Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition vs Intel Core i7-3820: comparison
Comparison of Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Intel Core i7-3820: key differences and a full specification table.
Key differences
Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition has more cores (6 vs 4), more threads (12 vs 8), a higher maximum clock (4 GHz vs 3.8 GHz) and a larger L3 cache (15 MB vs 10 MB).
At the same time, Intel Core i7-3820 has a higher base clock (3.6 GHz vs 3.5 GHz) and a lower TDP (130 W vs 150 W).
Both processors match on: process node (32 nm), memory channels (4), PCIe version (2).
These are specification values: they show differences between the models but do not determine a performance winner. For a specific workload, rely on independent benchmarks.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition | Intel Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / threads | 6 / 12 | 4 / 8 |
| Max boost clock | 4 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| L3 cache | 15 MB | 10 MB |
| TDP | 150 W | 130 W |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
Full specification table
Differing values are highlighted. This is not a better/worse rating: numbers from different architectures are not always comparable.
| Parameter | Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition | Intel Core i7-3820 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Model | i7-3970X | i7-3820 |
| Codename | Sandy Bridge E | Sandy Bridge E |
| Segment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Product line | Процессоры Intel Core серии X | Процессоры Intel Core серии X |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Launch date | Q4 2012 | Q1 2012 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Servicing status | End of Servicing Updates | End of Servicing Updates |
| End of servicing updates | 12/31/2019 | 12/31/2019 |
| Embedded options available | No | No |
| Box contents | Please note: The boxed product does not include a fan or heat sink | — |
| CPU | ||
| Cores | 6 | 4 |
| Threads | 12 | 8 |
| Multithreading (SMT/HT) | Yes | Yes |
| Base clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Max boost clock | 4 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| Turbo Boost 2.0 frequency | 4 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| L3 cache | 15 MB | 10 MB |
| Bus speed | 5 GT/s | 5 GT/s |
| TDP | 150 W | 130 W |
| Turbo Boost | Yes (2) | Yes (2) |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
| Instruction set width | 64 bit | 64 bit |
| Instruction set extensions | SSE4.2, AVX | SSE4.2, AVX |
| Memory | ||
| Max memory size | 64.45 GB | 64.23 GB |
| Memory types | DDR3 | DDR3 |
| Memory channels | 4 | 4 |
| Max memory bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | 51.2 GB/s |
| ECC memory supported | No | No |
| I/O and interfaces | ||
| PCI Express revision | 2 | 2 |
| PCI Express lanes | 40 | 40 |
| Package and thermal | ||
| Sockets supported | FCLGA2011 | FCLGA2011 |
| Max CPU configuration | 1 | 1 |
| Package size | 52.5mm x 45.0mm | 52.5mm x 45.0mm |
| TCASE | 66.8 °C | 66.8 °C |
| Security and virtualization | ||
| Virtualization (VT-x / AMD-V) | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization for Directed I/O (VT-d) | Yes | Yes |
| Extended Page Tables (EPT) | Yes | Yes |
| AES-NI | Yes | Yes |
| Execute Disable Bit | Yes | Yes |
| Intel Trusted Execution Technology | No | No |
| Technologies | ||
| Enhanced SpeedStep | Yes | Yes |
| Idle States | Yes | Yes |
| Thermal Monitoring Technologies | Yes | Yes |
| Identity Protection Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Response Technology | Yes | Yes |