Sandybridge locked down!

[Dark Mantis]

I have just heard that according to Intel the nextgen "Sandybridge" CPU will not be overclockable at all(unless you pay the premium for the unlocked version or Special K chip also known as the Kelloggs chip) as they are putting all the busses on one clock and so any interference will make the whole system unstable. This is bad news for the enthusiast market as it will mean either a switch to AMD(hopefully Bulldozer will come good) or pay Intel's exhorbitant premium price for the unlocked version.

[oggmonster]

If this is true then intel are really taking the *insert swear word here* Though if it is true then this will be good news for AMD to claw back some sales

[Dark Mantis]

The trouble is unless AMD have an appropriate offering then people will still be forced to buy Intel because at the end of the day it is speed that counts.

[oggmonster]

True but it will also depend on price and how well the AMD overclocks

[Dark Mantis]

That's right and AMD have always had the edge on price. It is just the performance end of the market that they have always struggled with. When it comes to number crunching Intel has had the edge for a long time.
By the way I can almost see your house from here 

[absic]

I have just heard that according to Intel the nextgen "Sandybridge" CPU will not be overclockable

If this is really the case it will make it much better for general usage though, as I'm sure it will take a lot of idiots out of the computing equation. 

With regard to AMD CPU's and their overclocking capabilities, I have the Phenom ii X6 1090T rated at 3.2 Ghz and have been able to up it to 4.2Ghz with no problems at all.

[Dark Mantis]

Yes I am sure that AMD will make the most of it and if Bulldozer is any good(and overclockable) it will be a big shot in the arm for them. As you say price has always been AMDs strongpoint and as long as they keep that in sight I am sure that they will see more converts.