The Cpu's and Memory

Skulltrail is comprised of two QX9775 processors. These are Quad core, 45nm Yorkfield Cpu's which run at 3.2ghz, they have 12MB of L2 cache and run on a 1600mhz front side bus. These specifications are identical to the QX9770 processor that we reviewed a while ago, the only difference is the packaging and the fact they can run in dual CPU mode.

They are 771 slot and have (not surprisingly) 4 pins less than a standard 775 cpu. Intel have placed a pair of PCB insets that stop you from installing an incorrect processor on your Skulltrail motherboard.

Each processor has a TDP rating of 150w, slighly more than the QX9770's 136w, this is in part why Intel are claiming such hefty power supply requirements.

The Micron fully buffered memory modules are rated at a CAS Latency of 5 which is looser than high end standard DDR2 sticks of comparible speeds. The prices of FB memory are dropping recently and if recent reports are anything to go by, then this platform may not have a long life span.

As I mentioned earlier, Intel supplied 2x2GB modules for the reviewers kit, but we felt to get the most bandwidth out of the system we should install another 2x2GB modules to fully maximise the boards potential. Adding two additional memory modules increases the systems peak bandwidth, however this also slightly lowers latency and increases power consumption. During our game testing we used 2 modules as supplied by Intel but we also further tested the benefits of Quad memory in various sections of this review.