Core i7-4960X Extreme

Intel · Core i7 · 2013 · LGA2011

Overview

The Intel Core i7-4960X Extreme is a desktop processor with 6 cores, released in 2013 at an MSRP of $999. It is part of the Core i7 lineup, using the Ivy Bridge-E platform, and fits the LGA2011 socket. Internally, it is built on the "Ivy 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 i7-4960X Extreme has a base clock of 3.6 GHz and can boost up to 4 GHz depending on workload and thermal headroom. Intel manufactures the "Ivy Bridge-E" silicon on a 22nm process node. The multiplier is unlocked, making overclocking straightforward. This processor supports DDR3 memory. With a TDP of 130W, the Core i7-4960X 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.

Ivy Bridge-E on LGA2011 — a 22nm die shrink with modest IPC gains. Criticised at launch for offering little improvement over Sandy Bridge-E; Tom's Hardware called it 'a great limp forward'.

Specifications

BrandIntel
FamilyCore i7
SeriesIvy Bridge-E
ArchitectureIvy Bridge-E
TypeDesktop
Launch year2013
Cores6
Threads12
Base clock3.6 GHz
Boost clock4 GHz
L1 cache32KB/core
L2 cache256KB/core
L3 cache15MB
TDP130W
SocketLGA2011
Process22nm
Memory typeDDR3
Integrated graphicsNone
ChipsetsX79
Launch MSRP$999
Part numberBX80633I74960X
OEM / tray part numberCM8063301292500

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