardcore PC enthusiasts hasn't always been friendly. So it's great to see it making more effort by offering this moderately affordable processor with an unlocked multiplier. Moreover, like any Nehalem-class quad-core processor, all round performance is pretty epic.
We disliked:
In practice, the unlocked multiplier isn't much of a help when overclocking on air. For sure, it will help those crazies with cannisters of liquid nitrogen to hit headline-grabbing frequencies. But that's not exactly practical computing. In that context, the Core i7 875K looks a little pricey.
Verdict:
A nice addition to the range for enthusiasts, but not cost effective for ordinary punters.
Follow TechRadar Reviews on Twitter http://twitter.com/techradarreview
Related Links
| |
LoveFilm readies backroom staff for digital switch
LoveFilm has announced the arrival of Kristian Segerstrale as non-executive director – a move which highlights just how serious the company is taking its digital strategy.
Segerstrale is the CEO and co-founder of Playfish, a company which has made a mint out of online endeavours.
Gaming deals with Facebook has seen Playfish rocket in stature, so much so it was snapped up by EA in 2009 for around £160 million.
Defining film's future
LoveFilm has slowly but surely began taking its digital arm seriously, signing up deals with Sony and Samsung for its app and more recently setting up a movie streaming deal with MGM.
Segerstrale is definitely there to oversee this transition, saying in a release about his new role: "LoveFilm is a pioneer in the shift of media from physical products to digital services.
"They are in the midst of a transformational growth opportunity in home entertainment through new distribution and consumption models similar to that taking place in computer games.
"I'm excited to be involved in LoveFilm's strategy and to be part of defining the future of film and television entertainment consumption."
| |
Updated: Orange and T-Mobile to offer big network boost
Orange and T-Mobile will offer massively improved network coverage to its users as part of its new Everything Everywhere merger.
From 5 October users can sign up to gain access to both networks, meaning coverage in areas where they might previously have had none.
UPDATE: It appears T-Mobile users will only get access to Orange's 2G network, according to T-Mob's forums, so no data unfortunately. We assume it's the same the other around as well, so we'll have to wait until next year until data may be included as well.
The upgrade will be offered at no extra cost, and if the extra signal on offer were to be created by building new cell towers, it would mean billions of pounds' worth of investment.
Better than ever before
"From next month, we will give almost half of the British population the opportunity to use their phones in more places than ever before," said Tom Alexander, CEO of Everything Everywhere.
"As well as continuing to benefit from their existing network, Orange customers will be able to make calls and send texts on the T-Mobile network and T-Mobile customers will be able to do the same using the Orange network."
Improved signal
From next year, the deal will see customers' phones switching to whichever signal is strongest, meaning improved data and better call quality. Orange is also introducing HD voice in the near future.
Alexander has also outlined his vision of a 'multinet' future as Everything Everywhere seeks to give consumers "access what they want, when they want, at the touch of a button.
"It will all be possible due to a complex system of interweaving multiple networks, bringing mobile, WiFi and fixed technologies together to act as a super network."
And if that's not the beginning of a real-life version of SkyNet, we don't know what is...
| |
IR Jammer Review
John Boxall of Tronixstuff is known for his electronic kit reviews, he recently did a hands on build review of our IR Jammer Kit. You have to love his Fluke meter, if you haven’t seen one of these before you might think it’s a meter the size of a display but it’s actually a normal sized meter with a removable display. This would allow the display be placed in a convenient location to view it while the meter and probes are deep inside the system being inspected. The picture below is a shot of the IR LEDs all on, I think this was probably hard to capture since they are flashing very quickly. Of course the infrared LEDs are invisible to our naked eye but this shows a trick to see them which is to view them through a camera.
As John mentions the IR Jammer (infrared jammer) would make a great companion to the TV-B-Gone, his evil plan is to turn off a TV, then jam the TV so that it can’t be turned on. I am thinking that would make for a nice cruel joke. 
Sennheiser high-end 500 Series cans boast EAR technology
Sennheiser has announced the arrival of its latest high-end range of headphones, the 500 Series.
These new cans offer up some premium listening goodness, with the series boasting something called EAR (Eargonomic Acoustic Refinement) technology.
Bad puns aside – earganomic, really? – the 500 series does have some top-end specs, including the use of neodymium magnets and Duofol diaphragms to guarantee natural reproduction, a gold-plated 6.3 mm audio jack and a frequency response of 12 to 38,500 Hertz.
In short: that Lady Gaga/Spice Girls mashup you secretely listen to is going to sound ace with these strapped to your ears.
Everybody Hertz
The 500 Series comes in three flavours: HD598 (padded with a compressed cellulose fleece and hits 38,500 Hertz), HD558 (built with soft velour ear pads and reaches 28,000 Hertz) and the HD518 (comes complete with anthracite finish and can reproduce up to 26,000 Hertz).
Pricing is still to be announced but expect to see these in the shops this month, as the UK release date is September.
Also announced is some new additions to Sennheiser's 'mini' range of headphones.
The PX 90 and PMX 90 offer decent sound reproduction but inside an ultralight chassis – just 52g and 68g respectively.
The PMX 90 goes for a neckband look while the PX 90 favours the more traditional headband. Both have a frequency response of 20-22,000 Hertz.
Again pricing is to be announced but they two have a UK release date of September.
| |
In Depth: How OpenAppMkt is giving iPhone owners more choice
One of the continuing criticisms of Apple's iPhone is the inability to load apps that haven't been through the App Store's opaque approval process - unless you're prepared to jailbreak.
For many developers, Android presents a more open environment, with fewer potential barriers to entry. However, stories of the riches from Apple's platform make it a tempting proposition anyway.
It's often forgotten that the iPhone supports web apps, which face none of the restrictions imposed by the App Store. However, discoverability can be a problem for applications from small developers if they're not presented front and centre.
OpenAppMkt is an app store that aims to bring fully functional apps, built using open web standards, to the iPhone - with no hassle over approval.
Though entirely web-based, it acts much like the App Store. Go to it via a desktop browser, and it appears similar to the iTunes-bases App Store. Access it on your iPhone, however, and it's a simpler, optimised version. Using the built-in option in Safari, you can add it to your Home screen and access it as easily as Apple's own store.
Familiar categories
You can then browse through familiar categories, including utilities, navigation, games, entertainment and many others. Tap the price button to buy (most are free, but those that aren't can be purchased with debit or credit cards). Follow the simple instructions to install the apps and then access them from the Home screen as if you'd bought them from the App Store - no Apple approval required.
"The mobile web has been largely ignored by developers in favour of native platforms, like Apple and Android, due to the ability to reach users on those native app stores," Teck Chia, CEO of OpenAppMkt, told TechRadar.
"This is despite the fact that, with HTML5, the open web is a better platform for many categories of apps."
Though the iPhone has supported web apps since before the creation of the App Store, they've failed to gain the attention of the wider, mainstream audience in the same way the native apps have. With not only all the attention, but a lot of the money, going on native apps, web apps needed something to push them to the forefront.
MOBILE MARKET: The store is accessible from your iPhone's Home screen, as are all the apps available
Clear advantages
"For most categories of apps, we think the web platform offers clear advantages over native platforms. Most developers already know this on the desktop," Chia explains.
"We've all seen apps transition from native to the web before on the desktop. I think the same thing is going to happen on mobile.
"The motivation [for OpenAppMkt] was to solve the two missing pieces of the mobile web, which are distribution and monetisation."
In fact, the OpenAppMkt actually offers a more generous amount to developers from paid apps than Apple: 80 per cent goes to the creator, rather than the App Store's 70 per cent. However, that extra cut for the developer isn't just an attempt to get one over on Apple - the open nature of the OpenAppMkt means it doesn't need to bring in as much money to be sustainable.
"Our intent was more about giving back to the developer as much as possible, rather than undercutting Apple. We can cover our costs with 20 per cent because we didn't need to hire people to vet and approve each app that gets submitted," Chia told us.
When asked exactly what the 'Open' in OpenAppMkt meant, Chia explained: "'Open' refers to the open web. Our marketplace works very much like the open web, in the sense that it's free to list and publish your web app, and it's curated by the community.
"The submission process is entirely self-service and there's no approval process. When a developer publishes an app, it's instantly available in our app store."
While the Android Market is open, we've still seen Google exercise its right to remove apps, and even remotely delete them. "The only hard rule we have is that we will remove apps that violate laws, or those that have been flagged by many as being harmful or deceiving," Chia added.
When you have native apps running from the device, there's no worry that if the store goes down, your apps cease to function. Chia points out that users are protected here: "All apps are hosted by the developers. We merely act as a proxy to authenticate, process payments and then pass payment information to the app in a safe and private manner."
Many apps will also work when offline. Though the YouTube app is fairly pointless without an internet connection, drawing tool 2B works perfectly once added to your Home screen, regardless of whether you're in a big city or down a cave.
Beating Apple at its own game?
It has been suggested that OpenAppMkt is a way to 'get around' the App Store approval process, and get onto the iPhone without going through Apple. With Google Voice available through OpenAppMkt, but not on the App Store, it's an easy conclusion to come to, but Chia says that this isn't its true purpose.
"We didn't start OpenAppMkt [intending] to 'route around' Apple. We started it to provide a better and familiar platform for mobile developers, and more app choices for end-users," he explains.
"We included Google's web apps in our app store ourselves, and it's analogous to linking to any website on the open web."
Because a link is all that's necessary to make web apps available, OpenAppMkt includes some free ones itself, like Google's array of web apps, and then enables developers to "claim" them if they wish, so they can monetise them. Because of this, the store is like a combination of app market and web aggregator.
OPEN TUBE: The YouTube web app is renowned for being even better than the iPhone's native version
With OpenAppMkt aiming for launch on the iPad and Android next, it has the potential to become the first truly cross-platform app store because the apps themselves don't rely on proprietary code.
However, even though open web standards are at the core of the experience, there are still differences between the devices and operating systems. For example, using some iOS-specific tags, a web app can be made to launch with a splash screen to hide loading times, or can be set to launch with the URL bar hidden (OpenAppMkt apps do both of these).
Obviously, this code won't work on Android phones, so will small niggling differences like these serve to get in the way of users' experiences with web apps? Chia actually sees opportunity for OpenAppMkt in this case, saying that one way the store can add value to apps "is to bridge those differences for developers, so they don't have to worry about them".
Cool HTML5 apps
Though the BBC's Erik Huggers suggested that HTML5 is "starting to sail off course", Chia has no such concerns. "HTML5 is more capable than most developers realise," he said. "It's slowly gaining mindshare, and I'm confident that we'll be seeing a lot of cool apps built with HTML5."
Google seems to be equally confident in web apps, with the Chrome Web Store set to open later this year. Though the search giant is capable of totally eclipsing smaller developers, Chia is confident that OpenAppMkt and Google's store can coexist, and that another outlet for web apps can only be a good thing.
"The Chrome web store is more focused on desktop apps. We are fully focused on mobile apps. We feel that the more places a developer can distribute their apps, the better it is for the entire ecosystem.
"We want developers to realize that they can distribute and monetise their apps on the open web today. We will consider OpenAppMkt to be successful if developers are able to build substantial businesses on the mobile web."
| |
Duke Nukem Forever gets release date after 13 years
Duke Nukem Forever, the game which was promised as way back as 1997, has finally been given a new release date which will see the title coming out in 2011.
The history of Duke Nukem Forever is a long and rather convoluted one which culminated in 3D Realms the maker of the game settling out of court with publishing house Take-Two and eventually collapsing as a company is 2009.
Now Gearbox Software has taken the mantle and Duke Nukem Forever will come out in 2011, according to 2K on its Twitter page.
The game was also shown off at games conference PAX 2010 where, according to 2K, the queue to see a demo of the game was 2.5 hours long and the footage shown was "seamless".
Can't let the Duke die
The boss of Gearbox Randy Pitchford told crowds at PAX that the development of the game was actually complete, explaining: "When Duke ran into trouble, we were glad to [help him out of] a spot. You can't let the Duke die, right?
"We wanted to deliver the game this is supposed to be."
Considering the last Duke Nukem (Duke Nukem 3D) came out when the likes of Quake was vying for gamers' attention, it will be interesting to see how the franchise will fare in the world of Uncharted and the like.
Considering one of the screenshots of the game is of Duke wrestling a shark, we have a feeling he will do just fine.
If we all cross our fingers together, then Duke Nukem Forever will have a UK release date of some time of 2011 and will be released on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.
Or if ShopTo.net has it right, we could even see the game come out in the UK 19 November 2010. But that does sound too good to be true.
| |
Exclusive: O2 halts HTC Desire Android 2.2 update
O2 has confirmed that it did put the HTC Desire Android 2.2 update live and ready for users to download - but has had to halt updates.
TechRadar broke the news of the upgrade appearing this morning, and contacted O2 to verify the OTA upgrade was genuine.
"The Android 2.2 Froyo update for HTC Desire went live on O2 this morning," an O2 spokesperson told TechRadar.
"While many have been able to download it successfully, we have had a small number of reports of customers having problems installing the software, which we are looking into."
However, O2 has also confirmed it will be suspending the update until it can get to the bottom of the reports of freezing - so you won't be able to download it just yet.
Frozen FroYo
On the O2 forums, a number of users have experienced issues with the install; most appear to be freezing phones, where the handset will stay on the O2 loading screen indefinitely.
Others are reporting that certain websites will crash the browser - although most users appear to be experiencing a clean install.
| |
Review: Intel Core i5 661
Giving a dual-core processor performance to rival many quad-core chips is quite an achievement. Intel has managed just that with the Core i5 661. Problem is, it also costs as much as many quad-core processors.
The challenges for the dual-core Core i5 661 begin with Intel's own Core i5 750 and 760 chips. Both are cheaper than the 661 but pack a pair of extra cores. That's a fundamental advantage that even the Core i5 661's clever HyperThreading technology will struggle to overcome.
However, things get really silly when you consider the opposition from AMD. Not only does AMD offer a slew of quad-core chips for less money, including the range topping Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition. Even the six-core Phenom II X6 1055T is cheaper. Crazy.
Of course, what none of the chip above can offer is the Core i5 661's integrated graphics core. Exactly how much that is worth, however, is another matter.
Technically, the Intel Core i5 661 is a thoroughly intriguing chip. Exceptionally quick for a dual-core processor, it also packs a graphics core integrated into the processor package itself. If industry analysts are to be believed, this kind of CPU-GPU "fusion" processor is the way of things to come.
Back in 2010, the reality is more mundane. The Core i5 661's 3D rendering abilities are feeble. Admittedly, motherboard-based integrated cores from the likes of AMD or NVIDIA are not much better. But the fact remains this latest integrated graphics core from Intel is effectively worthless for gaming. Fortunately, its 2D video decoding prowess is pretty solid.
Anyway, of more significance is the Core i5 661's performance as a traditional CPU. For a dual-core processor, it's awesome. Thanks to HyperThreading technology, a healthy standard clockspeed of 3.33GHz and the Turbo feature which boost clocks by a further few hundred MHz or so in certain conditions, the 661 beats other dual-core chips with an extremely large stick in highly-threaded software such as video encoding. It even gives quad-core chips such as AMD Athlon II X4 620 a scare.
That sounds impressive until you realise the Core i5 661 is more expensive than any quad-core processor from AMD and even some Intel quad-core chips. The Core i5 750 and 760 are both cheaper and faster. Then there's the AMD Phenom II X6 1055T. Despite being cheaper, it packs six cores and absolutely annihilates the i5 661 in heavily threaded apps.
In other words, the addition of an integrated GPU isn't nearly enough to justify the Core i5 661's premium pricing. That's especially true when you note that supporting motherboards are no cheaper. In fact, if you really wanted to pair a six-core AMD processor with an integrated motherboard, you could. And it would still work out cheaper than the 661 and its fancy fusion graphics.
We like:
Intel's Nehalem CPU architecture makes for an uncommonly quick dual-core CPU. For most PC users, most of the time, it's all the CPU they'll ever need. It's also power efficient, cool running and offers a glimpse of the future courtesy of its CPU-GPU fusion architecture.
We dislike:
In a word, price. The Core i5 661 is at least £50 over priced. Yes, it has a graphics core integrated into the CPU package. But it's a decidedly feeble graphics core of little value to gamers. Moreover, AMD offers a six-core processor for the same price. 'Nuff said.
Verdict:
Fusion may be the future. But for now, this CPU-GPU chip costs too much and delivers too little.
Follow TechRadar Reviews on Twitter: http://twitter.com/techradarreview
Related Links
| |
