Intel Core i7 Power Consumption Performance Analysis

Intel Core i7 Power Consumption



Although the power consumption graphs in isolation seem to show all the processors to be on level pegging, once you take into account the performance you get for your power outlay, the graphs tell a different story. All Intel's processors blow the AMD 9950 Black Edition out of the water and the i7 further demonstrates its efficiency improvements. You may not see that much difference on your electricity bill but there are improvements nonetheless. Also, it's worth remembering these figures are particularly high because a very high power graphics card was also being used in the system.



Value

While we can't be sure of exact retail prices, the Core i7 965 Extreme Edition is likely to cost the best part of a grand so any talk of value with regards this part is somewhat moot. Of course, there will always be people that are wiling to pay through the nose for the latest and greatest. For most of us, though, there's got to be a significant motivation to splash the cash and the 965 Extreme Edition doesn't really provide that. It's very fast but it's not a huge amount faster than what came before it.

Conversely, the Core i7 920 and 940 (not tested here) are far more sensibly priced and are definitely worth considering. Except, of course, that buying one of these new CPUs isn't just a straight swap for your previous one. You've got to factor in a brand new motherboard and, if you're still using DDR2, possibly some new memory and this could easily add another £200 or so.

Taking this into account, the value of upgrading from an existing Intel Core 2 solution is pretty negligible. You're almost guaranteed to get more performance for your money buy upgrading your E6300 to a Q9300, say. Conversely, if your running an AMD system then the performance advantage is a lot more compelling. Even with AMD set to launch improved versions of its Phenom CPUs, which will crucially be compatible with existing platforms, it's hard to see them making up the gap. No doubt some of you will still consider delaying your decision a couple more months to find out though.

Obviously, if your system is really ancient and doesn't support either Intel's previous generation (i.e. none LGA775 socket) or AMDs current generation then it would make sense to jump straight in with Core i7 and be ahead of the curve, even if it does cost a little bit more than the older systems available.

Verdict

With Core i7, Intel has stretched its lead in the CPU performance race without increasing power consumption and that's really all we could ask for. Admittedly the performance advantage isn't quite as significant as we may have expected and, with prices set to be high for the next few months, we wouldn't recommend Core i7 as the next upgrade for everyone. However, if you're in the market for a brand new system there seems little reason to choose anything but a Core i7 platform.