Intel Pentium E2160 Dual-core 1.80GHz Processor

E2160

Strengths: Low cost, high permformance.

Weakness: None.

Intel Pentium E2160 dual-core processor. This is one of the low-cost Dual-Cores that Intel has been selling recently. These processors are underclocked from the factory, but are capable of extreme overclocking. Do not think that because of their low cost that they are weak. You can overclock these with ease and you can still use the stock coolers.

By bulldog93 - Dec 9, 2007

Intel E2160

Strengths: Inexpensive, Fast, Overclockable, cool running.

Weakness: small cache

This Intel Dual Core processor is basically a Core2Duo in disguise - the major difference being that the cache is reduced to 1Mb. I bought this processor to go into a HTPC I was building, and I didn't want to break the bank on it. This processor fits the bill nicely. I've coupled this processor with a GeminII and an Antec NSK2480 for a VERY quiet box. I have not installed any fans on the GeminII,...
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This Intel Dual Core processor is basically a Core2Duo in disguise - the major difference being that the cache is reduced to 1Mb.

I bought this processor to go into a HTPC I was building, and I didn't want to break the bank on it. This processor fits the bill nicely. I've coupled this processor with a GeminII and an Antec NSK2480 for a VERY quiet box. I have not installed any fans on the GeminII, and the case fans are running at lowest speed.

When playing normal SD content or DVD, the CPU temperature goes 3 or 4 degrees above ambient. One of the reasons for getting this CPU is that it's very overclockable, and in the future I want to be able to play HD content. I've done a couple of tests on the CPU I received, and I can happily overclock it from the stock 1.6GHz to 2.4GHz on a fanless GeminII, which should be enough to decode HD. If it's not, I know that I can install a fan or 2 and ramp the clock speed higher.

If you're looking for a fast CPU for gaming, I would look elsewhere. If you're looking for one for a HTPC, give this chip serious consideration. If you're looking for a cheap CPU for web surfing, email etc (ie the stuff 80% of us spend 90% of our time doing), then this processor will serve you well.

Recommended.

By gmitch64 - Dec 6, 2007

Great budget processor, but you would never know it

Strengths: Very nice price for a dual core, Very fast, and very cool (temperature) processor.

Weakness: Stock heatsink/fan is difficult to install.

I haven't tried overclocking it, but I believe it could overclock very well. It is running 79 degrees Fahrenheit idle, and 110 degrees Fahrenheit under a load. This is with Arctic Silver Ceramique thermal paste, and the stock heatsink and fan (which was very difficult for me to install, I much prefer the AMD am2/939 retention method to these plastic clips that hold the heatsink to the motherboard...
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I haven't tried overclocking it, but I believe it could overclock very well. It is running 79 degrees Fahrenheit idle, and 110 degrees Fahrenheit under a load. This is with Arctic Silver Ceramique thermal paste, and the stock heatsink and fan (which was very difficult for me to install, I much prefer the AMD am2/939 retention method to these plastic clips that hold the heatsink to the motherboard and you drive a pin through to hold it in.)
I love the new 4 pin CPU fans that change the speed automatically when the CPU temp increases.
I would highly recommend this to budget users and power users alike for the great cool temperature, great overclocking (Unverified by me), and it feels very fast running.
I paired it with an Abit IP35-E, 2GB OCZ 800mhz ram, and an Antec NSK4400 case, and I am loving it so far.

By C0BRA99 - Nov 30, 2007

Get a $300 chip for under $100

Strengths: Highly overclockable, Affordable

Weakness: 1mb L2 cache

That’s right, you get the same performance from the e2160 dual core chip that rivals the more expense e6850. Disclaimer: The performance is based on overclocking this chip to 3.2Ghz, which is easily done with the right motherboard, memory and power supple. This chip is highly overclockable, some has reached 100% overclockability. Clearly, this is the best bang for you buck. If you’re not...
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That’s right, you get the same performance from the e2160 dual core chip that rivals the more expense e6850. Disclaimer: The performance is based on overclocking this chip to 3.2Ghz, which is easily done with the right motherboard, memory and power supple. This chip is highly overclockable, some has reached 100% overclockability. Clearly, this is the best bang for you buck. If you’re not going to overclock, look elsewhere, the 1mb L2 cache will hold you back in gaming performance, but is decent for everyday computing.

By Mighty_Worm - Sep 25, 2007

E2160

Strengths: Cheap and fast

Weakness: None

This is essentially a detuned core 2 duo. They are based on the same architecture. It only runs at 1.8GHz but can easily be overclocked with the right board. I have a DG965WH and cannot overclock with it. For the price you can't beat it.

By nsxt290 - Sep 21, 2007