The Intel Core i7-980 was a desktop processor with 6 cores, launched in June 2011. It is part of the Core i7 lineup, using the Gulftown architecture with Socket 1366. Thanks to Intel Hyper-Threading the core-count is effectively doubled, to 12 threads. Core i7-980 has 12 MB of L3 cache and operates at 3.333 GHz by default, but can boost up to 3.6 GHz, depending on the workload. Intel is making the Core i7-980 on a 32 nm production node using 1,170 million transistors. The multiplier is locked on Core i7-980, which limits its overclocking potential.
With a TDP of 130 W, the Core i7-980 consumes a lot of power, so good cooling is definitely needed. Intel's processor supports DDR3 memory with a triple-channel interface. For communication with other components in the computer, Core i7-980 uses a PCI-Express Gen 2 connection. This processor does not have integrated graphics, you will need a separate graphics card.