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[ColonialRaptor]

New Intel Enthusiast grade CPU's.

X79 Chipset and LGA2011 Processors arrive next week. Otherwise known as Sandy Bridge-E.

ntel's next platform for enthusiasts (successor to LGA1366, X58), will consist of a 2011-pin LGA socket, the Sandy Bridge-E (enthusiast) processor that features a massive quad-channel DDR3 memory controller and 32+ lane PCI-Express 2.0 hub, and the X79 chipset. Intel is looking to skip the 6-series chipset family with its next high-end platform chipset, and perhaps it makes sense since the platform is slated for Q4 2011. The X79 is a PCH (platform controller hub), like P55 and P67, since Intel has reorganized the platform. The beefy PCI-E hub housed in the X58 northbridge is relocated to the processor die, and the southbridge is given a much needed overhaul in terms of connectivity.

The X79 is much bigger than P67 in terms of connectivity and features. Differences start right at the interconnect. While P67 connects to the processor over DMI (physical PCI-Express 2.0 x4), X79 supplements this link with an additional PCI-Express 2.0 x4 link to the processor's PCI-E hub if the user chooses so, in the EFI setup program. The chipset bus hence ends up with 8 GB/s of bandwidth, and wait till you hear what will make use of it: a 10-port SATA 6 Gb/s RAID controller integrated to the PCH! That is a huge improvement in terms of storage connectivity, which is limping with 2-port SATA 6 Gb/s (next to four 3 Gb/s ports) on 6-series chipsets.....

Sandy Bridge-E CPU Feature Overview

• Up to 6 cores and 12 threads
• 32-KB instruction and 32-KB data L1 cache per core
• 256-KB shared instruction/data L2 cache per core
• Up to 15 MB L3 cache (up to 2.5 MB per core) shared among all cores
• Up to 40 PCIe Gen 3 Lanes (2x16 & 1x8)
• 4 lanes of DMI2/PCI Express 2.0 interface
• 4 Channels DDR3-1600 (1 DIMM per Channel)
• Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 (thermal control is the only limiter)
• 130W TDP
• LGA2011 Socket
  
  Sandy Bridge-E comes in 3 SKUs
• Sandy Bridge Extreme Edition : 6 cores / 12 threads, 3.3GHz clock, 15MB L3 cache (2.5MB per core), Max. OC
• Sandy Bridge E : 6 cores / 12 threads, 3.2GHz clock, 12MB L3 cache (2MB per core), Max. OC
• Sandy Bridge E : 4 cores / 8 threads, 3.6GHz clock, 10MB L3 cache (2.5MB per core), Limited OC
  
  Intel X79 Express Chipset (Patsburg-HEDT) Overview
• 10 SATA 6Gbps ports with SAS capability
• 4 SATA 3Gps ports
• PCIe 3.0 x4 uplink for dedicated storage bandwidth
• 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes
• 14 USB 2.0 ports
• Integrated Gigabit Ethernet MAC (Lewisville PHY)
• Intel Rapid Storage Technology enterprise 3.0
• SAS RAID support (0/1/10)
• SAS Expander support
• SATA RAID support (0/1/10/5)
• Write Journaling
• Open Source Linux support
• 100MHz BCLK
• Supports processor, memory and chipset overclocking
• Supports Intel Extreme Tuning Utility 3.0 (XTU)
• 8-layer PCB, 2oz copper recommended

Pricing Info:

General Bits And Pieces Around The Net:
MSI X79A-GD65 8D Motherboard Pictured http://vr-zone.com/articles/msi-x79a-gd65-8d-motherboard-pictured/13775.html
EVGA SR3 Super Record 3 Motherboard http://www.techpowerup.com/153916/EVGA-SR3-Super-Record-3-Motherboard-Pictured.html
Gigabyte X79 lineup *High Res images http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?276259-Gigabyte-X79-lineup-*High-Res-images
ASUS ROG Rampage IV Extreme http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?276251-ASUS-ROG-Rampage-IV-Extreme
ASUS X79 motherboard line up http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?276252-ASUS-X79-motherboard-line-up
Final GIGABYTE X79 Boards with Digital PWM's Pictured! http://sinhardware.com/index.php/77...igabyte-x79-boards-with-digital-pwms-pictured
Intel Core i7-3960X (Sandy Bridge-E) And X79 Platform Preview http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/core-i7-3960x-x79-performance,3026-2.html
Foxconn Quantum Force X79 New Version Pictured http://vr-zone.com/articles/foxconn-quantum-force-x79-new-version-pictured/13543.html
Multiple X79-based motherboards seen at IDF http://www.tcmagazine.com/tcm/news/hardware/40712/multiple-x79-based-motherboards-seen-idf
Intel's Next-Gen "Sandy Bridge-E" Extreme Chip to Boost Performance by Up to 65% http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/cpu/di..._Boost_Performance_by_Up_to_65_Estimates.html
Report: Intel Sandy Bridge-E on November 15th http://vr-zone.com/articles/report-intel-sandy-bridge-e-on-november-15th/13522.html#ixzz1XLZN2o3H
X79 to have 10 SATA ports after all http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?p=13503313&posted=1#post13503313
Intel's Sandy Bridge-E priced, don't expect any surprises http://vr-zone.com/articles/intel-s-sandy-bridge-e-priced-don-t-expect-any-surprises/13298.html
Exclusive: Sandy Bridge-E to ship without cooler http://vr-zone.com/articles/exclusive-sandy-bridge-e-to-ship-without-cooler/13296.html
Info on Sandy Bridge-E Pricing http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showpost.php?p=13497945&postcount=216
Sandy Bridge-E 2011 Launch Put on Slide, Ivy Bridge in March-April 2012 http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?p=13475290#post13475290
Core i7-3960X About 47% Faster On Average Than Core i7-990X: Intel http://www.techpowerup.com/149464/C...aster-On-Average-Than-Core-i7-990X-Intel.html
Intel To Still Launch Sandy Bridge-E in 2011, But With Reduced Platform Feature-Set http://www.techpowerup.com/149224/I...11-But-With-Reduced-Platform-Feature-Set.html
Sandy Bridge-E Model Numbers, Clock Speeds Surface http://www.techpowerup.com/149241/Sandy-Bridge-E-Model-Numbers-Clock-Speeds-Surface.html
More Intel X79 (LGA2011) motherboards spotted in Taipei http://www.tcmagazine.com/tcm/news/hardware/38504/more-intel-x79-lga2011-motherboards-spotted-taipei
Foxconn Quantum Force is back with X79 http://vr-zone.com/articles/foxconn-quantum-force-is-back-with-x79/12437.html
Intel X79 - ASRock X79 Extreme4 Exposed http://vr-zone.com/articles/intel-x79--asrock-x79-extreme4-exposed/12436.html
Intel X79 - ASUS C1X79 EVO http://vr-zone.com/articles/intel-x79--asus-c1x79-evo/12434.html
GIGABYTE's socket 2011 motherboard at Computex http://vr-zone.com/articles/gigabyte-s-socket-2011-motherboard-at-computex/12430.html
Intel X79 - ECS X79R-A sighted at Computex http://vr-zone.com/articles/intel-x79--ecs-x79r-a-sighted-at-computex/12428.html


Well guys, it's exciting times, this has certainly snuck right up on us hasn't it - I don't know whether many people know but the next Intel Enthusiast Processors are on their way and they're just around the corner (LITERALLY).

Can't wait until the NDA's are lifted on Monday. EXCITE!

Edit - Removed comment's about 3D transistors being in these processors until I can find the source that says they are in these CPU's.

 

[ColonialRaptor]

GIGABYTE have also moved to Digital PWM's. Here are some High res shots of the new Gigabyte X79 Motherboards - Look and FAP! The UD5 will be MINE next week. Yessir.


GIGABYTE G1.Assassin

GIGABYTE X79-UD7

GIGABYTE X79-UD5

GIGABYTE X79-UD3

Some of the new features.... FAP AGAIN.

WiFi and Bluetooth Card Included with all Boards

New 3D Bios

 

[Valnen]

Does 6 cores really mean anything for gaming, and will it mean anything anytime soon? I can't see them optimizing games for anything beyond quad core in the next 5 years. Not if PC gaming is to cost less than $2000+.

Because let's face it, these new CPU's are going to be expensive as hell. $999...for JUST a CPU

 

[InertiaXr]

Does 6 cores really mean anything for gaming, and will it mean anything anytime soon? I can't see them optimizing games for anything beyond quad core in the next 5 years. Not if PC gaming is to cost less than $2000+.

Because let's face it, these new CPU's are going to be expensive as hell.

6 cores over 4 for videogames? Nah not really, I have a 2500k and not many games really use the 4 equally.

 

[catabarez]

HHNNNNGGGHH!!

 

[Valnen]

6 cores over 4 for videogames? Nah not really, I have a 2500k and not many games really use the 4 equally.

Yeah...lots of games that are still popular use 2 or even 1 still.

Does Battlefield 3 even use 6?

 

[Emitan]

But I bought an enthusiast level Sandy Bridge earlier this year! FUCK YOU PC GAMING. I BET ALL MY GAMES WON'T RUN NOW.

 

[knitoe]

Does 6 cores really mean anything for gaming, and will it mean anything anytime soon? I can't see them optimizing games for anything beyond quad core in the next 5 years. Not if PC gaming is to cost less than $2000+.

Because let's face it, these new CPU's are going to be expensive as hell.

The CPU and MB only would be almost $1K. This would be easily a $2K build.

 

[BY2K]

...

A gun? What?

 

[TheExodu5]

The name says it. This is an enthusiast chip. It's not really aimed at gamers...it's more suited to performance enthusiasts and people who need heavy multithreaded capabilities.

So...why does the UD5 have 8 DIMMs and the higher end models only have 4 DIMMs?

 

[Big Papa Husker]

I bought a 2500K in September... :| DAMN IT!

 

[Hazaro]

18 power regs and gun/bullet heatsinks are so silly.

*To be clear in regards to gaming, this is worse value for your money. This is not for you.

Does 6 cores really mean anything for gaming, and will it mean anything anytime soon? I can't see them optimizing games for anything beyond quad core in the next 5 years. Not if PC gaming is to cost less than $2000+.

Because let's face it, these new CPU's are going to be expensive as hell. $999...for JUST a CPU

The $600 CPU really is the minimum starting point.
SB-E is Sandy Bridge - ENTHUSIAST for a reason.

6C/12T at lower cost, proper PCI-E 3.0 implementation, proper SATA 3.0, and some other stuff.

It isn't for mainstream at all. That is the Ivy Bridge refresh in 2012.

...

A gun? What?

Yo you need bullets to go with it.

 

[Valnen]

I bought a 2500K in September... :| DAMN IT!

Something tells me the 2500k and 2600k will be fine for gaming for a long time to come. If you've already invested I see no reason to upgrade.

 

[hey_it's_that_dog]

A gun? What?

It's a gaming motherboard. Whatever game you are playing that requires this high end hardware is guaranteed to be about shooting guns.

 

[Feep]

Man there is no fourteen month

Come on

 

[iamshadowlark]

I'd hit it.

 

[Nemo]

Will these make for sub 600-700€ custom build rigs?

 

[Hazaro]

Will these make for sub 600-700€ custom build rigs?

CPU + Mobo + RAM is $800 alone, so no.

 

[HomerSimpson-Man]

Something tells me the 2500k and 2600k will be fine for gaming for a long time to come.

Hell, a simply overclocked first gen i7 920 is still more than enough now!

 

[Xdrive05]

Maybe just maybe it will bring down current prices?

 

[Kadey]

Will these new processors work with an Asus P67 Extreme 4 motherboard or whatever?

 

[Shanadeus]

...

A gun? What?

Random as hell, wonder if it has any purpose.

I'll probably jump the bandwagon with a new custom built PC with mid to top-range components in a year or so, when 6 cores are hopefully cheaper and come with more support.

 

[KScorp]

It clearly says "GIGABYTE CONFIDENTIAL", and "internal use only". Get ready for C&D letters.

In seriousness, awesome. I plan to upgrade my PC next year, or whenever the 3D transistor CPUs become affordable.

 

[Hazaro]

AGAIN. If you don't run virtual machines, professional video work, rendering, etc. This is not for you.

If you want more CPU power than a 2600K and are willing to spend another $500 alone on that fact for 2 more cores then you buy this.

Hell, a simply overclocked first gen i7 920 is still more than enough now!

And what a horrible travesty that is.

Maybe just maybe it will bring down current prices?

Not a chance in hell.

Will these new processors work with an Asus P67 Extreme 4 motherboard or whatever?

No. New layout.

In seriousness, awesome. I plan to upgrade my PC next year, or whenever the 3D transistor CPUs become affordable.

Ivy Bridge early 2012.

 

[Nemo]

CPU + Mobo + RAM is $800 alone, so no.

Oof, that's high end indeed.

Hell, a simply overclocked first gen i7 920 is still more than enough now!

E8400

 

[lowrider007]

God things are moving fast, I only just upgraded to a z68 mobo and 2500k cpu, I wonder how these compare with the 2500k/2600k in gaming clock for clock?

I really want to wait for ivy bridge as I'm hoping that they will be compatible with z68 chip-sets.

 

[Smash88]

I haven't been necessarily out of the PC loop since building my computer 4 years ago, I've kept up, but what the hell are 3D transistors? Sounds like the next gimmick for an Avatar movie.

 

[- J - D -]

Man, the cost for a new SB-E + Mobo is practically double what I paid for my 2500k + mobo. BUT I WANT IT...though I will make do for the next couple years.

 

[adelante]

I haven't been necessarily out of the PC loop since building my computer 4 years ago, I've kept up, but what the hell are 3D transistors? Sounds like the next gimmick for an Avatar movie.

Here you go!

 

[Hazaro]

I haven't been necessarily out of the PC loop since building my computer 4 years ago, I've kept up, but what the hell are 3D transistors? Sounds like the next gimmick for an Avatar movie.

They are basically computer magic and super important and great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIkMaQJSyP8

 

[mik83kuu]

I'm so fucking weak. Will likely make the upgrade from my 2500 i5. I'm also stupid.

 

[Vulcano's assistant]

All those motherboards, but the one with the gun, are extremely sexy. Just Bough a 2500k i5 in july

 

[GhaleonEB]

Ivy Bridge early 2012.

<3

 

[Emitan]

I'm so fucking weak. Will likely make the upgrade from my 2500 i5. I'm also stupid.

That is very stupid.

 

[- J - D -]

For a gamer's purposes, I don't see the point until the next-gen games start showing up.

 

[knitoe]

I'm so fucking weak. Will likely make the upgrade from my 2500 i5. I'm also stupid.

Have fun paying 2X the amount. Personally, I would wait for their next architect CPUs.

 

[Hazaro]

Wait, was SB-E supposed to have tri-gate or not? My memory is fuzzy and there is little documentation on anything.

I thought Ivy was big since it is bringing 22nm + tri-gate. SB-E is just Sandy Bridge with 'Oh yeah our chipset should have these things and we threw in quad channel memory'.

For a gamer's purposes, I don't see the point until the next-gen games start showing up.

There is none.

I'm so fucking weak. Will likely make the upgrade from my 2500 i5. I'm also stupid.

Send me $300 and I'll remote into your PC and overclock for you. It'll be faster and save you money.

 

[Lactose_Intolerant]

yeah, i'm waiting for 8 cores for my next upgrade. Games don't really take advantage of 4 right now.

 

[Valnen]

yeah, i'm waiting for 8 cores for my next upgrade. Games don't really take advantage of 4 right now.

The only way I see games ever taking advantage of more than 4 is if next gen consoles have 6 core+ processors.

 

[Hazaro]

Oof, that's high end indeed.

Correction, $900 for the CPU + Mobo + RAM.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

This here's the real Bulldozer, folks. :3

If you're still rocking an old-school X58 setup, Gulftown is also around $500 now and you can drop it in to upgrade original Bloomfield Core i7 (Socket 1366) machines. Again, the addition of 2 cores isn't likely to do a single thing for games, but if you encode videos or whatever it will give you instantly 50% more performance clock-for-clock.

 

[big_z]

For a gamer's purposes, I don't see the point until the next-gen games start showing up.

If 2012 is when the next Xbox is launching then I think an ivy bridge processor and next gen video card will last a good 3+ years for gaming.
Personally this is what I'm waiting for before building a new pc. March isn't that far away.

 

[HomerSimpson-Man]

Oof, that's high end indeed.

E8400

That too. Heck I was rocking the AMD Phenom II x3 myself until earlier this year.

 

[Labombadog]

That too. Heck I was rocking the AMD Phenom II x3 myself until earlier this year.

Pffft i was rocking a core2duo (e6600; first gen) til just yesterday! haha

 

[ElectricBlue187]

I think im just going to wait for Ivy Bridge next year

 

[thuway]

To quote Victor God Damn Sullivan-

"What's all this mean in English?"

 

[demolitio]

And here I am hoping for an i5 2500k as a Christmas gift. As some of you stated, that will be fine for quite a while to come I hope?

I don't think being a PC gamer and broke go too well together.

 

[Herpes Reasons]

i want to see these badboys crunch heavy numbers on video and 3d rendering.
nom nom

 

[InertiaXr]

And here I am hoping for an i5 2500k as a Christmas gift. As some of you stated, that will be fine for quite a while to come I hope?

I don't think being a PC gamer and broke go too well together.

None of this stuff matters if all you want to do is play videogames. Few games even use 4 cores let alone 6 or 8. Computers are so far ahead of consoles right now you can use just about anything and be fine.

 

[Orayn]

Any idea how much the LGA 2011 motherboards will cost? $200+ I assume.