CPUDesktopReleased Nov 12, 2012

Intel Core i7-3970X Processor Extreme Edition

6C/12T · 4.0 GHz · 150 W

The Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition is the last and fastest Sandy Bridge-E processor for the LGA 2011 socket and X79 chipset, released in November 2012 as a replacement for the Core i7-3960X. It raised clock speeds at the cost of a 150 W TDP, higher than other chips on the platform. Intel rates the platform for PCIe 2.0, although its 40 lanes are capable of 8 GT/s operation. It has an unlocked multiplier and no integrated graphics.

General

Manufacturer: Intel
Model: Intel Core i7-3970X Processor Extreme Edition
Segment: Desktop
Generation: Core i7 (Sandy Bridge-E)
Codename: Sandy Bridge-E
Architecture: x86_64
Microarchitecture: Sandy Bridge E
Release date: Nov 12, 2012
Price: $999Search on Amazon

Cores & clocks

Cores / threads: 6 cores / 12 threads
Base clock: 3.50 GHz
Boost clock: 4.00 GHz
TDP (design W): 150 W
Unlocked: ✓ Yes
L2 cache: 1.5 MB
L3 cache: 15 MB
Technology (nm): 32 nm

Platform

Socket: FCLGA2011
2-CPU (multi-socket): ✕ No
Integrated GPU: None
Memory type: DDR3-1600
4-channel
Memory size: Up to 64 GB
ECC memory: ✕ No
PCIe: PCIe 2.0, 40 lanes

Instructions & AI

Instruction extensions: Intel SSE4.1Intel SSE4.2Intel AVX
NPU: None

OS support

Windows: Windows 10
ChromeOS: ChromeOS
Linux: UbuntuFedoraArch Linux
Notes: Microsoft's supported processor lists for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 start at 8th Gen Intel Core (plus select Core X-series 7000X models), so this processor is not supported; Windows 10 is. Microsoft has not published a separate processor list for Windows 11 26H2, so the 25H2 status is carried over. Mainstream Linux distributions and ChromeOS Flex are supported. macOS is not supported.

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