i7-3970X Extreme Edition vs i7-7800X

VS

Aggregate performance score

Core i7-7800X
2017
6 cores / 12 threads, 140 Watt
8.10
+39.4%
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
2012
6 cores / 12 threads, 150 Watt
5.81

Core i7-7800X outperforms Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition by a substantial 39% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core i7-7800X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking9261117
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluation3.29no data
Market segmentDesktop processorDesktop processor
SeriesIntel Core i7Intel Core i7EE
Power efficiency5.483.67
Architecture codenameSkylake (server) (2017−2018)Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Release date30 May 2017 (7 years ago)12 November 2012 (12 years ago)
Launch price (MSRP)$383no data

Cost-effectiveness evaluation

Performance per price, higher is better.

no data

Detailed specifications

Core i7-7800X and Core i7-3970X 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 cores6 (Hexa-Core)6 (Hexa-Core)
Threads1212
Base clock speed3.5 GHzno data
Boost clock speed4 GHz3.5 GHz
Bus typeDMI 3.0DMI 2.0
Bus rate4 × 8 GT/s5 GT/s
Multiplier3535
L1 cache384 KBno data
L2 cache6 MB1,536 KB
L3 cache8.25 MB (shared)15 MB
Chip lithography14 nm32 nm
Maximum core temperature100 °Cno data
Maximum case temperature (TCase)72 °Cno data
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility+-
Unlocked multiplier+-

Compatibility

Information on Core i7-7800X and Core i7-3970X 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 configuration1 (Uniprocessor)1 (Uniprocessor)
SocketFCLGA2066no data
Power consumption (TDP)140 Watt150 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i7-7800X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsIntel® SSE4.1, Intel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVX2, Intel® AVX-512no data
AES-NI++
AVX++
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)++
Turbo Boost Technology2.0no data
Hyper-Threading Technology+no data
TSX+-

Security technologies

Core i7-7800X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

EDB+no data

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i7-7800X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition are enumerated here.

VT-d+no data
VT-x+no data

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i7-7800X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR4-2400no data
Maximum memory size128 GB64 GB
Max memory channels4no data
Maximum memory bandwidth85.33 GB/sno data

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics cardN/Ano data

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i7-7800X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition.

PCIe version3.02.00
PCI Express lanes2840

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 8.10 5.81
Recency 30 May 2017 12 November 2012
Chip lithography 14 nm 32 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 140 Watt 150 Watt

i7-7800X has a 39.4% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 4 years, a 128.6% more advanced lithography process, and 7.1% lower power consumption.

The Core i7-7800X is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition in performance tests.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core i7-7800X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

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Intel Core i7-7800X
Core i7-7800X
Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition

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Community ratings

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