Review: Socket 2011 Intel Core i7 3960x, Intel x79 Chipset

Test System

Rampage IV Extreme 16GB G.Skill CoolerMaster Haf  X Ax1200 PSU The test setup is set and ready, the 3960x is just like any other installation and as straight forward has it gets. Before we jump into the test, Let’s talk about the Overclocking abilities of the 3960x.

Overclocking

The overclocking scenarios is very similar to that of Sand Bridge, the 3960x comes with a fully unlocked multiplier and the bus speed can also be increased. The options are 100MHz, 125MHz, 166MHz and 250MHz. There is no typo there. The options for 250MHz is actually there, but you can just forget about even going near it, in fact i don’t think any cpu could touch 166MHz either. This does open up more overclocking options instead of just the basic increase of the multiplier and then leaving the base clock at 100MHz. Although that would still be the easiest way to overclock.

Wprime

Wprime will test the speed of the processor in a serious of calculations.

As you can see the results are amazing and also keep in mind that the processor is at stock speeds.

 x264 Benchmark

Running the latest version of x264 benchmark shows that the 3960x is undoubtedly fast.

[easychart type=”horizbar” height=”100″ title=”x264 Benchmark” groupnames=”First Past Average, Second Pass Average ” groupcolors=”00CC00,0070C0,A3A3A3″ valuenames=”Run 1, Run 2, Run 3, Run 4″ group1values=”164.39,168.14,165.18,161.19″ group2values=”52.91,52.72,52.98,52.81″]

Craig O'Sullivan

Creator of Geektech.ie Passionate about Technology and always looking for that next cool gadget or app

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