Unleash the Power of Intel 5820K: A Comprehensive Review

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Specifications of the Intel 5820k
3. Test Rig Configuration
4. CPU Performance Benchmarks
   1. Sandra Processor Arithmetic
   2. Prime95 and W Prime
   3. Gaming Performance
5. Overclocking the Intel 5820k
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Hey guys, it's Tony here, and I'm back with another video for you. Today, we're going to take a closer look at the Intel 5820k processor. This six-core CPU is part of the 2011 v3 range recently released by Intel. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me explain how we're going to approach this review. We're going to do things a bit differently this time to provide you with more in-depth information. You can click on the link at the bottom of the screen to access the graphs, benchmarks, and detailed reviews on the OC 3D website. We'll also include more screenshots and validate our results throughout the article. This extended conclusion-style format will allow us to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Intel 5820k processor. Let's get started!

Specifications of the Intel 5820k

The Intel 5820k is one of three processors released in the 2011 v3 range. It is the "baby" of the range, offering six cores and twelve Threads. The top-of-the-range processor in this lineup is the Intel 5960x, an eight-core monster with a massive price tag. The 5820k falls in the middle, offering a balance of performance and affordability. It features 28 lanes of PCI Express, making it suitable for dual GPU setups. However, if you're planning to run triple graphics, keep in mind that the available lanes will be reduced. Additionally, the Intel 5820k supports a base clock of 100MHz and memory speeds up to 2133MHz. While it may state 2133MHz support, it is possible to overclock the memory beyond this point with some tweaking.

Test Rig Configuration

To thoroughly test the Intel 5820k, we used the Rampage 5 Extreme motherboard as the base for our test rig. We also equipped it with Corsair Vengeance LPX 2800MHz memory, although we also tested it with G.Skill 3000MHz memory. For graphics, we opted for the GTX 780 Ti, as it matched our previous test setup and ensured consistent results. The storage was handled by a SanDisk Extreme Pro solid-state drive, and cooling was provided by the Corsair H105 liquid cooler. All these components were housed in a Corsair 540 Air chassis.

CPU Performance Benchmarks

To evaluate the performance of the Intel 5820k, we conducted various benchmarks to test its capabilities. These benchmarks include Sandra Processor Arithmetic, Prime95 and W Prime, and gaming performance tests.

Sandra Processor Arithmetic

In the Sandra Processor Arithmetic benchmark, the Intel 5820k performs admirably. It competes closely with the i7-4790k, even outperforming it when both CPUs are overclocked. This indicates that the 5820k offers great performance in tasks that heavily rely on processor arithmetic.

Prime95 and W Prime

When it comes to Prime95 and W Prime, the Intel 5820k performs adequately but falls behind the top-performing CPUs. However, it should be noted that the performance difference is not significant, and the 5820k still provides a decent level of performance for these benchmarks.

Gaming Performance

In gaming performance tests, the Intel 5820k shows a slight advantage over the i7-4790k, although the difference is minimal. It performs well in both AMD and video Game benchmarks, with only a few frames per Second variance. However, it's important to note that the 5820k's gaming performance doesn't justify the higher price compared to the i7-4790k. For gamers, it is more practical to focus on investing in a better graphics card rather than spending extra on the processor.

Overclocking the Intel 5820k

Overclocking the Intel 5820k can be a bit challenging. We found that pushing the CPU beyond 4GHz while maintaining 2800MHz memory speed required significant effort. The memory controller of the 5820k doesn't perform as well as its higher-end counterparts. Achieving stable and higher memory speeds is not guaranteed, and it may take considerable tweaking to get the desired results. Additionally, pushing excessive voltage into the CPU doesn't necessarily yield better performance, as these CPUs have built-in throttling mechanisms. It's crucial to find the right balance and avoid excessive voltage to ensure stability and longevity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Intel 5820k sits in a bit of a niche position in the market. If you're a gamer, it may not be the best choice, as the i7-4790k offers better value for money in terms of gaming performance. The 5820k is better suited for users who require additional cores for tasks like video rendering, but are on a tight budget. The processor performs well when optimized, but it requires tweaking and experimentation to achieve the desired results. If you're looking to overclock and explore the capabilities of DDR4 memory, consider investing in the Intel 5930k instead. Ultimately, the 5820k offers decent performance for its price, but it may not justify the additional cost for most users.

Please note that the content above is a brief summary and doesn't cover the extensive testing and analysis performed in this review. For more detailed information, graphs, and benchmarks, visit the OC 3D website.

Pros:

• Six-core processor at an affordable price
• Good performance in processor arithmetic tasks
• Can outperform the i7-4790k when overclocked
• Supports DDR4 memory

Cons:

• Limited PCI Express lanes for multi-GPU setups
• Mediocre performance in certain benchmarks
• Not the best option for gaming purposes
• Overclocking can be more challenging compared to other CPUs

Highlights

• The Intel 5820k is a six-core processor offering a balance of performance and affordability.
• It features 28 lanes of PCI Express, making it suitable for dual GPU setups.
• The processor performs well in tasks that rely heavily on processor arithmetic.
• Overclocking the 5820k can be challenging, and achieving stable higher memory speeds may require considerable tweaking.
• For gamers, the i7-4790k may offer better overall value for money.
• Invest in a better graphics card rather than spending extra on the 5820k for gaming purposes.
• Consider the Intel 5930k if you want to explore the capabilities of DDR4 memory and have more overclocking headroom.

FAQ

Q: Can the Intel 5820k handle video rendering tasks? A: Yes, the Intel 5820k is equipped with six cores and twelve threads, making it suitable for video rendering tasks. However, its performance may not be on par with higher-end processors such as the Intel 5960x.

Q: Does the Intel 5820k support DDR4 memory? A: Yes, the Intel 5820k supports DDR4 memory. However, it's crucial to note that achieving higher memory speeds may require tweaking and experimentation.

Q: What is the recommended usage for the Intel 5820k? A: The Intel 5820k is ideal for users who require additional cores for tasks like video rendering but are on a tight budget. It may not be the best choice for gaming purposes, as there are more cost-effective options available.

Q: How does the Intel 5820k compare to the i7-4790k? A: The Intel 5820k offers slightly better performance in certain benchmarks and tasks that rely heavily on processor arithmetic. However, for most gamers, the i7-4790k provides better overall value for money.

Q: Can the Intel 5820k handle multi-GPU setups? A: Yes, the Intel 5820k supports multi-GPU setups. However, it is limited to 28 PCI Express lanes, which may slightly impact performance compared to CPUs with more lanes.

Resources:

• OC 3D website: link