Intel Core i7-980X Extreme Edition Processor 3.33 GHz 12 MB Cache Socket LGA1366

by Intel

• 3.33GHz Clock Speed Intel Turbo Boost speed up to 3.6GHz
• 6 cores 12 threads with Intel Hyper-Threading
• Socket LGA1366 compatible with Intel DX58SO board
• Three channel DDR3 memory support
• 130 Watts TDP

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 8.3 x 31.5 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B003922WES
• Item model number: BX80613i7980X
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 16, 2010

Product Description

Amazon.com

The Intel Core i7 980X processor Extreme Edition is Intel's first 32nm processor with 12 computing threads to deliver the cutting edge in PC performance. It combines the power of six processing cores running at 3.33 GHz into a single processor, guaranteeing the utmost performance and power for the most demanding applications. With 12 MB of smart cache, the Core i7 980X processor ensures that you get maximum responsiveness from your system, even when running many intensive programs simultaneously. Compatible with motherboards based on the Intel X58 Express chipset, the Core i7-980X processor takes your computing and gaming experience to the next level.

Intel Core i7-980X processor Extreme Edition features: Six 3.33 GHz cores and 12 threads for better performance. 12 MB of smart cache. Overclocker friendly. Quick Path Interconnect provides fast data transfer between the processor and chipset.

The Intel Core i7-980X processor lets you dominate the gaming competition. View larger.

Take your computing and gaming experience to the next level with the Intel Core i7-980X processor Extreme Edition. View larger.

With 12 computing threads, you'll have smoother, more realistic gameplay.

12 Threads for the Ultimate Gaming Weapon
The Intel Core i7 980X processor Extreme Edition packs six computing cores running at 3.33 GHz to deliver breakthrough performance in gaming and multitasking. The Core i7-980X will not only handle today's complex games, but tomorrow's as well. You'll experience smoother, more realistic gameplay as AI, physics, and rendering are distributed across the six cores and 12 threads. Your 3D gaming will be brought to life without frame-rate hiccups and slowdowns so you can dominate the competition.

Breakaway Performance for Digital Media Creation
Whether editing high-definition videos, touching up family photos, or splicing up music, the Intel Core i7 980X processor Extreme Edition provides the processing power needed. The processor's 12 threads are optimized to keep up with the most advanced digital editing software. Compared to the previous generation of Intel Core2 processors, the Core i7 980X processor can process HD video almost twice as fast. It also accelerates DVD encoding and compression, allowing you to easily share your HD movies with everyone. Video transcoding and compression and image rendering are done faster than ever, so you'll never be left waiting for your computer to catch up to your imagination.

Powerful New Microarchitecture Eliminates Slowdown
The i7 family is Intel's flagship processor, and for good reason. With the i7 family, Intel engineers invented a revolutionary new style of microarchitecture. They replaced the front side bus--a longtime staple of processor design--with a new technology called QuickPath Interconnect (QPI). Using QPI, the Intel Core i7 980X processor increases bandwidth and lowers latency, while achieving data transfer speeds as high as 25.6 GB/s.

To put it simply, users will enjoy faster and more streamlined processing than ever before. Your computer will handle multiple projects and applications without the slowdown you'd experience with a lesser processor.

New Technologies Boost Performance
The Intel Core i7 980X processor Extreme Edition also makes use of several other cutting-edge technologies:

• Turbo Boost Technology allows the processor to automatically boost base clock speed of 3.33GHz to a maximum single-core frequency of 3.60GHz when it's operating below power/thermal limits.
• Hyper-threading Technology enables more efficient use of processor resources by allowing each core to work on two tasks at the same time. This 12 way multi-tasking makes the most of highly threaded software like media players and next-generation games.
• Smart Cache Memory increases available RAM resources, leading to less lag while multi-tasking.

Overclocker Friendly¹
Built to be tweaked and pushed to the limits, Intel Core i7 980X processor Extreme Edition features an unlocked core making it easier to overclock. For performance enthusiasts looking to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of their hardware, Intel DX58SO Extreme Series Desktop Boards provide a stable foundation for a benchmark-shattering system.

1 Warning: altering clock frequency and/or voltage may (i) reduce system stability and useful life of the system and processor; (ii) cause the processor and other system components to fail; (iii) cause reductions in system performance; (iv) cause additional damage; and (v) affect system data integrity. Intel has not tested, and does not warranty, the operation of the processor beyond its specifications

The Intel Core i7 980X processor Extreme Edition is backed by a three-year limited warranty.

Intel Core i7 Processor Comparison
	Intel Core i7-990X Processor Extreme Edition	Intel Core i7-980X Processor Extreme Edition	Intel Core i7-970 Processor	Intel Core i7-960 Processor
Number of Processing Cores	6	6	6	4
Number of Simultaneous Threads	12 (With Intel HT Technology)	12 (With Intel HT Technology)	12 (With Intel HT Technology)	8 (With Intel HT Technology)
Clock Speed	3.46 GHz	3.33 GHz	3.20 GHz	3.20 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency	3.73 GHz	3.60 GHz	3.46 GHz	3.46 GHz
Intel Smart Cache	12 MB	12 MB	12 MB	8 MB
Max Memory Size	24 GB	24 GB	24 GB	24 GB
Memory Types	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1066	DDR3-800/1066	DDR3-800/1066
Number of DDR3 Memory Channels	3	3	3	3
AES New Instructions	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

Product Description

Intel Core i7-980X Processor Extreme Edition 3.33 GHz, 6.4 QPI, 45nm, Integrated Three Channel DDR3 Memory Controller, Hyper-Threading Technology - lets your processor do two things at the same time, allowing its six cores to run 12 threads, 12 MB Smart Cache, Turbo Boost Technology - automatically speeds up your processor when you need it. So even if you are running multiple applications at the same time, turbo boost taps any unused power to give you an extra boost of speed single-core frequency up to 3.60 GHz, LGA-1366 package. 3 Year Limited Warranty. Compatible with the Intel Desktop Board DX58SO

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 6 Cores!!! Woohoo... June 5, 2010

By Dexter79

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is the best CPU out in the market... I think we all agree... I remember when the 975 was out some people said that a 920 could nearly match the performance of a 965 or 975... I only laugh about it because the voltage you have to set to be above 4Ghz is too high... They were nearly frying the poor CPU, over-stressing the memory, getting BSOD and freezes just to say that they are using it at 4Ghz... With this new 980x overcloking have never been easier. Mine is set to 4.25Ghz using a Vcore of 1.33V (using an Asus P6T7 WS Supercomputer bios 0804) and it's a rocket... In CPU dependant games like Flight Simulator X the FPS will increase a bit (taking in reference a 975 overclocked) but the flying is a LOT smoother... Now I can really enjoy FSX at a 1920 x 1200 resolution using all "must" add-ons like Ground Environment X USA-Canda/Europe, Ultimate Traffic 2, Ultimate Terrain X USA/Canada/Europe, Real Environment Xtreme 2 and SceneryTech Landclass in sceneries like KJFK, KLAX or EGLL... while at the same time using in another monitor (1680 x 1050) FSX programs like Electronic Flight Bag, Plan-G, FS Commander and nDAC 3 with no FPS penalty... In other games like DiRT, ARMA II or Crysis you may not see a remarkable difference in FPS because they are GPU dependant games...
The other thing to consider when you buy this CPU is that to see full potential you have to use Solid State Drives SSD (mainly for the OS) and top of the class graphic cards like HD 5870 in Xfire or a HD 5970... or if you don't care to have a little volcano stabbing your electric bill you can use a GTX 480...
It a 1000 bucks CPU, but believe me, at the end that will be the last thing on your mind when playing...

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic multicore July 21, 2010

By k00lbr33ze

I recently upgraded my pc from an AMD 64 4200x2 since it's > 5yrs old. I do a lot of content creation (games & various CG). This CPU has made my life easier. Render time with Maya has been reduced significantly- same with compiling a game. As an example, I have a fairly simple scene created in Maya, what took > 4hrs. to render a single frame now takes ~20 min. Compiling a game with Radiant used to take > 2hrs. now ~30min.

I highly recommend this CPU if you're doing a lot of content creation. Yes, the CPU's price is high but the time saved on compiling or rendering is tremendous- allowing you to be more productive.

The rest of the machine:

Mobo: Asus P6X58D-E
GPU: Radeon 5870HD
RAM: 12Gb OCZ gold series
HDD: 1.25Tb SATA [multiple HDDs taken from the old PC]
PSU: Seventeam 850W VForce
DVD: 1 LG Lightscribe + 1 NEC DVD DL
Case: Coolermaster ATCS 840s

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars First high end CPU in ages actually worth the premium June 12, 2010

By J. Gould

Amazon Verified Purchase

It's just a monster of a CPU, by no means budget but due to the extra cores the performance per dollar matches that of many far less expensive chips. My Q6600 lasted a bit over 2 years and I'm expecting this one to last longer before a worthwhile upgrade is available.

Overclockability got 4 starts from me because for some reason at load one core is like 10 degrees cooler than the rest which makes me think the soldering in the heat spreader is less than perfect, but despite that I was able to easily hit my 20% OC goal to 4GHz at stock voltages, though I think it would have probably been able to hit 4.2 if the core temperatures were more consistant and closer to those of core #2.