6 Cores, 12 threads and a thousand dollar price, that’s Intel’s latest flagship processor, the i7-980X. Unveiled at the Game Developers Conference, Intel previewed it’s latest Core i7-980X Extreme Edition processor, the fastest single chip processor on the consumer market (taking the crown from.. you guess it another i7 processor).
The Gulftown is Intel’s first six-core processor fabricated at 32nm, capable of handling 12 computing threads at once. As part of the Extreme Edition line, the i7-980X is targeted at enthusiasts and hardcore-gamers who have enough cash to purchase one (or even two :D) of these benchmark monsters.
Specifications & Features
- Core Frequency: 3.33GHz (Up To 3.6GHz w/ Turbo)
- QPI Speed – 6.4GT/s
- TDP (Thermal Design Power) – 130W
- Stepping – 2
- Number of CPU Cores – 6 (12 Threads w/ HT)
- Intel SmarCache – 12MB
- L2 Cache – 1.5MB (256K x 6)
- Processor input voltage (VID) – .95v
- .032-micron manufacturing process
- Shared Smart Cache Technology
- PECI Enabled
- Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST)
- Extended HALT State (C1E) Enabled
- Execute Disable Bit (XD) Enabled
- Intel 64 Technology
- AES-NI: 12 new processor instructions
- Intel Virtualization Technology (VT)
- Packaging – Flip Chip LGA1366
- Total Die Size: Approximately 248mm2
- Approximately 1.17B Transistors
- MSRP – $999
Intel bundles in a new stock cooler that matches it’s flagship processor speed with stylish looks we’d normally expect from Zalman, Coolermaster, etc.
Neat huh?
Here’s a run down of reviews from several top hardware sites:
AnandTech
Hothardware
Toms Hardware
PC Per
Tech Report
