Intel · Core

Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition

Released November 2011

A six-core Sandy Bridge-E Extreme Edition desktop processor with an unlocked multiplier, four-channel DDR3 and 40 PCIe lanes.

Cores: 6/12
Boost: 3.9 GHz
L3: 15 MB
Power: 130 W
Socket: LGA2011

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Both reviews found strong rendering and encoding performance, with less consistent gains in games. Puget was impressed by the application results but recommended better cooling than Intel’s optional air cooler. TechRadar praised overclocking headroom yet criticised the price and disabled cores, judging the stock-speed improvement over Gulftown less dramatic.

From pugetsystems.com and techradar.com

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 6
Threads: 12
Base clock: 3.3 GHz
Boost clock: 3.9 GHz
L3 cache: 15 MB
Cores: 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: 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: 15 MB shared L3 cache.

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: No
Graphics: Intel’s exact-model Extreme Edition chart lists no processor graphics.

Platform

Socket: LGA2011
Base power: 130 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: No
Memory support: Up to 64 GB across four DDR3-1066/1333/1600 channels; maximum 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, without ECC.
PCIe: 40 PCIe 2.0 lanes in Intel’s current exact specification page.
Process: 32 nm; Sandy Bridge-E. Package 52.5 × 45.0 mm; Intel’s 66.8°C limit is TCASE, not junction temperature.
Cooler: Intel explicitly says the boxed product has no fan or heatsink. Requires separate LGA2011-compatible cooling; the original product brief names X79.

Pros and cons

Pros

Six cores and twelve threads
Four-channel DDR3 memory
40 PCIe lanes

Cons

No integrated graphics
No boxed cooler
Requires an LGA2011 motherboard

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
IntelCore i7-3930K	6/12	3.8 GHz	12 MB	130 W	LGA2011	Nov 2011
IntelCore i7-980	6/12	3.6 GHz	12 MB	130 W	LGA1366	Jun 2011
IntelCore i7-990X Extreme Edition	6/12	3.73 GHz	12 MB	130 W	LGA1366	Feb 2011

Sources

Photo: Newegg’s exact BX80619I73960X listing; original i7-3960X retail box with visible model label.

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