Intel Core i7 990X Hexcore 1366
Test Setup and Overclocking
Published: 28th February 2011 | Source: Intel | Price: £800est |
Test Setup
For testing purposes we're gathering the various Intel chips together for a final showdown, although as we know there are many people who will wonder why it's worth spending so much on a CPU, we're also including the latest P67 processor for you.
Intel Core i7-990X
Zotac GTX580 AMP!
ASUS Rampage III Extreme
Muskin Joule 1200w
6GB Mushkin Redline
Noctua NH-D14
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
Overclocking
As always the first task is to seek out the maximum stable BCLK, which in the case of our 990X was 220.5MHz. This should give us plenty to play with.
Now as a rule of thumb once you find your maximum BCLK its generally difficult to get a high usable overclock with it, the 990X is one of the few processors that quash this rule as we managed to get a 4.8GHz overclock using that 220BCLK in conjunction with a 22 multiplier at just 1.4v.
And indeed it did. 200x20 is so easy and capable of running on such low volts that you could probably dispense with your power supply and just rub a balloon across your sweater now and again. Not strictly true, but away from the bleeding-edge overclocks the 990X definitely isn't a power-hungry monster.
However we're here for the big numbers, and after much sweating and tweaking the best I could manage was 5.2GHz, 208x25 with a vCore of 1.521v. Obviously this isn't something you would want to run 24/7 though.
For benchmarking purposes we're running our 990X at a utterly stable 4.7GHz. 204x23, with a 1.45v CPU vCore. 4.7GHz of Hex-Core goodness sir? Don't mind if I do.
Just for the sake of finding out we also set about finding the lowest stable volts that the 990X needed for a 200x20 4GHz overclock, the 970 needed 1.25v the 980x was thirstier wanting 1.35v but the 990X required a mind blowing 1.185v to be Prime95 stable! With these low volts and being cooled by the trusty NH-D14 temps did not go over 55c at full load over an 8 hour test period!
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 
Watched the video before bed last night and it does look like a beast, i'll never afford one though 
good read
ill still stick with AMD though
ill still stick with AMD though
It 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 review
. Especially in regards to the new Sand Bridge CPU-s.Great review
drools
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.
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.
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.
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 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. |
had me the tissues, if off for a w***
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*** |
Quote:
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Originally Posted by chudley
you need towels to dry after a wash not tissues |
Great review there once again! Big props to everybody involved
Not something for the average guy, a monster chip with a monster price. Can't help but want one.
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 
Any chance of selling me your 970 for a reasonable price tome?
DOUBLE 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.
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.
Amazing 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).
(Stay still....AVE IT).Good 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
, 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:
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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. |
Quote:
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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 don’t leave that at stock Quote:
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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?
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 overclocking
oops wrong thread sorry guys.
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Originally Posted by ciksas
Wooow mate, hope you don’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?
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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?
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?
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?
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.
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 again
I think he will reply once he gets some time to himself again
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