Intel Sandy Bridge-E processors priced

In the forth quarter of this year Intel plans to introduce three high-performance models, based on new Sandy Bridge-E core. One of these chips, Core i7-3960X Extreme, is going to supersede Core i7-990X, while two others, unlocked Core i7-3930K and locked Core i7-3820, are positioned as a replacement for top Core i7 processors for sockets 1156 and 1366. Specifications of these CPUs were disclosed one month ago. Today VR-Zone published prices of these processors.

Intel Core i7-3960X has 6 CPU cores with Hyper-threading, 3.3 GHz clock speed, and 15 MB L3 cache. This model will have the same $999 price tag as the Core i7-990X.

Core i7-3930K operates at 100 Mhz lower frequency than the i7-3960X, and comes with smaller 12 MB L3 cache. This part will be priced at $583, i.e. identical to current prices for Core i7-980 and i7-880 microprocessors.

Core i7-3820 has higher 3.6 GHz frequency, than two other chips, albeit it has only 4 CPU cores. The size of L3 cache on this SKU is also smaller, 10 MB. The CPU will cost $294, which at the same level as Core i7-2600, Core i7-950 and Core i5-680. Considering, that the processor is built on the same microarchitecture, and has higher core frequency, larger L3 cache, and twice as many integrated memory controller channels than the i7-2600, we wouldn't be surprised to learn that the i7-3820 is noticeably faster than the i7-2600.

In related news, also first reported by VR-Zone, Intel will ship Sandy Bridge-E processors without the fan/heatsink in the box.

New processors will be coupled with X79 chipset, and will utilize socket 2011. More detailed information on these chips is provided in the table below:

Model	Cores	Threads	Frequency	Turbo Frequency	L3 cache	TDP	Price
Core i7-3820	4	8	3.6 GHz	3.9 GHz	10 MB	130 Watt	$294
Core i7-3930K	6	12	3.2 GHz	3.8 GHz	12 MB	130 Watt	$583
Core i7-3960X	6	12	3.3 GHz	3.9 GHz	15 MB	130 Watt	$999