AMD 3800+ X2 E-6 rumour

K

K404

New member
Rumour has it that the E-6 stepping has 2x1MB cache but half is disabled due to faults. I`ve heard that the cache address lines are cut with laser, and the bridges are under the IHS. Theres a problem.

Because of speed-binning being very fussy about faults, theres a chance (if the cache allocation rumour is true) that the extra cache can be unlocked and the error count would be low enough to not crash the computer.

Kinda extreme way to turn a £240 CPU into a £375 one, but this is Extreme Prometeia after all. (To semi-quote Mav.) Because the 3800s appear to OC so well...it could maybe be worth it.

Kenny
 
If the 3800+ had 2x1mb L2 cache but was speed binned and thus the cache cut to half wouldn't it be a poorer clocking chip? - its speed binned, it has twice cache = harder to overclock.
 
I know what you`re saying Nick, but IMHO, to some extent the idea that larger cache size makes for a lower OC has been disproved with the San Diegos...

Maybe these chips (if this is right) have a slightly dodgy core (thus sold as a 3800+) and some dodgy cache. Depending on where the memory faults are, AMD could lock half the memory and sell it on as a lower rating- better than chucking it in the bin.
 
I think the thing to understand here is that:

1) It's a great overclocker in its own right.

and

B) If the cache can be unlocked and it works its a bonus not a given.

The fact that there is a possibility it would work makes it even more desireable, like the old Radeons that could be unlocked and the 6800 that you could unlock the pipes on to be a GT core people want to hear that they may get even more for their money - and the re-sale value goes up too ;)
 
name='K404' said:
I know what you`re saying Nick, but IMHO, to some extent the idea that larger cache size makes for a lower OC has been disproved with the San Diegos...
Click to expand...

I hear ya Kenny, but remember that there are two lots of cache here both generating two 1MB (if unlocked) heat sources compared to the one on a san diego. Although 2x512k probs a better bet for higher overclocks.

I don't know enough to say anything for sure as its a valid point.

I know that Extreme Edition P4's were a lot hotter than their northwood counterparts - the only difference between the two? Cache size.
 
True, Mav, true. Other benefits from this could be: if the IHS is removed, theres the reports of temp drops by up to 13degrees because of poor contact, which would make up for the rise in heat created by the cache.

Kenny
 
If the cache has been disabled its probally been disabled for a reason, also it may not be a simple procedure to enable the extra cache like unlocking the mulitplier on palamino core was.

It may also effect the processors in other ways, like cache coherency, if one core is storing data needed by another then they have to refresh the cache so the same data is transfered from cache to cache. This may not be re-enabled at the same time as the cache.

It would be an intresting thing to try out, although the chances of sucess are rather slim.
 
NAh thats my new thing, I heard it one the radio - it was a phone in quizz and the DJ always offered the multiple guess options as:

Is it A) XXXX, or B) XXXX or 3)XXXXX

A sort of trademark question stylee which I liked.

Mav
 
from everything iv read the 'e6' x2 3800+ is a toledo core with half the cache disabled (so 2x512kb), but in fact clocks better than the standard manchester core - afaik amd are having better yields with the toledo core than the manchester...so locking half the cache and releasing them allows em to sell more 3800+ chips :)
 
name='Vrykyl' said:
from everything iv read the 'e6' x2 3800+ is a toledo core with half the cache disabled (so 2x512kb), but in fact clocks better than the standard manchester core - afaik amd are having better yields with the toledo core than the manchester...so locking half the cache and releasing them allows em to sell more 3800+ chips :)
Click to expand...

Manchester? Explain, I thought the cores at present are like this:

Toledo = Dual core A64 X2's

Venice = Single Core A64

San Diego = Single core FX and high end A64

Manchester = ??????

All above are skt939

I also notice today that skt939 Opteron 144 - 1MB Cache is out today at a real bargain price with 1MB cache - probs gonna get one of those to play with too.

Mav
 
Mav mate, atm the amd core lineup for skt 939 is as follows -

Manchester = Dual Core A64 X2 3800+

Toledo = 'E6' stepping X2 3800+, all Dual core A64 X2's from 4200 upwards

Venice = Single Core A64

San Diego = Single core FX, high end A64 and new skt939 Opterons (144 & 146 atm)

The opterons are more thoroughly tested San Diego cores with full 1mb cache at lower speeds than 3700+ SD :D
 
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