Intel's Core i7-980X Extreme Edition - Ready for Sick Scores?

[Rob Williams]

It's official. We're now entering the six-core realm, thanks to Intel's Gulftown. The first model, Core i7-980X, is more than capable of delivering the sick scores that our title suggests, and along with it, we can begin to see some major benefits of the 32nm process. To sweeten the deal further, Intel even includes an effective new CPU cooler.

You can read the rest of our look at Intel's six-core processor here and discuss it here!

 

[Tech-Daddy]

Very nice review!
I'm going to be moving to a quad core finally once I get Sleeper done...

 

[Doomsday]

freakin AWESOME!! *drops dead*

 

[Psi*]

Nice review.

I am still looking forward to get one of these ASAP replacing the current i7 920. I'll move the i7 920 to a another new system of which I have not purchased anything for as yet.I hope to try the new HSF provided with the i7 980X on the i7 920 ... assuming the WC, now on the i7 920 is worthwhile for the i7 980X

I don't think I saw any comments about temperature?

 

[Rob Williams]

I don't think I saw any comments about temperature?

I stopped including temperatures a while ago because I ended up changing the way I measured them after this current suite was finalized. Plus on brand-new architectures like this, it's hard to even know if the temperatures being displayed are correct. Intel will never vouch for the tools that monitor the temperatures, so it's hard to know.

Regardless, I ran a lengthier stress-test on our overclock, a total of 16 hours, and you can see what the latest version of Everest reported for the temps:

http://techgage.com/viewimg/?img=/r...desc=Intel Gulftown Core i7-980X Overclocking

 

[looisboo]

good review mate

 

[Psi*]

@ Rob ... I missed this update & reference to monitoring temperature.

I especially note the 12 degree delta between cores #3 & #5... you *know* that there will be endless posts on endless forums about from every user that has a delta more 4 degrees.

In up coming months there will many a link to your screen shot to calm the worry.

It is also interesting to note that a new Dell with dual W5580s does thermal throtteling when running LinX. And that is in a cool air conditioned room.

 

[Rob Williams]

I especially note the 12 degree delta between cores #3 & #5... you *know* that there will be endless posts on endless forums about from every user that has a delta more 4 degrees.

I am not sure if I'm missing something here, but what's the big deal with this again? Deltas, at least with temperatures, just don't matter to me. It could be that those cores are less-than-ideal compared to the others. As long as it's stable (which it is), I'm pleased. Plus, if the top-end temperature is <em>really</em> only 72&deg;C at 4.05GHz, the deltas mean even less. Those temperatures on an overclock like that on an air cooler that's <em>included</em> with the CPU... that's exciting to me.

 

[Psi*]

You are not missing anything & I agree with you! It was my intention to come across in that way.

I was just commenting about the concern that many on the net have about this temperature differential. The fact that it is a non-issue is of itself a point to be made.

I also share the excitement about that overclock!!