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.
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 | SMC EPYC 9555P | HP Xeon P67080-B21 | D&H Core i9 BX80673I99940X | fosa1 fosa4ycn78izud |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 8 | 64 | 16 | 14 | 6 |
| Threads | 12 | 16 | 128 | 32 | 28 | 12 |
| Boost Clock Mhz | 4000 | 5200 | 4400 | 3900 | 4400 | 3060 |
| L3 Cache Mb | 15 | 96 | 256 | 37.5 | 19.25 | 12 |
| Tdp W | 150 | 120 | 360 | 195 | 165 | 95 |
| Socket | LGA 2011 | AM5 | AMD Socket SP5 | LGA 4677 | LGA2066 | LGA1366 |
| Integrated Graphics | - | AMD Radeon Graphics | - | No | - | - |
| 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 |
| SMC EPYC 9555P Compare | 99.3 | 76.9 | 96.8 | 90.8 | 99.5 | 0 | 88.7 |
| HP Xeon P67080-B21 Compare | 91.7 | 76.9 | 90.7 | 78.2 | 90.9 | 0 | 80.4 |
| D&H Core i9 BX80673I99940X Compare | 87.3 | 62.4 | 77.1 | 72.2 | 84.7 | 73.7 | 73.9 |
| fosa1 fosa4ycn78izud Compare | 26.2 | 20.3 | 65.1 | 25.1 | 25 | 64 | 36.6 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Amazon 2 offers From MX$6,852
Price History
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.