Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition 3970X 6-core LGA2011
The 32nm hexa-core design with a 4.0GHz boost clock and quad-channel DDR3 memory controller delivers strong multi-threaded throughput for its era, reflected in its 8603 PassMark score. Its unlocked multiplier on the LGA2011 socket provides straightforward overclocking headroom for enthusiasts seeking extra performance from the aging platform. This processor is best for legacy workstation users maintaining older rendering or virtualization rigs where replacing the entire board and RAM ecosystem is cost-prohibitive.
Cores 6
Threads 12
Boost Clock 4000 MHz
L3 Cache 15 MB
TDP 150 W
Socket LGA 2011
46 Overall Score
Price CA$565
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong platform (74th percentile) 74th
Cons
- Below average social proof (22nd percentile)
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| Brand | Intel |
| Series | Core i7 Extreme Edition |
| Model | 3970X |
| Codename | Sandy Bridge-E |
| Class | desktop |
| Process | 32 |
Cores & Clocks
| Cores | 6 |
| Threads | 12 |
| Base Clock | 3500 |
| Boost Clock | 4000 |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 1.5 |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB |
Performance
| PassMark Multi | 8603 |
| PassMark Single | 1846 |
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR3 |
| Max Speed | 1600 |
| Channels | 4 |
Platform & Power
| Socket | LGA 2011 |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 |
| TDP | 150 |
| Unlocked | Yes |
vs Competition
| Spec | Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition 3970X | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | CG CHIPS GATE EPYC 6GK7443-1EX30-0XE0 1PC New 6GK7443-1EX30-0XE0 Communications Processor | G.Skill Trident Z Neo | D&H Core i9 BX80673I99940X | Lenovo Ryzen 5 Sparepart: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 8 | 24 | 6 | 14 | 6 |
| Threads | 12 | 16 | 48 | 12 | 28 | 12 |
| Boost Clock Mhz | 4000 | 5200 | 4000 | 4200 | 4400 | 4000 |
| L3 Cache Mb | 15 | 96 | 128 | 32 | 19.25 | 8 |
| Tdp W | 150 | 120 | 200 | 65 | 165 | 15 |
| Socket | LGA 2011 | AM5 | AMD Socket SP3 | AMD Socket AM4 | LGA2066 | AM4 |
| Integrated Graphics | - | AMD Radeon Graphics | - | - | - | AMD Integrated Graphics |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AI | Feature | Platform | Efficiency | Multi Thread | Social Proof | Single Thread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition 3970X | 56.3 | 62.4 | 74.2 | 42.2 | 58.8 | 21.9 | 47.1 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Compare | 91.3 | 98.5 | 95.1 | 87.7 | 90 | 96.5 | 95.7 |
| CG CHIPS GATE EPYC 6GK7443-1EX30-0XE0 1PC New 6GK7443-1EX30-0XE0 Communications Processor Compare | 94.8 | 76.9 | 84.1 | 83.8 | 94.5 | 36.4 | 80.2 |
| G.Skill Trident Z Neo Compare | 72.6 | 87.1 | 78.3 | 83.1 | 73.5 | 0 | 72.5 |
| D&H Core i9 BX80673I99940X Compare | 87.3 | 62.4 | 77.1 | 72.2 | 84.7 | 73.7 | 73.9 |
| Lenovo Ryzen 5 Sparepart: Compare | 64.1 | 54.7 | 56.9 | 99.3 | 64.8 | 9.1 | 66.5 |
Price
Value & Pricing
From CA$565
Amazon 1 offer From CA$565
We started tracking prices for this product on Nov 6, 2026. The chart appears once we have more data.
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
