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When testing such a high end processor it is important to use suitable partnering equipment. We built several systems around high end solutions and will post results for both reference results and our maximum overclocks.
Test System 1:
Processors:
Intel Core i7 980X
Intel Core i7 970
Motherboard: Intel DX58SO Motherboard
Memory: Corsair 6GB 1600mhz DDR3 (2gbx3) Dominator
Power Supply: Corsair AX1200
Cooler: Thermaltake Frio
Graphics: Powercolor HD5870 PCS+
Thermal Paste: Noctua NT H1
Hard Drive: Crucial 256GB RealSSD
Chassis: Thermaltake Armor 60
Additional cooling: 120mm Noctua fan
Monitor: LaCie 730 30 Inch Screen
Test System 2
Processor:
AMD 6 core 1055T
Motherboard: MSI 890 GXM-G65
Memory: Kingston HyperX 1600DDR3 8GB
Power Supply: Enermax Modu 87+ 700W
Cooler: Noctua NH D14 ‘Austrian Sandwich'
Thermal Paste: Noctua NT H1
Graphics: Powercolor HD 5870 PCS+
Hard Drive: Crucial 256GB RealSSD
Chassis: Antec Dark Fleet 85
Additional Cooling: Enermax 120mm Apollish Vegas side fan
Monitor: LaCie 730 30 Inch Screen
For testing today we will be using the processors at their maximum overclocks as well as default speeds – we are also going to use the AMD 1055T which is a favourite of mine and a CPU I use in my own personal gaming rig. Sure its only £160 in the UK right now and we don't expect it to challenge a Core i7 970, but its interesting to see how far it can be pushed in a highly overclocked state. We can achieve 4.4ghz with this particular engineering sample AMD sent us months ago, which is more than the others we have in our labs. We will use this cherry picked one today.
| Core | Intel 980x EE | Intel 970 | AMD 1055T |
| Reference | 3.33ghz | 3.2ghz | 2.8ghz |
| Max OC | 4.48ghz | 4.18ghz | 4.4ghz |
| Voltage | 1.375v | 1.375v | 1.5v |
| Cooler | Thermaltake Frio | Thermaltake Frio | Noctua NH D14 |
| Fans | 2 Thermaltake 120mm | 2 Thermaltake 120mm | 1x Noctua 120mm 2x Noctua 140mm |
| Max Temp | 3.33ghz -64c 4.48ghz -78c |
3.20ghz -62c 4.18ghz -74c |
2.8ghz -38c 4.4ghz -51c |
| Cores | 6 physical, 6x logical | 6 physical, 6x logical | 6 physical |
Thermal Diodes
Digital Power Mains Reader
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp
Windows 7 64 bit Ultimate
Adobe Photoshop CS5 64 bit
KitGuru Photoshop V1(4) Benchmark
Cinebench R10 64 bit
Cinebench R11.5 64 bit
HandBrake
TMPGEnc 4.0
SiSoft Sandra Professional
Valve Particle Simulation Benchmark
3d Studio Max 2011
Left4Dead 2
Crysis Warhead
All our benchmarks are taken from a series of five results which helps to ensure that any erroneous figures are removed from the final results. All bioses and firmwares are updated, as is Windows 7 64 bit.
superb review Zardon, I think while the 970 is a stunning product that the 980x at £90 more makes a valid competition product. I think a drop to around 600 in price also is a wise move, but I cant see it happening.
Intels high end solutions are so powerful its not even funny. the 1055T did well i think, considering its 160 quid, not 680 🙂
Surprised how low profile this launch was a few weeks ago, its a great product, but we would expect no less from Intel, especially in the high end sector.
Well let us hope that AMD can challenge these cpus at some stage down the line. its a tall order I know.
The Core i7 range is extremely powerful, no doubt about it. This just proves how far ahead Intel still are. 1055T to be fair mind you, did better than I thought,. at 4.4ghz its rather powerful indeed.
A lot of money for a processor, but in the right hands, a formidable weapon. Wouldnt buy one of these for gaming however. seems overkill 🙂
The cache really helps with these processors especially rendering.
I was contemplating one of these a while ago, but they really do need to drop the price on the 970 a little, its too close to the 980x imo.
Very good review Zardon – its a little out of my price point to say the least, but always good to see how powerful the ultra high end solutions are.
Well its hard not to be impressed, but at £680 it seems to be too closely priced against the 980x to be a solid purchase. I would assume a high percentage of the enthusiast audience who purchase these will be overclocking so the 980x makes more sense.
970 dropped by £50 it might be better for everyone, even might get intel more sales.
Nice review – bit over my head in parts, but it seems a fast CPu.
Wow, that is smoe serious power, never read any reviews on the 980x so this is all new to me. my CPU is looking more ancient by the minute
These chips are so powerful and apple charge a MASSIVE premium for them. they are dominating the market so much lately its hard to see them dropping prices right now.
I bought one of these, and upped the fsb a little and its running at 3.7ghz for me. its more than enough. great processors, they make our clan video editing so much easier.
Intel rock my world !
The performance is insane, I do video editing myself on a little AMD chip which cost me 150 last year, it can be painful. I need to start saving.
a lot of readies, but you get a lot of performance. I still think the lower end chips overclocked make so much more sense for 99% of people. even those tempted to buy one of these. the 980x seems a better deal overall considering its unlocked. either that or they need to drop the price of the 970
That was a great all round review, love the fact you dont test with purely sythetic apps and have made several of your own benchmarks, such as photoshop and studio max, thats brilliant work Zardon.
only in my dreams, only in my dreams. but maybe someday 🙂
They cost even more where I live, but they are ideal for professional industries and for an audience who render or video edit on a regular basis. this is when they truly shine. Good review.
Best 970 review online by a long shot. Seems like a very good purchase, you just need deep pockets.
I like this product, it makes sense for professional users who wont overclock and the turbo boost will mean its comparible to 980x anyway.