Intel Core i7-2600K vs Intel Core i7-990X Extreme Edition

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Core i7-2600K compared with Core i7-990X Extreme Edition

	IntelCore i7-2600K	IntelCore i7-990X Extreme Edition
Overview
Released
Released	January 2011	February 2011
Cores and clocks
Cores
Cores	4	6 (better)
Threads
Threads	8	12 (better)
Base clock
Base clock	3.4 GHz	3.46 GHz
Boost clock
Boost clock	3.8 GHz (better)	3.73 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; unlocked multiplier confirmed by bit-tech’s exact review.
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.	3.46 GHz base and up to 3.73 GHz Turbo Boost. Intel gives Q1 2011; contemporary TechSpot launch coverage and Newegg’s exact listing support February availability. 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	Yes
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.	Three-channel DDR3-1066 in Intel’s exact-model chart.
PCIe
PCIe	PCIe 2.0; 16 CPU lanes.	The exact Newegg listing specifies 6.4 GT/s QPI. No processor PCIe lane count is assumed for this chipset-based platform.
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. Tray and second-hand packages may differ.