i7-3970X Extreme Edition vs i7-980X EE
Aggregate performance score
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition outperforms Core i7-980X EE by an impressive 51% based on our aggregate benchmark results.
Primary details
Comparing Core i7-980X EE and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.
| Place in the ranking | 1466 | 1126 |
| Place by popularity | not in top-100 | not in top-100 |
| Market segment | Desktop processor | Desktop processor |
| Series | Core i7 (Desktop) | Intel Core i7EE |
| Power efficiency | 2.78 | 3.65 |
| Architecture codename | Gulftown (2010−2011) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| Release date | no data (2024 years ago) | 12 November 2012 (12 years ago) |
Detailed specifications
Core i7-980X EE 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 cores | 6 (Hexa-Core) | 6 (Hexa-Core) |
| Threads | 12 | 12 |
| Boost clock speed | 3.6 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| Bus type | no data | DMI 2.0 |
| Bus rate | 6400 MHz | 5 GT/s |
| Multiplier | no data | 35 |
| L2 cache | no data | 1,536 KB |
| L3 cache | no data | 15 MB |
| Chip lithography | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| 64 bit support | + | + |
| Windows 11 compatibility | - | - |
Compatibility
Information on Core i7-980X EE 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 configuration | no data | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
| Socket | LGA-1366 | no data |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 130 Watt | 150 Watt |
Technologies and extensions
Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i7-980X EE and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.
| AES-NI | - | + |
| AVX | - | + |
| Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST) | no data | + |
Memory specs
Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i7-980X EE and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.
| Maximum memory size | no data | 64 GB |
Peripherals
Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i7-980X EE and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition.
| PCIe version | no data | 2.00 |
| PCI Express lanes | no data | 40 |
Pros & cons summary
| Performance score | 3.84 | 5.81 |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 130 Watt | 150 Watt |
i7-980X EE has 15.4% lower power consumption.
i7-3970X Extreme Edition, on the other hand, has a 51.3% higher aggregate performance score.
The Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i7-980X EE in performance tests.
Should you still have questions on choice between Core i7-980X EE and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.
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