i7-6950X Extreme Edition vs i7-3970X Extreme Edition
Primary details
Comparing Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-6950X Extreme Edition processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.
| Place in the ranking | 1111 | not rated |
| Place by popularity | not in top-100 | not in top-100 |
| Market segment | Desktop processor | Desktop processor |
| Series | Intel Core i7EE | Intel Core i7EE |
| Power efficiency | 3.67 | no data |
| Architecture codename | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Broadwell (2015−2019) |
| Release date | 12 November 2012 (11 years ago) | no data (2024 years ago) |
| Launch price (MSRP) | no data | $1,743 |
Detailed specifications
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-6950X Extreme Edition basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.
| Physical cores | 6 (Hexa-Core) | 10 (Deca-Core) |
| Threads | 12 | 20 |
| Boost clock speed | 3.5 GHz | 3 GHz |
| Bus type | DMI 2.0 | DMI 2.0 |
| Bus rate | 5 GT/s | no data |
| Multiplier | 35 | 30 |
| L2 cache | 1,536 KB | 2.5 MB |
| L3 cache | 15 MB | 25 MB |
| Chip lithography | 32 nm | 14 nm |
| Die size | no data | 246 mm2 |
| Number of transistors | no data | 3400 Million |
| 64 bit support | + | + |
| Windows 11 compatibility | - | - |
Compatibility
Information on Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-6950X Extreme Edition compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.
| Number of CPUs in a configuration | 1 (Uniprocessor) | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 150 Watt | 140 Watt |
Technologies and extensions
Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-6950X Extreme Edition. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.
| AES-NI | + | + |
| AVX | + | + |
| Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST) | + | + |
Memory specs
Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-6950X Extreme Edition. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.
| Maximum memory size | 64 GB | 128 GB |
Peripherals
Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-6950X Extreme Edition.
| PCIe version | 2.00 | 3.0 |
| PCI Express lanes | 40 | 40 |
Pros & cons summary
| Physical cores | 6 | 10 |
| Threads | 12 | 20 |
| Chip lithography | 32 nm | 14 nm |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 150 Watt | 140 Watt |
i7-6950X Extreme Edition has 66.7% more physical cores and 66.7% more threads, a 128.6% more advanced lithography process, and 7.1% lower power consumption.
We couldn't decide between Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-6950X Extreme Edition. We've got no test results to judge.
Should you still have questions on choice between Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-6950X Extreme Edition, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.
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