Intel Core i7-980 vs Intel Core i7-990X Extreme Edition: comparison
Comparison of Intel Core i7-980 and Intel Core i7-990X Extreme Edition: key differences and a full specification table.
Key differences
Intel Core i7-990X Extreme Edition has a higher base clock (3.46 GHz vs 3.33 GHz) and a higher maximum clock (3.73 GHz vs 3.6 GHz).
Both processors match on: core count (6), thread count (12), L3 cache (12 MB), TDP (130 W), process node (32 nm), maximum memory size (24 GB), memory channels (3).
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 i7-980 | Intel Core i7-990X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Max boost clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.73 GHz |
| L3 cache | 12 MB | 12 MB |
| TDP | 130 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 i7-980 | Intel Core i7-990X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Model | i7-980 | i7-990X |
| Codename | Gulftown | Gulftown |
| Segment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Product line | Legacy Intel Core Processors | Legacy Intel Core Processors |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Launch date | Q2 2011 | Q1 2011 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Servicing status | End of Servicing Lifetime | End of Servicing Lifetime |
| Embedded options available | No | No |
| CPU | ||
| Cores | 6 | 6 |
| Threads | 12 | 12 |
| Multithreading (SMT/HT) | Yes | Yes |
| Base clock | 3.33 GHz | 3.46 GHz |
| Max boost clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.73 GHz |
| L3 cache | 12 MB | 12 MB |
| Bus speed | 4.8 GT/s | 6.4 GT/s |
| TDP | 130 W | 130 W |
| Turbo Boost | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
| Instruction set width | 64 bit | 64 bit |
| Instruction set extensions | SSE4.2 | SSE4.2 |
| QPI links | 1 | 1 |
| Memory | ||
| Max memory size | 24 GB | 24 GB |
| Memory types | DDR3 | DDR3 |
| Memory channels | 3 | 3 |
| Max memory bandwidth | — | 25.6 GB/s |
| ECC memory supported | — | No |
| Physical address extensions | — | 36-bit |
| Package and thermal | ||
| Sockets supported | FCLGA1366 | FCLGA1366 |
| Max CPU configuration | 1 | 1 |
| Package size | 45mm x 42.5mm | 42.5mm X 45.0mm |
| TCASE | 68.8 °C | 67.9 °C |
| Die size | 239 mm² | 239 mm² |
| Security and virtualization | ||
| Virtualization (VT-x / AMD-V) | Yes | Yes |
| Extended Page Tables (EPT) | Yes | Yes |
| AES-NI | Yes | Yes |
| Execute Disable Bit | Yes | Yes |
| Technologies | ||
| Enhanced SpeedStep | Yes | Yes |
| Idle States | Yes | Yes |
| Thermal Monitoring Technologies | No | No |