Intel Core i7-3930K vs Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition

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Core i7-3930K compared with Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition

	IntelCore i7-3930K	IntelCore i7-3960X Extreme Edition
Overview
Released
Released	November 2011	November 2011
Cores and clocks
Cores
Cores	6	6
Threads
Threads	12	12
Base clock
Base clock	3.2 GHz	3.3 GHz
Boost clock
Boost clock	3.8 GHz	3.9 GHz (better)
L3 cache
L3 cache	12 MB	15 MB (better)
Cores
Cores	Six cores with Hyper-Threading; twelve threads. Fully unlocked multiplier, confirmed by Intel's exact-model brief and the reviews. VT-d is supported only by C2 stepping according to Intel.	Six cores and twelve threads with Hyper-Threading; fully unlocked multiplier confirmed by Intel’s exact product brief. Intel states that VT-d requires C2 stepping.
Clocks
Clocks	Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.80 GHz. First-sale day comes from Legit Reviews' 14 November 2011 report of the exact boxed processor in stock at Newegg, cross-checked with Puget Systems' same-day launch coverage; Intel's specification page gives Q4 2011.	3.30 GHz base and up to 3.90 GHz Turbo Boost 2.0. Intel gives Q4 2011; EE Times’ contemporary 14 November report quotes Intel confirming the exact model is available now. Newegg’s earlier listing date alone does not establish sale.
Cache
Cache	–	15 MB shared L3 cache.
Graphics and AI
Built-in graphics
Built-in graphics	No	No
Graphics
Graphics	No processor graphics; Intel's exact-model comparison-chart row lists graphics as not applicable. A separate graphics solution is required.	Intel’s exact-model Extreme Edition chart lists no processor graphics.
Platform
Socket
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
Base power
Base power	130 W	130 W
Unlocked
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
Cooler in the box
Cooler in the box	No	No
Memory support
Memory support	Four channels of DDR3-1066/1333/1600; up to 51.2 GB/s, without ECC. Intel's later comparison chart incorrectly lists two channels; the original brief and current specification page both establish four.	Up to 64 GB across four DDR3-1066/1333/1600 channels; maximum 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, without ECC.
PCIe
PCIe	40 PCIe 2.0 lanes according to Intel's specification page.	40 PCIe 2.0 lanes in Intel’s current exact specification page.
Process
Process	32 nm; Sandy Bridge-E. Package measures 52.5 × 45.0 mm; Intel states a 66.8°C maximum case temperature, not a junction-temperature rating.	32 nm; Sandy Bridge-E. Package 52.5 × 45.0 mm; Intel’s 66.8°C limit is TCASE, not junction temperature.
Cooler
Cooler	Intel explicitly says the boxed processor has no fan or heatsink. Requires an LGA2011-compatible cooler and motherboard; Intel's product brief names the X79 platform.	Intel explicitly says the boxed product has no fan or heatsink. Requires separate LGA2011-compatible cooling; the original product brief names X79.