Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition Review

Rob Williams · 11-27-2011, 10:27 PM

To those looking to build the biggest, baddest high-end PC around, the wait for Sandy Bridge-E was no doubt painful. But, it's finally here, and much to our expectations, Intel has once again solidified its position as the performance leader. So let's take a look at what it offers, and compare it to the i7-990X, i7-2600K and AMD FX-8150.

Read through our look at Intel's latest and greatest six-core processor, the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition, and then discuss it here!

Kayden · 11-28-2011, 07:41 AM

Great review Rob.

I still wont jump on the 6 core bandwagon and this helps prove why I wont, the games. I like my gaming and computer to be fast but it also has to be practical in regards to cost vs components. I can use 3 580's with my surround but what I can't use is a 6 core CPU that wont be used because the games themselves are not coded to take advantage of it, if I did a lot of media compression that would be a different story but since I don't, I wont bother.

I still think the 8 core is around the corner next spring and that is further being proven by the additional CPU power plugs on some Intel board yet to be released. I will jump from 4 to 8 for that price difference, but it just seems silly to jump to 6 core with high of a price tag.

Optix · 11-28-2011, 11:16 AM

From a gamer stand point this proves yet again what a powerhouse the original Sandybridge chips are and how lacking AMD's latest and greatest is. LGA1155 is still the best option in my opinion unless you truly need a crazy fast system for multi-media or simply have more money than brains.

Doomsday · 11-28-2011, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Optix

From a gamer stand point this proves yet again what a powerhouse the original Sandybridge chips are and how lacking AMD's latest and greatest is. LGA1155 is still the best option in my opinion unless you truly need a crazy fast system for multi-media or simply have more money than brains.

Lol! What he said!

Nice review dude! I like it that they didn't get the Editor's Choice! AMD has ALOT of thinking to do!

Psi* · 11-28-2011, 04:21 PM

A very thorough review Rob. Looks like a lot of effort & well written.

I'm not sure when the next build will be but it will likely include this beast ... maybe as early as Feb '12.

It is fascinating how the different processors take the occasional lead away from i7-3960X.

11-27-2011, 10:27 PM	#1
Rob Williams Editor-in-Chief Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Atlantic Canada Posts: 13,231	Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition Review To those looking to build the biggest, baddest high-end PC around, the wait for Sandy Bridge-E was no doubt painful. But, it's finally here, and much to our expectations, Intel has once again solidified its position as the performance leader. So let's take a look at what it offers, and compare it to the i7-990X, i7-2600K and AMD FX-8150. Read through our look at Intel's latest and greatest six-core processor, the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition, and then discuss it here! __________________ Intel Core i7-990X EE @ 3.43GHz, GIGABYTE X58A-UD5, Kingston 12GB DDR3-1333, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 2GB Kingston HyperX 3K 240GB SSD, WD VR 1TB, WD 2TB, Seagate 2TB, LG BD-ROM, ASUS DVD-RW, Corsair 1000HX, Corsair H60 Cooler Corsair 800D, Dell 2408WFP 24", ASUS Xonar Essence STX, Gentoo (KDE 4.10, 3.7 Kernel) "Take care to get what you like, or you will be forced to like what you get!" - H.P. Baxxter <Toad772> I don't always drink alcohol, but when I do, I take it too far.

11-28-2011, 07:41 AM	#2
Kayden Techgage Staff Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: CA Posts: 709	Great review Rob. I still wont jump on the 6 core bandwagon and this helps prove why I wont, the games. I like my gaming and computer to be fast but it also has to be practical in regards to cost vs components. I can use 3 580's with my surround but what I can't use is a 6 core CPU that wont be used because the games themselves are not coded to take advantage of it, if I did a lot of media compression that would be a different story but since I don't, I wont bother. I still think the 8 core is around the corner next spring and that is further being proven by the additional CPU power plugs on some Intel board yet to be released. I will jump from 4 to 8 for that price difference, but it just seems silly to jump to 6 core with high of a price tag. __________________ Koolance PC4-1036BK Liquid Cooled Aluminum Full Tower Case (Upgraded to displace 1320watt of heat) - Koolance 360 ver 1.2 CPU Water Block - PrimoChill ICE Non-Conductive Fluid - Asus P6X58D Premium - Intel I7 950 - Evga GTX580 FTW Hydro Copper 2 x2 in SLI - Tt SMART M1200W PSU - Mushkin Enhanced Radioactive 12GB 1600 XMP - Klipsch 5.1 THX Cert Speakers - Sata II OCZ Vertex 4 128GB, Kingston 120GB SV300, WD 2TB, 320GB & 1TB - Cyborg RAT 7 MMO Mouse - Logitech G19 - Logitech G13 Gameboard - 1-over-3 Viewsonic's VA2448M-LED 24-Inch for Nvidia Surround - Ergotech Triple Horizontal LCD Monitor Arm Desk Stand

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11-28-2011, 04:21 PM	#5
Psi* Tech Monkey Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Westport, CT Posts: 766	A very thorough review Rob. Looks like a lot of effort & well written. I'm not sure when the next build will be but it will likely include this beast ... maybe as early as Feb '12. It is fascinating how the different processors take the occasional lead away from i7-3960X.