Intel Core i7-980X Extreme Edition

The Intel Core i7 980X Extreme operates at a 3.33GHz frequency, features a 6.4GT/s QPI link, utilizes triple-channel DDR3 memory, supports the LGA1366 socket, and has a thermal design power of 130 watts. The Core i7 980 can pack 6 cores into a similar package and feature an incredible 12 threads.
6
Cores
12
Threads
3.33 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz
Boost Clock
Socket LGA 1366
Socket
130 W
TDP
No iGPU
Graphics
$148
Price
Release date:Mar 16, 2010Price at Launch:$999
Cores:6Threads:12
Base Clock:3.33 GHzBoost Clock:3.6 GHz
Type:DesktopMultithreading:Yes
L2 Cache:1.5 MBL3 Cache:12 MB
Box Cooler:YesTDP:130 W
Socket:Socket LGA 1366Memory Support:DDR3-1066
Codename:GulftownProcess Size:32nm
Integrated Graphics:NoNPU:No
PCIe Support:PCIe 2.0, 36 Lanes

Reviews and Ratings

87

Average Score

Based on 25 reviews

6.8

User Score

Based on 90 reviews

Reviewers Liked

  • Consumes less or equal power compared to Intel's competing quadcores
  • Excellent overclocking potential
  • Six Core Performance with HyperThreading
  • Turbo Boost Technology
  • Optimized for Windows 7
  • 12MB (Shared) L3 Cache
  • Much Improved Thermal Solution (DBXB)
  • 32nm Processor
  • Ridiculously Fast when Used Properly

Reviewers Didn't Like

  • Software is unable to use all it offers
  • Expensive
  • Not for the Budget Minded
  • Additional CPU cores limit overclocking headroom
  • Does not add performance to high level gaming platforms

The Core i7 980X Extreme is an astounding processor with a number of unique strengths and very few weaknesses. Although we have known all along that the first Core i7 processor to feature six cores would use a 32nm manufacturing process, we still...

By TechSpot on
100

WOW! That's all I can say. This chip is the fastest CPU I have ever had the joy to test. In fact, it is the fastest consumer desktop chip available. However, all that comes at a price. This CPU will set you back $1,000 from most retailers. Is it...

By The Best Case Scenario on
80

With surprisingly little fanfare, the Intel Core i7 980X Extreme Edition – the first six core CPU available on the consumer market – has finally hit New Zealand shelves.Under the hood, the 980X packs six cores running at a default clock...

By PCWorld New Zealand on
70

The Intel Core i7 980X Extreme Edition is insanely fast for applications that use it to its potential. Its also insanely expensive at over AED 3,500. Intel’s Extreme Edition of CPUs have always been their highest end desktop processors at the time...

By tbreak.ae on
100

There’s no denying the 980X is an impressive beast. The only issue is that it’s still ahead of the software curve, so unless you’re already using multi-threaded software, it’s better to wait for the 980X’s price to drop...

By ITP.net on
97

The chip to beat for this decade so...

By Atomic MPC on
80

Meanwhile, in Intel’s epic thumb war with AMD, Intel once more finds itself without a competitor—nothing from AMD is even close—and for the time being will have to be satisfied twiddling its...

By ComputerPowerUser on
100

The Intel range The Core i7 900 processors arrived in November 2008 with three models, the 920, the 940 and the 965 Extreme, all of which were quad-core CPUs. The iT 980X only came much later, in March 2010. Apart from being manufactured with more...

By DigitalVersus on
100

The Intel Core i7 980X is simply the fastest processor available to consumers. It is the unchallenged performance king, on just about any test. However, the margin of difference in performance, between this six-core and the older four-core processors...

By Good Gear Guide on
91

The Core i7 980X is simply the fastest processor available to consumers. It is the unchallenged performance king, on just about any test. However, the margin of difference in performance, between this six-core and the older four-core processors is...

By PCWorld India on
100

Yes it's ridiculously expensive, but you are getting a processor that's way ahead of anything else available at the present time....

By Expert Reviews on
90

The performance of the i7 980x leaves us breathless. It doesn't matter what we threw in its direction, it just gobbled it up begged for more. We often need to tie our testing results up into a handy bundle and try and give a clear overall impression...

By Overclock3D on

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