Intel D975XBX (Bad Axe)

[Sandog]

Here's a graph that I like at AnandTech's site. I hope I will be getting use to seeing this picture in the future.

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets...px?i=2725&p=10

Quote:
"Let's also not forget that the Conroe E6700 will list for $530, and there will eventually be an Extreme Edition based on it as well that will offer even better performance than what we're seeing here. In other words, as difficult as it usually is to recommend any of the FX or Extreme Edition series, it's virtually impossible to do so when you think of what's coming."

[emgarf]

It might be a coincidence, but IDCC now runs correctly after the latest BadAxe BIOS update.

cheers,
emgarf

[Sandog]

New PCN

Description of Change to the Customer:
1. Updated to the 0618 BIOS.
2. Added support for future processor architectures. Added ten
resistors and two capacitors to the bill of materials.
Customer Impact of Change and Recommended Action:
1. Customers can evaluate this new BIOS to ensure a smooth transition.
Detailed BIOS release notes can be viewed from:
http://developer.intel.com/products/...5XBX/tools.htm
2. The changes made to ready the product for future processor
architectures will not effect any of the currently supported processors.
The changes have been thoroughly evaluated to ensure that there is no
quality, reliability or functional implications to our customers.

http://developer.intel.com/design/pc...D/D1060560.pdf

[Sandog]

Originally Posted by emgarf

It might be a coincidence, but IDCC now runs correctly after the latest BadAxe BIOS update.

cheers,
emgarf

I got IDCC to open up once when at 200FSB but at 260FSB (+30% EBIM) it will not open. I am waiting for the 965EE chip so this is not high on my problems list.

[Sandog]

I may be starting one or two new threads soon dealing with the 965 chipset boards. There are a few specs out about the chipset such as 800MHz CPU bus support and that it will not have a parallel port connector. Instead it will have up to 10 USB ports. Apparently Intel has been waiting for Vista so it can feature LaGrande technology. This technology provides higher security for your computer and makes it harder for files to get compromised by malicious software.

http://cache-www.intel.com/cd/00/00/...201_233201.pdf

From these 'Averil system' requirements below it reads like a nice system. Home computers are becoming more and more relied upon to hold our valuable information so I see this as a good thing to have at home even though it may be geared toward business. I wouldn't trust any equipment better than I would Intel. Now if it will take a 7900GTX and Conroe 3.3EE is the question.

page9

Key Technologies Required

• Intel “Conroe” Processor (dual-core processor)
• Intel® Virtualization Technology
• Intel® Stable Image Platform Program (Intel® SIPP)
using the Intel® Q965 Express chipset
• Q965 Intel® Active Management Technology
• Intel® High Definition Audio support in the
chipset for better VOIP communications with
high-quality wide-band audio codecs
• Intel® 82566 Gigabit LAN Connection or
802.11 a/b/g wireless LAN networking
• Intel® EM64T Technology
• Intel’s Execute Disable Bit
• Support for dual-independent display and an
ADD2 video card for more efficient collaboration
capability; ADD2 cards are typically less costly
than a second graphics card; ADD2 cards
occupy a PCIe x16 slot
• BTX form factors for reduced noise,
and convenient, cost-effective solutions
based on the BTX specification
• Intel® Matrix Storage Technology with
SATA hard disk drives for fast access and
reliability as well as easy backup/restore
of your data, including recovery of accidentally
corrupted/deleted files
• DVD CD R/W combo drive for flexible
optical disk support

Also here's a pdf on LaGrande.

ftp://download.intel.com/technology/...PEC_D52212.pdf

[Intel_User]

Selling the Conroe at that point in time would have been like selling candy to a baby. Conroe's release will still have all the fanfare and interest in the press it was going to, it's just the sales won't be there until Vista arrives which leads me to a theory. What if Conroe is not ready? Could this be why Windows is really getting delayed.

Nope. I highly doubt it. Getting Conroe released at 2007 will kill Intel. They really need to have it by July/August. If Vista is delayed its MS's problem.

I heard over 50% of Vista's code has to be redone, which is pretty ridiculous. Link: http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=30516

Does Conroe have that problem?? Not even slightly. The fact that its been benchmarked by numerous review sites say the contrary. I heard one site say that chipset using Conroe had I/O problem, so it has to get fixed. I think its specific with hard drive performance, so we may even see performance rise by the time Conroe is released.

[Sandog]

IDCC works with my 630 processor if I keep the processor at or below +10% EBIM.

[GFORCE100]

Originally Posted by Intel_User

Nope. I highly doubt it. Getting Conroe released at 2007 will kill Intel. They really need to have it by July/August. If Vista is delayed its MS's problem.

I heard over 50% of Vista's code has to be redone, which is pretty ridiculous. Link: http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=30516

Does Conroe have that problem?? Not even slightly. The fact that its been benchmarked by numerous review sites say the contrary. I heard one site say that chipset using Conroe had I/O problem, so it has to get fixed. I think its specific with hard drive performance, so we may even see performance rise by the time Conroe is released.

Conroe = Q3 2006, dual core
Kentsfield = Q2 2007, quad core

Enough said.

[Sandog]

Articles have said the Kentsfield will be two cores fused together in hurried fashion like the Smithfields were but the 8xx were good chips. Just hot. The benchies were about the same as 9XX. The Kentsfield will be a good chip.

Edit:words

[DeusExMachina]

Originally Posted by Sandog

• BTX form factors for reduced noise,
and convenient, cost-effective solutions
based on the BTX specification

Oh, that's going to hurt. Not only needing new hardware, new case and possible a new PSU.

Intel shouldn't be requiring new hardware every 2 years like this. Truly, no. Businesses aren't going to break the bank every 2 years to keep current, let alone desktop users.

DXM

[Sandog]

Originally Posted by DeusExMachina

Oh, that's going to hurt. Not only needing new hardware, new case and possible a new PSU.

Intel shouldn't be requiring new hardware every 2 years like this. Truly, no. Businesses aren't going to break the bank every 2 years to keep current, let alone desktop users.

DXM

Businesses will only upgrade if what they are using now is inadequate. When they do upgrade though Intel is ready with some awesome technology. The pace at which Intel is developing is remarkable. It wasn't long ago when the P3 was around and the only thing I remember it featured was HT. Conroe has probably a dozen new features that make it faster, cheaper, run cooler, and add security. Progress is not easy to come by.

[Sandog]

I installed the IDCC screensaver. I like it.

[lowrider007]

If I don't get my hands on a conroe compatible m/b soon i'm gonna go mad seriously, how long are they taking to sort out the new D975XBX revisions, I've got money burning a serious hole in my pocket, if you new how many times I've priced up a high end AMD system over the last month and nearly hit the order button, 5 or 6 times at least, and If they hold back the conroes until the vista launch date then I ain't gonna be a happy chappy, I for one think that would be a stupid move from intel if they delay, and a costly one for me b-cos I know I'll end up caving in and buying an FX60 based AMD system :-(.

[Sandog]

The D975XBX should run Conroe. The latest BIOS update was to enable new processors. The 975/965 chipsets were suppose to run Conroe from the beginning I believe but the 975 chipset came out early. There has been speculation that the D975 may have too heavy a CPU power supply to run Conroe but we will have to wait and see. If you want to run Conroe you will have to wait for the CPU anyway so it is better to wait before you buy a D975XBX to run Conroe. Also AMD is changing their CPU socket so I would wait on AMD to.

[lowrider007]

I do agree with you, but you know whats its like when your itching to upgrade, plus on my current m/b (D925XCV) the overclocking options are really limited, so at least if I get a new m/b early I can have a play around at o/c'ing my p4 550 .