Intel Core i7-980 vs Intel Core i7-990X Extreme Edition

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Core i7-980 compared with Core i7-990X Extreme Edition

	IntelCore i7-980	IntelCore i7-990X Extreme Edition
Overview
Released
Released	June 2011	February 2011
Cores and clocks
Cores
Cores	6	6
Threads
Threads	12	12
Base clock
Base clock	3.33 GHz	3.46 GHz
Boost clock
Boost clock	3.6 GHz	3.73 GHz (better)
L3 cache
L3 cache	12 MB	12 MB
Cores
Cores	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.	Six cores and twelve threads with Hyper-Threading; unlocked multiplier confirmed by bit-tech’s exact review.
Clocks
Clocks	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.	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.	12 MB shared L3 cache.
Graphics and AI
Built-in graphics
Built-in graphics	No	No
Graphics
Graphics	Intel's exact-model comparison chart lists no processor graphics.	Intel's exact-model comparison chart lists no processor graphics.
Platform
Socket
Socket	LGA1366	LGA1366
Base power
Base power	130 W	130 W
Unlocked
Unlocked	No	Yes
Cooler in the box
Cooler in the box	Yes	Yes
Memory support
Memory support	DDR3-1066 rated maximum in Intel's exact-model chart; the exact Newegg listing confirms three-channel memory. Optional maximum capacity is omitted.	Three-channel DDR3-1066 in Intel’s exact-model chart.
PCIe
PCIe	The exact Newegg listing specifies a 4.8 GT/s QPI connection. No CPU PCIe lane count is assumed for this chipset-based platform.	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; Gulftown.	32 nm; Gulftown.
Cooler
Cooler	Intel's 32 nm Core i7-900 datasheet includes an unattached fan heatsink with boxed processors. Tray and second-hand packages may differ.	Intel's 32 nm Core i7-900 datasheet includes an unattached fan heatsink with boxed processors. Tray and second-hand packages may differ.