Intel Core i7-3930K vs Intel Core i7-980

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Core i7-3930K compared with Core i7-980

	IntelCore i7-3930K	IntelCore i7-980
Overview
Released
Released	November 2011	June 2011
Cores and clocks
Cores
Cores	6	6
Threads
Threads	12	12
Base clock
Base clock	3.2 GHz	3.33 GHz
Boost clock
Boost clock	3.8 GHz (better)	3.6 GHz
L3 cache
L3 cache	12 MB	12 MB
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. TechSpot's exact non-Extreme launch report confirms a locked multiplier; this is distinct from the unlocked i7-980X.
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.	3.33 GHz base and up to 3.6 GHz Turbo Boost. Intel lists Q2 2011. June retail availability is confirmed by ASCII's contemporary 26 June 2011 shop report; the month is retained because 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	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 comparison chart lists no processor graphics.
Platform
Socket
Socket	LGA2011	LGA1366
Base power
Base power	130 W	130 W
Unlocked
Unlocked	Yes	No
Cooler in the box
Cooler in the box	No	Yes
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.	DDR3-1066 rated maximum in Intel's exact-model chart; the exact Newegg listing confirms three-channel memory. Optional maximum capacity is omitted.
PCIe
PCIe	40 PCIe 2.0 lanes according to Intel's specification page.	The exact Newegg listing specifies a 4.8 GT/s QPI connection. No CPU PCIe lane count is assumed for this chipset-based platform.
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; Gulftown.
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's 32 nm Core i7-900 datasheet includes an unattached fan heatsink with boxed processors. Tray and second-hand packages may differ.