Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition Processor (Sandy Bridge-E) Review

👤by Richard Weatherstone Comments 📅14-11-11
Closer Look

Our package did not arrive with the stock Intel heatsink but after viewing a picture of the standard heatsink it appears to be exactly the same as the heatsinks packaged with previous generation Intel CPU’s save for an opaque instead of black fan. This has been done to keep prices down as most enthusiasts would opt for an aftermarket cooler anyway so the Intel heatsinks serve for nothing other than an extravagant paper weight. Intel however has made a bold move by sponsoring Asetek to create a watercooling solution based around a 120MM radiator. With an estimated retail price of around $85-100, it is sure to prove a competitive option for those looking for an all-in-one cooling solution. As you would expect, third party coolers are thin on the ground however the Corsair ‘H’ range are compatible along with Antec's H20 range. MSI are bundling a Thermaltake FRIO with limited editions package deals on their X79A-GD65 (8D) motherboards and no doubt the cooler will also be available to buy separately which is one of the few air cooling solutions available at present.



I was surprised at the size of the i7-3960X as it was much larger than previous generation Gulftown/Bloomfield Processors. Hidden beneath the nickel plated copper integrated heatspreader is a die measuring just over 434mm Sq.. The overall size of the processor takes me back to the old AMD Thunderbird processors but even that would be dwarfed by this monster! The LGA 2011 socket based processors are the largest in the current Intel range.

While our chip is an engineering sample, it is the latest ‘D’ stepping which should perform to the same level as retail units so all being well, our suite of benchmark results will give an accurate account of the performance you can expect. Below you can see the scale of the thing next to a British 50p piece.


Because the chip is much larger than before, the LGA 2011 socket has two set of retention clips to secure the CPU into place. The CPU also has an extra set of notches rather than the two previously seen on the last generation of CPU’s. Fitting the CPU is a little trickier than previously thanks to the extra hassle of the two retention bars which are a little fiddly to begin with.


Once you figure out you have to bend one outwards before rising (along with which one to raise first) it becomes simple. We will cover this in greater depth on our motherboard reviews but suffice to say, it’s not rocket science to fit this CPU however, it could be a little easier. Above we can see the processor fitted to the MSI X79A GD65 (8D) motherboard.

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