Intel Core i7-4960X
The Intel Core i7-4960X Extreme Edition is a high-end desktop processor for the Ivy Bridge-E platform. The CPU is manufactured in a 22 nanometer process and offers 6 cores (including Hyper-Threading), which are clocked at 3.6 GHz. Depending on the load, Turbo Boost 2.0 can increase the clock rate up to 3.7 GHz (6 active cores), 3.8 GHz (4 or 5 cores), 3.9 GHz (2 or 3 cores) or 4.0 GHz (1 core loaded). As a so-called Extreme Edition, the 4960X features an unlocked multiplier and can be overclocked very easy. However, the CPU lacks an integrated GPU.
Architecture
Although previously presented mid-range models are already based on the newer Haswell architecture, the high-end LGA2011 platform still uses the older Ivy Bridge design. Compared to Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge is about 5 percent faster per clock, but 5 - 10 percent slower than Haswell. Due to the 22-nanometer process, Ivy Bridge is much more energy efficient than its predecessor, which allows higher clock rates as well as a slightly reduced power consumption.
Performance
The performance of the Core i7-4960X is about 5 - 10 percent above the old Core i7-3960X, which makes the CPU the fastest desktop processor of 2013. If all 6 cores are busy, the 4960X beats the i7-4770K (desktop) and i7-4930MX (notebook) by 40 to 50 percent. Even the most demanding applications or excessive multitasking will be handled easily.
Power Consumption
The Core i7-4960X is rated at a very high TDP of 130 watts. Therefore, the CPU can only be used in desktop systems or very large DTR notebooks.
Series | Intel Core i7 (Desktop) |
Codename | Ivy Bridge-E |
Clock Rate | 3600 - 4000 MHz |
Level 1 Cache | 384 KB |
Level 2 Cache | 1.5 MB |
Level 3 Cache | 15 MB |
Number of Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 |
Power Consumption (TDP = Thermal Design Power) | 130 Watt |
Transistor Count | 1860 Million |
Manufacturing Technology | 22 nm |
Die Size | 257 mm2 |
Max. Temperature | 66.8 °C |
Socket | FCLGA2011 |
Features | Quad-Channel DDR3-1866 Memory Controller, Hyper-Threading, AES, Enhanced Speedstep, SSE1-4.2, AVX |
64 Bit | 64 Bit support |
Architecture | x86 |
Starting Price | $999 U.S. |
Announcement Date | 09/03/2013 |
Product Link (external) | ark.intel.com |