Unleash Extreme Performance: Intel Core i9 7980XE Review and Easy 4.6GHz Overclocking

Unleash Extreme Performance: Intel Core i9 7980XE Review and Easy 4.6GHz Overclocking

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Comparison with AMD Threadripper
3. The Story Behind Core i9 Extreme Edition
4. Specifications of Core i9 Extreme Edition
5. Overclocking Capabilities
6. Hardware Setup for Review
7. The Impressive Cinebench Scores
8. The Surprisingly Easy Overclocking Process
9. Who Should Buy the Core i9 Extreme Edition?
10. Summary and Final Thoughts

Introduction

Welcome to the review of the Intel Core i9 7980XE Extreme Edition processor. In this article, we will dive deep into the features, specifications, and performance of this high-end processor. With 18 cores and 36 Threads, this processor promises impressive performance and is aimed at power users and enthusiasts who require extreme processing power. In this review, we will compare it with its main competitor, the AMD Threadripper, and explore its overclocking capabilities. So, let's get started and see if the Core i9 Extreme Edition lives up to its hype.

Comparison with AMD Threadripper

Before delving into the details of the Intel Core i9 7980XE Extreme Edition, let's quickly compare it with its main competitor, the AMD Threadripper. While the Threadripper offers 16 cores and 32 threads, the Core i9 Extreme Edition surpasses it with 18 cores and 36 threads. This means that the Core i9 offers better performance when it comes to highly threaded workloads. However, it's important to note that for regular gamers, the extra cores and threads won't make much difference.

The Story Behind Core i9 Extreme Edition

The release of the Core i9 Extreme Edition was a response from Intel to AMD's announcement of the Threadripper processors. Initially, Intel had plans for a 10 or 12-core processor, but when AMD revealed its 16-core Threadripper, Intel knew they had to step up their Game. The engineering behind the Core i9 Extreme Edition was relatively straightforward, as it builds upon the existing Xeon architecture. By repurposing the high core count silicon from Xeon processors, Intel was able to release the 18-core Core i9 Extreme Edition.

Specifications of Core i9 Extreme Edition

The Core i9 Extreme Edition is built for power users who require top-of-the-line performance. It features X299 chipset and supports quad Channel DDR4 memory. The base clock speed is 2.6GHz, with a maximum turbo boost of 4.2GHz or 4.4GHz, depending on the configuration. What sets this processor apart from its competitors is the impressive all-core turbo speed of 3.4GHz. This means that even under heavy workloads, the processor maintains a high clock speed, resulting in exceptional performance.

Overclocking Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Core i9 Extreme Edition is its overclocking capabilities. With the right cooling solution, this processor can be overclocked to impressive speeds. During our review, we were able to achieve stable overclocks of up to 4.6GHz. The performance gains were significant, especially in multi-threaded tasks. However, it's worth noting that overclocking at such high speeds can lead to increased heat and power consumption, so careful consideration should be taken when pushing the limits of this processor.

Hardware Setup for Review

In order to fully test the capabilities of the Core i9 Extreme Edition, we used a high-end hardware setup. The processor was paired with the Fractal Design Celsius S24 cooler, providing efficient cooling for overclocking. We utilized 32GB of G.Skill Trident DDR4 memory running at 3200MHz. The motherboard of choice was the ASRock X299 Taichi, known for its reliability and stability. The graphics card used was the EVGA GTX 1080 Ti Founders Edition, and the power supply was the Seasonic Prime Titanium 1000W.

The Impressive Cinebench Scores

When it comes to benchmarking the performance of a processor, Cinebench is a popular choice. At stock clocks, the Core i9 Extreme Edition achieved a Cinebench score of 3300, surpassing its AMD Threadripper counterpart. This demonstrates the raw power and performance this processor offers. However, the real game-changer is the overclocked performance, with the processor achieving an astonishing Cinebench score of 4400 at 4.6GHz. This is the highest Cinebench score recorded to date and truly showcases the capabilities of the Core i9 Extreme Edition.

The Surprisingly Easy Overclocking Process

While many processors require extensive tweaking and manual voltage adjustments for successful overclocking, the Core i9 Extreme Edition surprised us with its simplicity. By adjusting a few settings in the BIOS, such as the multiplier and voltage configuration, we were able to achieve stable overclocks without much hassle. The auto voltage configuration worked flawlessly, providing the necessary power to push the processor to 4.6GHz. This ease of overclocking makes the Core i9 Extreme Edition a great choice for users looking to squeeze out maximum performance without the complexities of manual overclocking.

Who Should Buy the Core i9 Extreme Edition?

The Core i9 Extreme Edition is a processor targeted towards power users and enthusiasts who require the highest level of performance. It excels in highly threaded applications, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking. However, for regular gamers or casual users, the Core i9 Extreme Edition may be overkill, as a 6 or 8-core processor would be more than sufficient. It's also worth considering that the Core i9 Extreme Edition comes with a premium price tag compared to its competitors. Therefore, it's recommended for users who demand the ultimate performance and are willing to invest in cutting-edge technology.

Summary and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Intel Core i9 7980XE Extreme Edition is an impressive processor that delivers on its promises. With 18 cores and 36 threads, it offers exceptional performance in highly threaded workloads. The overclocking capabilities are outstanding, with stable overclocks up to 4.6GHz. The processor's all-core turbo speed of 3.4GHz ensures reliable and consistent performance under heavy workloads. While it may not be necessary for all users, those in need of extreme processing power will find the Core i9 Extreme Edition to be a worthy investment.