Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition

The Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition features 6 cores with Hyper-Threading for 12 thread support. This model comes clocked at 3.3GHz with a Turbo frequency of up to 3.9GHz and TDP rating of 130 watts. Like all Sandy Bridge-E processors it supports quad-channel DDR3-1600 memory. However unlike some Extreme Edition models, the new Core i7 3960X receives a massive 15MB L3 cache which is shared across all six cores.
6
Cores
12
Threads
3.3 GHz
Base Clock
3.9 GHz
Boost Clock
Socket LGA 2011
Socket
130 W
TDP
No iGPU
Graphics
Release date:Nov 14, 2011Price at Launch:$999
Cores:6Threads:12
Base Clock:3.3 GHzBoost Clock:3.9 GHz
Type:DesktopMultithreading:Yes
L2 Cache:1.5 MBL3 Cache:15 MB
Box Cooler:YesTDP:130 W
Socket:Socket LGA 2011Memory Support:DDR3-1333
Codename:Sandy Bridge-EProcess Size:32nm
Integrated Graphics:NoNPU:No
PCIe Support:PCIe 3.0, 40 Lanes

Reviews and Ratings

80

Average Score

Based on 23 reviews

Reviewers Liked

  • Staggering level of performance
  • 48 PCIE lanes as compared to the 24 lanes of a Sandy Bridge system
  • Up to 12 threads on six cores
  • Massive 15MB Intel Smart Cache
  • Unlocked Multiplier
  • Turbo Boost 2.0
  • Improved CPU socket loading mechanism
  • AES instructions and Disable Security Bit functions
  • AVX Vector Extensions
  • As of late 2011, fastest consumer desktop CPU available
  • Fastest consumer chip in the world, Sandy Bridge architecture's potential extended
  • Supports dual PCIe x16 video cards at full speed, Includes full range of Sandy Bridge features, Low power usage

Reviewers Didn't Like

  • Very expensive
  • Requires new X79based motherboard, which is also expensive
  • Few consumer level applications will take full advantage of its power
  • Not a huge leap over 990X in many common apps
  • Needs additional outlay for X79 motherboard
  • No integrated video
  • Quick Sync technology
  • Performance within line of sight of top-end Sandy Bridge chips
80

Three years later, we are finally able to put the X58/LGA1366 platform to rest, in what's virtually been Intel's flagship platform for the entire duration. Sandy Bridge gave the platform a run for its money earlier this year, but in the remainder the ...

By TechSpot on
80

While even Intel now admits that clock speed isn't everything, there are workloads where high frequency processors are favoured over those with more cores running at lower frequencies. One of the use-cases both AMD and Intel provide is high...

By The Inquirer on
60

Intel Core i7-3930K rating: 4/5 stars.Intel Core i7-3960X rating: 3/5 stars.As if Intel didn’t have a big enough lead in the CPU performance stakes with their Sandy Bridge family of chips, it’s gone ahead and released a new series named Sandy Bridge-E...

By PCWorld New Zealand on
70

When comes to raw performance and number crunching abilities, the Core i7-3960X is in a league of its own. When it comes to video encoding, the CPU gets to stretch its legs as it puhes past the 2600K. While all this power is great fun, other than a...

By FirstPost on
80

Review date: 12 December, 2011. Review by: Leo Waldock Intel's new Core i7-3960X Extreme processor marks the debut of Sandy Bridge-E. The E suffix stands for Extreme so it follows quite logically that Sandy Bridge-E combines Sandy Bridge Core i5/i7...

By itreviews.com on
85

Fantastic performance at a fantastical pricetag. Worth it if you know you need the CPU grunt, but overkill for the rest of...

By Atomic MPC on
100

The Intel Core i7 3960X is an ultra-high-end CPU in every respect. It's lightning fast with applications and games. Although power consumption is a little high, it's pretty reasonable for a processor with performances like this. The only thing that's...

By DigitalVersus on
90

The Core i7-3960X is a worthy successor to last year's Extreme Edition processors, but the same caveats apply to it as to them. You'll see the greatest benefit in programs that are heavily threaded - computation-heavy spreadsheets, video encoding...

By PC Advisor on
60

Hugely fast, but very few people regularly run enough applications at once to need a processor with this many cores...

By Expert Reviews on
90

Benchmark tests should always be taken with a grain of salt. It's difficult to try and isolate the performance difference a single component in a computer system makes, especially when it's necessary to compare across different manufacturers and...

By Benchmark Reviews on
83

Intel's latest processors aren't cheap, but those in the market for the ultimate in raw power likely won't care when faced with such record-breaking...

By Alphr on
80

A new high-end processor from Intel is normally a cue for much rejoicing. After all, who doesn't like exciting technology and the promise of epic new levels of performance? In that context, the all-new Intel Core i7-3960X is as snazzy as they...

By TechRadar on