Intel reveals oomph-worthy Core i7 3960X Extreme Edition

by Steven Mostyn - Nov 14 2011, 13:45

It’s hard to keep up with Intel these days. It seems like only yesterday that the humble Core 2 Duo computer this hack currently types upon was considered to be something close to cutting edge. Not any more.

For example, Intel has this week unveiled its six-core Core i7 Extreme Edition 3960X processor, which is described as the California-based chipmaker’s fastest ever conventional PC workhorse.

Aimed at the ever-demanding computer game market, the 3960X is capable of pushing out a default clock speed of 3.3GHz, which can be tweaked through to 3.9GHz on each of its six cores via Intel Turbo.

It’s also worth noting that prospective buyers well versed in the art of over-clocking will be able to improve the processing platform’s output to a whopping 5.6GHz. Woof.

In terms of comparative performance, the new 3960X also boasts a massive 15MBs of cache and four channels of memory, culminating in it being some 52 times quicker than the existing Core i7 2600K when utilized for applications such as video editing.

Set for initial availability in unit shipments of 1,000, the Core i7 3960X Extreme Edition will sting buyers to the tune of $990 USD.

However, if that price is too rich for your blood, Intel is also offering up the Core i7 3930K, which pushes out 3.2GHz (squeezed to 3.8GHz) of performance and 12MBs of cache for $555 USD (per 1,000 units).

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