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16. [Change] Use latest Intel Pentium Dual Core processor (E2140) over recommended Core 2 Duo E6300




Intel released new processors (E2140 & E2160) under its Pentium brand. These are lower spec Core 2 Duo's. E2140 impresses most with underclocking down to 1.2GHz and Vcc (processor core voltage) at 1.162v. Compared to E6300 which underclocks to 1.6GHz and Vcc is at 1.13v. Above idle power consumption graph by Hot Hardware, there's significant reduction in power (13 watts) between E2140 & E6300 - note these processors drop to lowest power state when idling but this feature was disabled in Hot Hardware's test. Reduced RF radiation (from much lower clock speeds: CPU 1.2GHz vs 1.6GHz; FSB 800MHz vs 1066MHz; Memory 200MHz vs 266MHz) is excellent.

Priced at ~5 CDs, this processor gives profound sound improvements. During playback, CPU load increases (expectedly) but remains under 15% with RME soundcard. Vcc remains at lowest setting with 1.2GHz clock speed throughout - this means CPU power consumption is close to that of idle state. Sound improves across the board - the level of sonic purity will shock you!

Installation:

1. Don't use supplied CPU fan - Intel changed these to use more power (as base plate is replaced from copper to aluminum). Best result is with no CPU fan - so far only Zalman TNN-300 case allows for this. Use original copper based Core 2 Duo CPU fan (label should indicate 0.2A vs new ones at 0.6A). Alternatively, use Thermaltake's Golden Orb II (www.thermaltake.com/product/cooler/retail/cl-p0220/cl-p0220.asp) fan which at 5v consumes 1.56 watts (vs 1 watt on Intel copper fan or 3 watts on aluminum).

2. Although this processor works on most Core 2 Duo mobos, its best to get latest BIOS update. On recommended Biostar mobo (P4M890M7-PCI E), BIOS must be updated to latest version which you'll find at www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/mb/bios.php?S_ID=158 (use .bf version). BIOS is updated from Windows using supplied WinFlash utlity that comes with mobo (refer to CD). WinFlash allows for BIOS backups - its a good idea to save your original mobo BIOS.

3. After updating BIOS, reboot and access BIOS menu. Perform 'Load optimized defaults' and thereafter reapply all BIOS optimizations.

4. New BIOS optimization: This version gives access to AGP speed - reduce to 4x (default is 8x).

5. Set system memory speed to 200MHz (Performance Booster Zone > DRAM Clock/Drive Control > DRAM Clock).

6. Save and Exit BIOS. System reboots normally. Check using mobo sw utility, Vcc (1.16v) and CPU temp (~28C). Temp drops by ~10C over E6300! Note if you haven't updated BIOS, temp readings are junk (something like 255C). With CPU Z, you can also confirm Memory speed at 200MHz.


Edits: 06/14/07
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