Update - Intel's Plan to End Overclocking on Mainstream CPU's
Category: CPU'sPosted: May 12, 2008 04:39PM
Author: razor
Back in April, I reported on an almost absurd rumor that Intel was planning to prevent overclocking on its upcoming Nehalem-based mainstream CPU's, and that they intended to create a high-priced "overclocking friendly" niche with the Bloomfield processors. Well, it's looking like that rumor will soon become a sad reality. When Intel releases its next-gen Socket 1160, the Lynnfield and Havendale CPU's scheduled to operate on the platform will include what's being termed as an "overclocking lock". Basically, because some traditionally Northbridge-based components - like the memory controller - will be on-die, Intel has significantly more control over how CPU clocks are generated. In fact, the chip giant is allegedly planning to use a "checks and balances" type system, where one clock generator will be inside the CPU, and another will reside in the PCH - and both will maintain OEM speed by referencing and mirroring the other. Thus, attempts to alter the speed of one clock generator will be nullified when it is being checked over by the other. Boo, Intel. Boo.
