Monday, July 18th 2011
Sandy Bridge-E Model Numbers, Clock Speeds Surface
Here are details of the first three models of Intel's "Sandy Bridge-E" Core i7 processors in the LGA2011 package. Some of these details were made public as early as mid-April. It was then analyzed that Intel was driving two distinct lines of LGA2011 client processors: Enthusiast and Performance, and within Performance, there were BClk multiplier-unlocked six-core, and locked quad-core chips. With the new series, Intel will move to the 3000 series of processor model numbering, indicating that the new processors will be part of Intel's 3rd generation Core processors, even though they're based on the Sandy Bridge architecture.
Before we move to the model numbers, here's a quick run up of the brand extenders. "X" denotes Extreme Edition, "K" denotes "Unlocked" (BClk multipler unlocked). Leading the pack will be Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition. This six-core (6 cores, 12 threads with HTT) chip has a nominal clock speed of 3.30 GHz, Turbo Boost speed of up to 3.90 GHz, and features the full 15 MB of L3 cache present on the Sandy Bridge-E silicon. Expect this chip to have a four figure price-tag.
Next up, is the Core i7-3930K, with 6 cores, 12 threads, a nominal clock speed of 3.20 GHz, and Turbo Boost speed of 3.80 GHz; but 12 MB of L3 cache compared to 15 MB on the Extreme Edition chip. This chip features an unlocked BClk multiplier, making overclocking it possible.
The most affordable LGA2011 chip will be Core i7-3820, with 4 cores, 8 threads, nominal clock speed of 3.60 GHz, Turbo speed of 3.90 GHz, and just 10 MB of L3 cache. Unlike the other two, this one has its BClk multiplier locked. All three models feature quad-channel DDR3 memory controllers, but it is likely that the lower-end models could also have lower DRAM multiplier limits. All three chips will have other features in common, including a PCI-Express 3.0 root complex that gives out two x16 links to drive graphics.
Source:
DonanimHaber
Before we move to the model numbers, here's a quick run up of the brand extenders. "X" denotes Extreme Edition, "K" denotes "Unlocked" (BClk multipler unlocked). Leading the pack will be Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition. This six-core (6 cores, 12 threads with HTT) chip has a nominal clock speed of 3.30 GHz, Turbo Boost speed of up to 3.90 GHz, and features the full 15 MB of L3 cache present on the Sandy Bridge-E silicon. Expect this chip to have a four figure price-tag.
The most affordable LGA2011 chip will be Core i7-3820, with 4 cores, 8 threads, nominal clock speed of 3.60 GHz, Turbo speed of 3.90 GHz, and just 10 MB of L3 cache. Unlike the other two, this one has its BClk multiplier locked. All three models feature quad-channel DDR3 memory controllers, but it is likely that the lower-end models could also have lower DRAM multiplier limits. All three chips will have other features in common, including a PCI-Express 3.0 root complex that gives out two x16 links to drive graphics.
124 Comments on Sandy Bridge-E Model Numbers, Clock Speeds Surface
wait....what's the TDP? Oh yes... 130W ?:confused:
Shame about price.
This is nothing new for Intel. I wouldn't be surprised is the bottom of these 3 is $800, the next one up is $950, and the top dog is $1100.
probably the 6-core CPUs won't reach 2600k speeds when overclocked with reasonable Vcore; reasonable meaning below or at 1.35V. while 2600k might reach 4.8-5GHz with comfort, the Vcore required to get there is not comfortable at all. 4.8GHz needs 1.4V or more. 5GHz needing almost 1.5V. Of course people will get higher benchmark scores, and will run suicide runs just to show what they are capable of, but how many people will risk going past 1.35V for 24/7 operation with their $500-1000 CPUs is something to think about. Probably the 2500/2600K (OCed) will remain as the better gaming chip? Time will tell.
Granted, I wouldn't buy one of these procs if there's more value and a better price to performance ratio in lower priced model offerings, which as noted in this article, will be plenty available :p
It's clear to me that this are going to be enthusiast parts, and socket 1155 parts will fill other price ranges.
If that's the case, I see people only opting for 2011 if they have the dough for a hex-core, or if they buy prebuilt and want the best they can get. Otherwise, the i5 2500k (and likely the FX series) will attract most of us overclockers.
I'm not upgrading for a hexacore.
Wake me up when they have octocores on S2011.
The "Limited Unlocked" in that chart means the turbo speed can be changed but if you must wait for a review its all good.
480 Euro = 675.98 Usd
250 Euro = 352.07 Usd