Intel Core i7 990X Hexcore 1366
Introduction
Published: 28th February 2011 | Source: Intel | Price: £800est |
Introduction
With so much hoo-hah surrounding the P67 chipset and the performance thereof, the X58 boards have been left somewhat in the shadows.
Not, by any stretch of the imagination, because that's where they belong, but rather the twin terrors of pricing, and target audience, have meant that your average consumer is much more taken by the "my first overclock" nature of the LGA1155 equipment than the enthusiast based LGA1366.
Despite this there is enormous amounts of life in the old girl yet and most of the big scores and jaw-dropping overclocks are dominated by the original Core i7.
With the forthcoming Socket 2011 on the horizon, Intel have brought their knowledge to bear on a swansong, a bit of an encore if you will. One last hurrah.
In exactly the same way that your favourite band doesn't play all their hits at the start of the show and their encore consists of a couple of b-sides from their days gigging in pubs that nobody have ever heard, Intel aren't going out with the whimper of a dual-core, non-HT revision or anything so watered-down.
No, today we have the all-singing, all-dancing, eye-wateringly pricey Core i7-990X Hex-Core to get our teeth into.
| Essentials | |
| Status | Launched |
| Launch Date | Q1'11 |
| Processor Number | i7-990X |
| # of Cores | 6 |
| # of Threads | 12 |
| Clock Speed | 3.47 GHz |
| Max Turbo Frequency | 3.73 GHz |
| Intel® Smart Cache | 12 MB |
| Bus/Core Ratio | 24 |
| Intel® QPI Speed | 4.8 GT/s |
| # of QPI Links | 1 |
| Instruction Set | 64-bit |
| Instruction Set Extensions | SSE4.2 |
| Embedded Options Available | No |
| Supplemental SKU | No |
| Lithography | 32 nm |
| Max TDP | 135 W |
| VID Voltage Range | 0.800V-1.375V |
| Intel® Turbo Boost Technology | Yes |
| Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology | Yes |
| Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) | Yes |
| Intel® Trusted Execution Technology | No |
| AES New Instructions | Yes |
| Intel® 64 | Yes |
| Idle States | Yes |
| Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology | Yes |
| Intel® Demand Based Switching | No |
| Thermal Monitoring Technologies | No |
| Execute Disable Bit | Yes |
Most Recent Comments
I want one but too expensive for me, even the 970 is still lol but overall good review and a good chip 
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QuoteWatched the video before bed last night and it does look like a beast, i'll never afford one though 
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QuoteIt is a great chip and maybe the best one from the i7 1366 famely, but the price doesn't justify the performance as it's the case in all extreme i7 CPU-s 
. Especially in regards to the new Sand Bridge CPU-s.
Great reviewQuote
. Especially in regards to the new Sand Bridge CPU-s.Great reviewQuote
droolsQuote
Performance of these things never ceases to amaze. The 980 knocks down all the conceptions - then the 990 slaps your wrists afterwards. The 995 would be something to behold, if it ever sees the light of day (I doubt it).
The price really is an irrelevance. The majority of people who'll use these will have them donated to them, unless you own your own oil rig or something. Look out for all the benchmarking records to be broken once again, with the usual suspects having this new toy.
Tis nothing like the old days where the top-of-the-line extreme processors were a little over half this one's suggested price, still high for their day, and a nice trip to the states would get you one for half the price
*cough*, but even so, professionals and borderline people would actually purchase and use them.
Not withstanding the absolute power, it's something of a showcase for me. The Intel line-ups, even the "new" sockets, I don't see have too long a shelf life. There are too many new technologies coming through the pipeline to demand a serious outlay of cash for an upgrade.
If you have to - you have to. However, just this week, Apple's new mbp is coming out with a Thunderbolt socket. PCIe 3.0 is going to raise it's ugly (well pretty really) head. SATA3 will become a standard, as will USB3.0. And who knows, maybe the memory will step up to suit...
(just this week I had to stop and think, the IX48 I'm using to bench stuff is using the same grade/rating ddr3 as the i7 mobos consider good - I was donated that years ago)
... at this point, I'll buy something new me thinks.Quote
The price really is an irrelevance. The majority of people who'll use these will have them donated to them, unless you own your own oil rig or something. Look out for all the benchmarking records to be broken once again, with the usual suspects having this new toy.
Tis nothing like the old days where the top-of-the-line extreme processors were a little over half this one's suggested price, still high for their day, and a nice trip to the states would get you one for half the price
*cough*, but even so, professionals and borderline people would actually purchase and use them.Not withstanding the absolute power, it's something of a showcase for me. The Intel line-ups, even the "new" sockets, I don't see have too long a shelf life. There are too many new technologies coming through the pipeline to demand a serious outlay of cash for an upgrade.
If you have to - you have to. However, just this week, Apple's new mbp is coming out with a Thunderbolt socket. PCIe 3.0 is going to raise it's ugly (well pretty really) head. SATA3 will become a standard, as will USB3.0. And who knows, maybe the memory will step up to suit...
(just this week I had to stop and think, the IX48 I'm using to bench stuff is using the same grade/rating ddr3 as the i7 mobos consider good - I was donated that years ago)
... at this point, I'll buy something new me thinks.Quote
Now before all Sandy brigde lovers start flaming how good the new 155 chip is, to me it is rather obvious, the 1366 chip showed his strenght and power.
Despite the chip will be replaced next for the x68 or whatever they going to call it.
Pricewise there is no way to justify the money they ask for it. However since those of us are here do have a feeling for extreme hardware regardless the price.
So would I buy one ?. A definite yes I would say, but to me the i7-970 would be a more logic choice.
I will stay away from the released Sandy brigde since it doesnt give me the pleasure I would have with a 1366 CPU.
Now one thing is getting the right 1366 board, there are many outthere but I wait a bit more since several motherboard builders said there will be some new mobo`s coming.
Jacob from EVGA, already said there will be new 1366 boards coming shortly.
So unless I find me a good deal Ill wait for that and buy a i7-970.
Review, well nothing to add, your spot on I believe. Great review, as always.
Now I would like to see how far you get on the Assasin rig with watercolling on it ?.
Seeing your results you should be able to reach the 6Ghz rather easily.
So me waits for that too show up here on the frontpage.Quote
Despite the chip will be replaced next for the x68 or whatever they going to call it.
Pricewise there is no way to justify the money they ask for it. However since those of us are here do have a feeling for extreme hardware regardless the price.
So would I buy one ?. A definite yes I would say, but to me the i7-970 would be a more logic choice.
I will stay away from the released Sandy brigde since it doesnt give me the pleasure I would have with a 1366 CPU.
Now one thing is getting the right 1366 board, there are many outthere but I wait a bit more since several motherboard builders said there will be some new mobo`s coming.
Jacob from EVGA, already said there will be new 1366 boards coming shortly.
So unless I find me a good deal Ill wait for that and buy a i7-970.
Review, well nothing to add, your spot on I believe. Great review, as always.
Now I would like to see how far you get on the Assasin rig with watercolling on it ?.
Seeing your results you should be able to reach the 6Ghz rather easily.
So me waits for that too show up here on the frontpage.Quote
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Originally Posted by CueBall
Now before all Sandy brigde lovers start flaming how good the new 155 chip is, to me it is rather obvious, the 1366 chip showed his strenght and power. Despite the chip will be replaced next for the x68 or whatever they going to call it. Pricewise there is no way to justify the money they ask for it. However since those of us are here do have a feeling for extreme hardware regardless the price. So would I buy one ?. A definite yes I would say, but to me the i7-970 would be a more logic choice. I will stay away from the released Sandy brigde since it doesnt give me the pleasure I would have with a 1366 CPU. Now one thing is getting the right 1366 board, there are many outthere but I wait a bit more since several motherboard builders said there will be some new mobo`s coming. Jacob from EVGA, already said there will be new 1366 boards coming shortly. So unless I find me a good deal Ill wait for that and buy a i7-970. Review, well nothing to add, your spot on I believe. Great review, as always. Now I would like to see how far you get on the Assasin rig with watercolling on it ?. Seeing your results you should be able to reach the 6Ghz rather easily. So me waits for that too show up here on the frontpage. |
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Originally Posted by tinytomlogan
Assassin is gone dude. |
Quotehad me the tissues, if off for a w***Quote
i rekon i might skip the replacement socket for the 1366 and get this 990x when the prices come down 
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Originally Posted by dugdiamond
had me the tissues, if off for a w*** |
QuoteGreat review there once again! Big props to everybody involved Quote
QuoteNot something for the average guy, a monster chip with a monster price. Can't help but want one.Quote
awesome review watched the vid late last night wish i had the money even for a 950 cpu which was my planned upgrade in april if i get a decent enough tax rebate if not then will just hopfully be a gpu 
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QuoteDOUBLE BARRELS - HAVE IT! 
HEADSHOT! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
Loving the running commentary + game sounds, Tom! That sure is an awesome chip although it does cost about the same as my entire PC.Quote
HEADSHOT! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
Loving the running commentary + game sounds, Tom! That sure is an awesome chip although it does cost about the same as my entire PC.
QuoteAmazing chip. From this you can see why the AMD hex CPUs are so much cheaper: the performance doesn't even come CLOSE to the 980,990 etc. Brill review from the OC3D team, and love Tom's sound effects 
(Stay still....AVE IT).Quote
(Stay still....AVE IT).QuoteGood review , dun know why but your reviews remind me of top gear, and this one especially, yup chip not for everyone but everyone want to see what this beast can do !! love it Quote
, dun know why but your reviews remind me of top gear, and this one especially, yup chip not for everyone but everyone want to see what this beast can do !! love it QuoteQuote:
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Originally Posted by tinytomlogan
Assassin is gone dude. |
So benching will start over again.
Now that raises a question with me, what do you consider the best 1366 socket board out there ?
Considering it will be used 24/7. Overclocked offcourse.Quote
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Originally Posted by tinytomlogan
Assassin is gone dude. |
I am building one, its up and running on air at the moment, I am waiting on the Water cooling kit to arrive.
G1.Assassin
990X
2 P128 SSD
12 GB DDR3
As soon as the GTX 590s hit... Will have them on order.Quote
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Originally Posted by CueBall
Thats a shame, however me thinks youll obtain a Gigabyte OC board shortly. So benching will start over again. Now that raises a question with me, what do you consider the best 1366 socket board out there ? Considering it will be used 24/7. Overclocked offcourse. |
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Originally Posted by Av8tortoo
Its not gone, it found its way to my house (at least most of the parts did) I am building one, its up and running on air at the moment, I am waiting on the Water cooling kit to arrive. G1.Assassin 990X 2 P128 SSD 12 GB DDR3 As soon as the GTX 590s hit... Will have them on order. |
mate, hope you donÂ’t leave that at stock QuoteQuote:
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Originally Posted by Av8tortoo
Its not gone, it found its way to my house (at least most of the parts did) I am building one, its up and running on air at the moment, I am waiting on the Water cooling kit to arrive. G1.Assassin 990X 2 P128 SSD 12 GB DDR3 As soon as the GTX 590s hit... Will have them on order. |
What case you're using?Quote
great vid as always Tom and good read too, hope you re-visit this with the GA Oc board after the recent HW bot subs, should prove to be v. interesting overclockingQuote
oops wrong thread sorry guys.Quote
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Originally Posted by ciksas
Wooow mate, hope you donÂ’t leave that at stock |
It'll be awesome, even at stock speeds,.... but I would crank it up too!
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Originally Posted by dRaGm3n
Take some photos of this beast!. What case you're using? |
Hey Tom when you had a stable 4.7ghz overclock. How hot was your overclock?Quote
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Originally Posted by tinytomlogan
Assassin is the best board Ive had here for 90% of enthusiast to date. It out clocks the rampage 3 extreme on air and water and has more usable features too. |
On your overclock at the stable speed of 4.7ghz how hot was your cpu?Quote
No fair, me wants it!
Does anyone reckon it will eventually drop to anything near < £300 in the future?
Or will they just keep on selling them at the current price until they are all gone?Quote
Does anyone reckon it will eventually drop to anything near < £300 in the future?
Or will they just keep on selling them at the current price until they are all gone?Quote
I doubt they will ever see sub £700 retail ever, look at the 775 high end stuff, they are still pretty much the same price they were on release, ie the qx9650,qx9770 ect, you can pick them up for about £175-300 on ebay tho.Quote
Tom is away at the gadget show live event this week guys so I don't think he will have lots of time to reply on here as he will be chasing all those Booth babes
I think he will reply once he gets some time to himself againQuote
I think he will reply once he gets some time to himself again
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