Intel Core i7-2600K vs Intel Core i7-970

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Core i7-2600K compared with Core i7-970

	IntelCore i7-2600K	IntelCore i7-970
Overview
Released
Released	January 2011	July 2010
Cores and clocks
Cores
Cores	4	6 (better)
Threads
Threads	8	12 (better)
Base clock
Base clock	3.4 GHz	3.2 GHz
Boost clock
Boost clock	3.8 GHz (better)	3.46 GHz
L3 cache
L3 cache	8 MB	12 MB (better)
Cores
Cores	Four cores with Hyper-Threading; Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. Expert Reviews and TechRadar confirm the unlocked CPU multiplier.	Six cores and twelve threads with Hyper-Threading. Clubic and bit-tech explicitly describe a multiplier locked upwards; base-clock overclocking remains possible.
Clocks
Clocks	Maximum turbo is a single-core frequency; sustained clocks depend on cooling. Intel's 5 January launch notice gives 9 January availability for quad-core systems.	3.2 GHz base and up to 3.46 GHz Turbo Boost. Intel lists Q3 2010. July on-sale precision uses TechSpot's contemporary 19 July 2010 report of the exact processor in stock; a maker-confirmed first-sale day was not found.
Cache
Cache	–	12 MB shared L3 cache.
Graphics and AI
Built-in graphics
Built-in graphics	Yes	No
Graphics
Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 3000; 850 MHz base, up to 1.35 GHz; two displays; Quick Sync Video.	Intel's exact-model comparison chart lists no processor graphics.
Platform
Socket
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1366
Base power
Base power	95 W	130 W
Unlocked
Unlocked	Yes	No
Cooler in the box
Cooler in the box	–	Yes
Memory support
Memory support	Up to 32 GB; two channels; DDR3-1066/1333; 21 GB/s maximum bandwidth as Intel publishes; ECC not supported.	DDR3-1066 rated maximum in Intel's exact-model chart; Clubic confirms three-channel memory. Optional maximum capacity is omitted.
PCIe
PCIe	PCIe 2.0; 16 CPU lanes.	Intel's WX58BP processor compatibility table lists a 4.8 GT/s QPI connection for the exact i7-970. PCIe expansion is provided by the chipset, so no CPU lane count is assumed.
Process
Process	32 nm; Sandy Bridge; 37.5 × 37.5 mm package; 72.6°C maximum case temperature, not junction temperature.	32 nm; Gulftown.
Cooler
Cooler	LGA1155 is incompatible with LGA1156. TechRadar describes the launch P67 chipset as supporting CPU overclocking and H67 as supporting the integrated graphics output; chipset choice affects available features. Intel publishes no separate maximum turbo-power figure.	Intel's 32 nm Core i7-900 datasheet includes an unattached fan heatsink with boxed processors. Clubic describes the supplied copper-base tower cooler; second-hand and tray packages may differ.