Eight core processor targets power users
1 min read
Intel has launched its first eight core desktop processor. The Intel Core i7-5960X processor Extreme Edition, formerly known as Haswell-E, is aimed squarely at what the company calls 'power users' – enthusiasts, gamers and content creators who need as much performance as possible.
Lisa Graff, general manager of Intel's Desktop Client Platform Group, noted: "This product family is aimed at those enthusiasts who push their systems further than anyone and we're offering the speed, cores, overclocking and platform capabilities they have asked for."
Manufactured on a 22nm process and using 2.6billion first generation Tri-Gate transistors, the processor supports 16 threads and 20Mbyte of shared cache. With a nominal base frequency of 3GHz, the company's Turbo technology allows a clock rate of 3.5GHz. However, the device is fully unlocked, allowing it to be overclocked by developers.
Three variants are available: an eight core part with 40 PCI Express 3.0 lanes; a six core part with 15Mbyte of shared cache and 40 PCIe lanes; and another six core part, also with 15Mbyte of cache, but with 28 PCIe lanes. All three have four channels of DDR4 memory running at up to 2133MHz.
Not surprisingly, such devices run hot – the eight core version has a thermal design power of 140W; more if the part is overclocked. Looking to support efficient cooling, Intel has launched the TS13X liquid cooling system. A heat exchanger attaches to the processor, with liquid propylene glycol taking heat away to a fan assisted radiator.
