Intel · Core

Core i7-3970X

Released November 2012

An unlocked 6-core Sandy Bridge-E desktop processor with Hyper-Threading and four-channel DDR3 memory for LGA2011 enthusiast systems.

Cores: 6/12
Boost: 4 GHz
L3: 15 MB
Power: 150 W
Socket: LGA2011

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviews found strong threaded performance but only small gains over the 3960X at a high cost. TechRadar was unimpressed by the refresh, while Tom’s Hardware saw some appeal for paid professional work but found worse efficiency and greater cooling demands. Their samples differed in overclocking, so neither result promises a buyer’s clock.

From techradar.com and tomshardware.com

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 6
Threads: 12
Base clock: 3.5 GHz
Boost clock: 4 GHz
L3 cache: 15 MB
Cores: Sandy Bridge-E; 6 cores with Hyper-Threading. The unlocked multiplier is confirmed by the exact-model reviews.
Clocks: Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 4.00 GHz. November retail availability is established by Golem’s 14 November 2012 report of the exact model being offered by German retailers; Intel gives Q4 2012. An exact maker first-sale day was not established.

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: No
Graphics: No processor graphics, confirmed by Intel’s exact-model comparison-chart row; a separate graphics solution is required.

Platform

Socket: LGA2011
Base power: 150 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: No
Memory support: Four channels of DDR3-1066/1333/1600; maximum bandwidth 51.2 GB/s; no ECC. Current Intel ARK gives an anomalous 64.45 GB maximum memory size; that literal wording is retained here without treating it as a reliable numeric limit.
PCIe: 40 CPU lanes; PCIe 2.0 according to the current Intel specification page.
Chipsets: X79 and LGA2011, confirmed by the exact-model reviews.
Process: 32 nm; Sandy Bridge-E. Package size 52.5 × 45.0 mm.
Cooler: Intel explicitly excludes a fan and heatsink from the boxed product; a separate compatible cooler is required.

Pros and cons

Pros

6 cores and 12 threads
Four-channel memory controller
40 PCIe lanes

Cons

No integrated graphics
No boxed cooler
Requires a 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 i7-3960X Extreme Edition	6/12	3.9 GHz	15 MB	130 W	LGA2011	Nov 2011
IntelCore i7-4930K	6/12	3.9 GHz	12 MB	130 W	LGA2011	Sept 2013

Newer model: Core i7-4960X.

Sources

Photo: TechRadar exact Core i7-3970X review photograph from underneath; original white background and reflection retained, front model engraving not visible.

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