The update to the LGA 2011 platform is finally here with three new processors based on the Ivy Bridge-E architecture.
When the Ivy Bridge architecture for Intel’s most conventional platform (LGA 1150 and LGA 1155) ahs already a successor (Haswell) on the market, the socket LGA 2011 designed for those who want the best performance still had processors based on the Sandy Bridge-E, until now.
Finally, after months or perhaps years, the Ivy Bridge-E processors are here with three new models that will replace the current catalog of processors for that platform, with units of 4 and 6 cores, 8 and 12 threads respectively thanks to Hyper threading, nothing new up until here. There’s also the usual Quad-Channel in the integrated memory controller.
The new features: 22nm process, support for Crossfire X and SLI of 4 GPU with 40 PCI Express 3.0 lines, now by default, and more improvements and options in consumption and over clocking.
The new models are the quad-core Intel Core i7 4820K at 3.7 GHz (3.9 GHz in turbo mode), 10 MB cache and an approximate price of 310 USD. This model replaces the Core i7-3820, and the difference is the unlocked multiplier, which makes it a more affordable option (among this series of processors) than its predecessor, that really didn’t offer much compared to simpler and cheaper models.
The Core i7-3930K will be replaced by the Core i7-4930K with a speed of 3.4 GHz and 3.9 GHz in turbo mode, 12 MB cache and 6 cores (12 threads), and an unlocked multiplier. It will cost approximately 555 USD. Lastly, the most powerful model is the Intel Core i7-4960X, with 6 cores and 12 threads, speeds of 3.6 GHz and 4.0 GHz in turbo mode, 15 MB cache and an approximate price of 990 USD.
All of them have a 130W TDP, which naturally increases while over clocking.
They’re compatible with the X79 chipset, so everyone who has a Sandy Bridge can update to a new processor, although the not too amazing increase in performance may not justify the change. In any case, within the next few days we’ll tell you what these processors are truly capable of.