Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition 3.3Ghz Socket 2011

Overview

The Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition features 6 cores with Hyper-Threading for 12 thread support. This model comes clocked at 3.3GHz with a Turbo frequency of up to 3.9GHz and TDP rating of 130 watts. Like all Sandy Bridge-E processors it supports quad-channel DDR3-1600 memory. However unlike some Extreme Edition models, the new Core i7 3960X receives a massive 15MB L3 cache which is shared across all six cores.

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 24 expert reviews

Excellent:

10
Good:

8
Average:

3
Bad:

3

TechSpot is supported by its audience. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Last revision on September 1, 2015

Reviewers Liked

Staggering level of performance
48 PCIE lanes as compared to the 24 lanes of a Sandy Bridge system
Up to 12 threads on six cores
Massive 15MB Intel Smart Cache
Unlocked Multiplier
Turbo Boost 2.0
Improved CPU socket loading mechanism
AES instructions and Disable Security Bit functions
AVX Vector Extensions
As of late 2011, fastest consumer desktop CPU available
Fastest consumer chip in the world, Sandy Bridge architecture's potential extended
Supports dual PCIe x16 video cards at full speed, Includes full range of Sandy Bridge features, Low power usage

Reviewers Didn't Like

Very expensive
Requires new X79based motherboard, which is also expensive
Few consumer level applications will take full advantage of its power
Not a huge leap over 990X in many common apps
Needs additional outlay for X79 motherboard
No integrated video
Quick Sync technology
Performance within line of sight of top-end Sandy Bridge chips

Expert reviews and ratings

Three years later, we are finally able to put the X58/LGA1366 platform to rest, in what's virtually been Intel's flagship platform for the entire duration. Sandy Bridge gave the platform a run for its money earlier this year, but in the remainder the ...

By TechSpot on November 14, 2011

While even Intel now admits that clock speed isn't everything, there are workloads where high frequency processors are favoured over those with more cores running at lower frequencies. One of the use-cases both AMD and Intel provide is high...

By The Inquirer on March 06, 2012

Intel Core i7-3930K rating: 4/5 stars.Intel Core i7-3960X rating: 3/5 stars.As if Intel didn’t have a big enough lead in the CPU performance stakes with their Sandy Bridge family of chips, it’s gone ahead and released a new series named Sandy Bridge-E...

By PCWorld New Zealand on February 13, 2012

This is the fastest Intel processor that an average consumer could buy off a shelf today. However this power has specific uses and not one that an average user might need. If you need a blazingly fast processor for video processing or are in need for...

By WCCFTech on January 11, 2012

When comes to raw performance and number crunching abilities, the Core i7-3960X is in a league of its own. When it comes to video encoding, the CPU gets to stretch its legs as it puhes past the 2600K. While all this power is great fun, other than a...

By FirstPost on December 31, 2011

Review date: 12 December, 2011. Review by: Leo Waldock Intel's new Core i7-3960X Extreme processor marks the debut of Sandy Bridge-E. The E suffix stands for Extreme so it follows quite logically that Sandy Bridge-E combines Sandy Bridge Core i5/i7...

By itreviews.com on December 12, 2011

Fantastic performance at a fantastical pricetag. Worth it if you know you need the CPU grunt, but overkill for the rest of...

By Atomic MPC on December 06, 2011

100

The Intel Core i7 3960X is an ultra-high-end CPU in every respect. It's lightning fast with applications and games. Although power consumption is a little high, it's pretty reasonable for a processor with performances like this. The only thing that's...

By DigitalVersus on November 22, 2011

The Core i7-3960X is a worthy successor to last year's Extreme Edition processors, but the same caveats apply to it as to them. You'll see the greatest benefit in programs that are heavily threaded - computation-heavy spreadsheets, video encoding...

By PC Advisor on November 15, 2011

Hugely fast, but very few people regularly run enough applications at once to need a processor with this many cores...

By Expert Reviews on November 14, 2011

Load More Reviews…