Unleashing the Power: Intel's 18 Core Extreme Edition Processor

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Confusion of Intel's Core i9 Launch
3. A Threat to Xeon: The Core i9 7980 XE Extreme Edition
4. What is a High Core Count Core i9?
5. Features of the Core i9 Processors
6. testing the Core i9 Processors
7. productivity Workloads Performance Comparison
8. Gaming Performance of the Core i9 Processors
9. Thermals and Power Consumption
10. Value and Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will be taking a closer look at Intel's Core i9 processors, specifically the Core i9 7980 XE Extreme Edition. We will explore the confusion surrounding the launch of the Core i9 series and discuss how these processors pose a threat to Intel's own Xeon lineup. Additionally, we will examine the features, performance, thermals, power consumption, and value of the Core i9 processors compared to their competitors.

The Confusion of Intel's Core i9 Launch

When Intel introduced the Core i9 lineup, it was met with a mixture of excitement and confusion. While some CPUs, like the 7900 X, delivered impressive performance, there were also unnecessary additions, such as the Kaby Lake X. Furthermore, there were certain features, like the bootable CPU-based NVME raid, that Intel did not fully enable on their desktops due to concerns about encroaching on the Xeon market. The launch of the Core i9 series seemed disorganized, to say the least.

A Threat to Xeon: The Core i9 7980 XE Extreme Edition 🚀

Among the Core i9 processors, the 7980 XE Extreme Edition stands out as a true halo product. With 18 cores and acclaimed Teraflop of compute power, it represents a pinnacle of technology that will eventually become more affordable. Intel offers this powerful processor to consumers who are willing to invest in cutting-edge technology. However, it comes at a high price, just like Linus Tech Tips videos.

What is a High Core Count Core i9? 🌟

To understand the concept of a high core count Core i9, imagine anything with more cores than the previous generation's flagship, the 10-core Core i7-6950X. The Core i9 7980 XE with its 18 cores is just one example in a range of high core count (HCC) chips available. Other HCC chips include the 16-core Core i9 7960X, the 14-core variant, and the 12-core variant. However, Intel's naming scheme can be quite confusing, as it overlaps with their mobile CPU model numbers.

Features of the Core i9 Processors 📝

The Core i9 processors come packed with notable features, including Intel's Turbo Boost 3.0 technology, Hyper-threading for up to 36 Threads, and 44 PCI Express lanes. These processors are fully enabled with the features expected from a Skylake-X Core i9 on the X299 platform. Intel ensures that users have access to the latest and most advanced features to enhance their computing experience.

Testing the Core i9 Processors 🧪

In our testing, we focused on comparing the core counts and clock speeds of the Core i9 processors. While this may seem like a straightforward test, the new lineup of processors offers more horsepower than ever before. Intel has significantly increased the core count since the last generation, with the Core i7-6950X being the best available with 10 cores. This year, Intel aimed to introduce a new 10-core processor at a more affordable price. However, the expanded lineup of Core i9 processors goes beyond a simple refresh, indicating a more competitive market for Intel.

Productivity Workloads Performance Comparison ⚙️

When it comes to productivity workloads, we observed a significant performance difference between the Core i9 processors and even the 22-core Xeon. Benchmark tests such as 7-zip and CPU Mark showed notable gains for the Core i9 processors. However, Asus Real Bench demonstrated a more predictable performance curve for the Core i9 series in image editing tests, while Thread Ripper outperformed the Core i9 processors in some scenarios. The complexity of the workload and the specific applications used played a role in determining the performance differences between the processors.

Gaming Performance of the Core i9 Processors 🎮

While gaming is not the primary focus of the Core i9 processors, we tested their performance in gaming scenarios. As expected, the results were underwhelming. The high core count of the Core i9 processors initially provided an advantage in games like Deus Ex at 1080p. However, as we increased the resolution to 4K, the performance leveled off across both titles. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was the exception, with Team Blue (Intel) taking a significant lead at both 1080p and 4K. Overall, the gaming performance of the Core i9 processors did not justify their high price tag when compared to other options.

Thermals and Power Consumption ❄️💡

One of the concerns with high-performance processors is thermals and power consumption. Fortunately, all the processors we tested, including the Core i9 series, maintained cool temperatures under load. The 70 960, with its higher base clock, performed similarly to Thread Ripper in terms of temperature. Power consumption, on the other HAND, follows a predictable pattern – more cores, more power. However, our Thread Ripper platform generally drew fewer watts from the wall. It is worth noting that we did not test overclocking in this review due to concerns about the motherboard's VRM capabilities.

Value and Conclusion 💰🔚

When considering the value of the Core i9 processors, it is essential to look beyond the price tag. While the newly launched Core i9 7980 XE and 7960 X processors deliver top-tier performance, they fall behind due to their significant price tags. However, in render machines and high-end workstations where performance per watt is crucial, these processors still offer unmatched power. It is crucial to assess individual needs and consider alternatives like Intel's lower-end lineup or AMD's Thread Ripper. The decision ultimately depends on factors such as workload, budget, and the desire for Zeon-crushing performance.

Highlights

• Intel's Core i9 lineup introduced confusion to the market, but the Core i9 7980 XE Extreme Edition is an impressive halo product with 18 cores and Teraflop compute power. 💥

• High core count Core i9 processors, such as the 7980 XE, offer significant performance gains over previous generations and compete with Intel's Xeon lineup. 🌟

• The Core i9 processors feature advanced technologies like Turbo Boost 3.0, hyper-threading, and a generous number of PCI Express lanes. They provide users with the latest features for enhanced computing. 💡

• Benchmark test results reveal the Core i9 processors' superior performance in productivity workloads, demonstrating their capability to handle demanding tasks. ⚙️

• Gaming performance of the Core i9 processors is underwhelming compared to their high price tags, making them less suitable for gaming enthusiasts and average consumers. 🎮

• The thermals and power consumption of the Core i9 processors remain manageable, with cool temperatures maintained under load. However, power consumption scales with the number of cores. ❄️

• The value of the Core i9 processors depends on specific needs, as they excel in render machines and high-end workstations where performance per watt is critical. 💰

FAQ

Q: How does the Core i9 lineup compare to Intel's Xeon processors? A: The Core i9 processors, especially the high core count models, pose a threat to Intel's Xeon processors. They offer comparable performance and features at a more affordable price.

Q: Can the Core i9 processors be overclocked? A: Yes, the Core i9 processors can be overclocked, but we did not test overclocking in this review due to concerns about motherboard capabilities.

Q: Are the Core i9 processors suitable for gaming? A: While the Core i9 processors can handle gaming, their high price tags do not justify the slight gaming performance improvements compared to more affordable options.

Q: What are the thermals and power consumption like for the Core i9 processors? A: The Core i9 processors maintain cool temperatures under load, and power consumption increases with the number of cores. However, Thread Ripper generally draws fewer watts from the wall.

Q: Are there any alternatives to the Core i9 processors? A: Yes, alternatives like Intel's lower-end lineup and AMD's Thread Ripper offer competitive options for those seeking high-performance processors at different price points.