Intel launches Sandy Bridge E processor, the Extreme Edition

Intel has launched its first Sandy Bridge E processor, the Core i7 3960x Extreme Edition. For those after the ultimate peak of performance, Intel's latest processor has six cores and a base clock speed of 3.3GHz. It has Hyper-Threading technology and with Intel's Turbo Boost 2.0 the chip jumps to 3.9GHz.

 Intel's latest and greatest comes with 15MB of Smart Cache but requires a new motherboard with the LGA2011 socket based on Intel's X79 Express Platform Controller Hub. Intel said, "The [second] generation Intel Core i7 processor Extreme Edition is the perfect engine for power users who demand unparalleled performance for unlimited digital creativity."

 A second six core chip, the Core i7 3930K has a clock speed of 3.2GHz, a 12MB cache and can reach up to 3.8GHz using Turbo Boost 2.0. Both chips have unlocked multipliers for overclocking and, for the first time, four memory channels. A third Sandy Bridge E chip, the Core i7 3820 will be a quad-core chip clocked at 3.6GHz. All three chips have a thermal design power (TDP) of 130W. These processors are aimed at power hungry users with deep pockets, as the chips are priced between £479 and £839.