Conclusion

Our today’s article has discussed several hot topics that is why our conclusion is going to be longer than usual. At first we would like to say that LGA1156 platform makes an overall great impression, but the Intel Core i5-750 processor turned out a real disappointment. Not only doesn’t it support Hyper-Threading and 12x memory frequency multiplier, but it also overclocks just a little higher than Intel Core i7-860 despite our expectations. It turns out that Core i5-750 can only compete against old Intel Core 2 Quad and quad-core AMD processors. However, Intel Core i7-860 is a fully-fledged high-performance processor with good overclocking potential. But this is where a very interesting question pops up to mind: which CPU is better – Intel Core i7-860 or Intel Core i7-920? The answer to this question will depend on the conditions, in which you are going to use these CPUs, and on the parameters that matter to you most.

In terms of performance, if you do not support overclocking or encourage playing with the BIOS settings, then you should go for Intel Core i7-860. It will be faster in nominal mode due to higher clock speed and memory frequency, besides, do not forget about more flexible Turbo Boost implementation. However, Intel Core i7-920 CPU will be faster during overclocking. Both these CPUs overclock almost to the same frequency, but the base clock and all frequencies connected with it, such as memory frequency, will be higher by Intel Core i7-920 due to lower clock frequency multiplier, provided that both CPUs have been overclocked to the same speed. Besides, do not forget that Intel Core i7-920 works with triple-channel memory. Moreover, when you use high-speed DDR3 memory the frequency of the integrated memory controller will be higher than by Core i7-860. In terms of pricing, these CPUs cost about the same, but the total cost of an Intel Core i7-860 platform will be lower due to fewer memory modules and not so expensive mainboards. as for the power consumption, LGA1156 and LGA1366 platforms cannot even compare, because the latter is way more resource-hungry.

My personal choice would definitely be Intel Core i7-860. Only once I worked with this processor for the first time, I thought that maybe it is time for me to finally switch to a quad-core CPU. And despite the obtained results, you don’t have to give up dynamic Turbo Boost implementation during overclocking. The static implementation is overall faster, no doubt, since we have to lower our overclocking when we switch to dynamics. However, we get a more flexible and more economical system in the end, which is also very important. Not all of you have used up the entire overclocking potential of their processors for different reasons. Some of you probably overclocked using phase cooling systems (Freon based) in order to get everything the CPU can offer. Some may have specifically searched for the most optimal system components in order to get maximum gain with minimal financial investments. Some may have just overclocked their processors as far as their cooling, mainboard and other system components allowed. When Lynnfield processors came out, some started to choose static and some dynamic implementation of Intel Turbo Boost technology.

But let’s get back to where we started this review – Asus P7P55D Deluxe mainboard. It is simply amazing. Asus Company primarily stresses the new functions such as “OC Tuner Utility” that allows automatic CPU overclocking. I personally do not really care much about features like that for understandable reasons. At this point there is no utility that can provide the same results as manual overclocking, although I have to admit that technologies like that will be extremely helpful for overclocking beginners. I mostly like the fact that even when you change the processor clock frequency multiplier and core voltage, all power-saving technologies remain up and running. Now the only thing that may limit our success is the CPU itself and its cooling system. And of course, you shouldn’t forget about the typical peculiarities of Asus mainboards: good accessories bundle, well-balanced design, high-quality electronic components, numerous brand name functions and technologies, excellent overclocking potential, long warranty periods. We have just started our review series devoted to LGA1156 mainboards, but I can hardly imagine that there is any mainboard out there that could supersede Asus P7P55D Deluxe. At best, the potential rival may prove just as good. It is for the first time in a while that I am totally raving about an Asus mainboard and I really hope that the company will continue at the same pace.

As a result of our today’s test session we would like to award Asus P7P55D Deluxe mainboard with our Editor’s Choice title as the best enthusiast LGA1156 mainboard: