Core i7-3960X Extreme

Intel · Core i7 · 2011 · LGA2011

Overview

The Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme is a desktop processor with 6 cores, released in 2011 at an MSRP of $1,059. It is part of the Core i7 lineup, using the Sandy Bridge-E platform, and fits the LGA2011 socket. Internally, it is built on the "Sandy Bridge-E" architecture. Thanks to Intel Hyper-Threading, each core can handle two instruction streams simultaneously, yielding a total of 12 threads for improved parallelism. The Core i7-3960X Extreme has a base clock of 3.3 GHz and can boost up to 3.9 GHz depending on workload and thermal headroom. Intel manufactures the "Sandy Bridge-E" silicon on a 32nm process node. The multiplier is unlocked, making overclocking straightforward. This processor supports DDR3 memory. With a TDP of 130W, the Core i7-3960X Extreme sits in a typical power envelope for a modern desktop CPU. This processor has no integrated graphics — a discrete GPU is required. The cache hierarchy consists of 32KB/core of L1, 256KB/core of L2, and 15MB of L3 cache.

Launch Extreme Edition for the new LGA2011/X79 platform (November 2011). Quad-channel DDR3 memory. Shared the LGA2011 socket with the i7-3820/3930K non-Extreme chips.

Specifications

BrandIntel
FamilyCore i7
SeriesSandy Bridge-E
ArchitectureSandy Bridge-E
TypeDesktop
Launch year2011
Cores6
Threads12
Base clock3.3 GHz
Boost clock3.9 GHz
L1 cache32KB/core
L2 cache256KB/core
L3 cache15MB
TDP130W
SocketLGA2011
Process32nm
Memory typeDDR3
Integrated graphicsNone
ChipsetsX79
Launch MSRP$1,059
Part numberBX80619I73960X
OEM / tray part numberCM8061907184018

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