Intel Releases New Top-end LGA2011 Processor: Core i7-3970X

Posted on November 12, 2012 7:19 PM by Rob Williams

It was long expected that Intel would launch a new top-end LGA2011 part by the end of the year, and with an announcement made earlier today, the company has delivered. Replacing the Core i7-3960X at the top of the chain is the Core i7-3970X, a six-core offering clocked at 3.5GHz. For the first time that I can recall from Intel, this is the first part to offer a 4GHz Turbo clock. While impressive, it is only 100MHz higher than the i7-3960X.

Here’s a quick look at the current Core i7 line-up from Intel:

	Clock	Turbo	Cores	Threads	Cache	TDP	1Ku Price
Core i7-3970X (1)	3.50 GHz	4.00 GHz	6	12	15MB L3	150W	$999
Core i7-3960X (1)	3.30 GHz	3.90 GHz	6	12	15MB L3	130W	$999
Core i7-3930K (1)	3.20 GHz	3.80 GHz	6	12	12MB L3	130W	$583
Core i7-3820 (1)	3.60 GHz	3.80 GHz	4	8	10MB L3	130W	$294
Core i7-3770K (2)	3.50 GHz	3.90 GHz	4	8	8MB L3	77W	$332
Core i7-3770 (2)	3.40 GHz	3.90 GHz	4	8	8MB L3	77W	$294
(1) LGA2011, (2) LGA1155

In most respects, the Core i7-3970X is a “simple” clock boost. Its technical design is identical to the CPU it’s replacing, although it could be assumed that this latest part would be the best choice for big overclocks.

One thing that strikes me about this launch is that Intel did something it hasn’t done in years: it released a 150W desktop part. The last CPU I recall being rated that high was the Skulltrail-bound Core 2 Extreme QX9775. Given the efficiency of these CPUs, I would have guessed the TDP here would have stayed the same, certainly not going above 140W. Oh well – a 4GHz Turbo doesn’t come free, it seems.

Rob Williams

Rob founded Techgage in 2005 to be an 'Advocate of the consumer', focusing on fair reviews and keeping people apprised of news in the tech world. Catering to both enthusiasts and businesses alike; from desktop gaming to professional workstations, and all the supporting software.