Intel Core i7-3930K and i7-3960X are available for pre-order in US

It was widely reported before that this quarter Intel will launch three processors for new enthusiast platform, based on socket 2011. Core i7-3930K and i7-3960X microprocessors with unlocked clock multiplier will be released this month (November), priced at $583 and $999 respectively. It was rumored that the third processor, Core i7-3820 with locked multiplier, was delayed. The unlocked i7-3900-series chips are already available in US for pre-order from MWave online store. Core i7-3930K is priced at $609.99, and Core i7-3960X can be pre-ordered for $1099.99

Intel Core i7-3930K comes with 3.2 GHz stock and 3.8 GHz Turbo Boost frequencies, and 12 MB of last level cache. The microprocessor is less expensive from the two forthcoming CPUs, and it resides in the same price category as Core i7-980. Despite of the slightly lower core frequency, the 3930K should outperform the i7-980 due to higher Turbo Boost speed, more memory bandwidth, support for new AVX instructions, and enhancements, introduced in Sandy Bridge-specific micro-architecture. Another advantage of the i7-3930K is an unlocked multiplier for easier overclocking.

Core i7-3960X has 100 MHz higher stock and Turbo Boost frequencies, and larger level 3 cache than the i7-3930K. It is also 70% more expensive, and it's priced on a par with previous Intel flagship processor for enthusiast market, Core i7-990X.

Two upcoming processors feature 6 CPU cores, Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost technologies, and they fit into 130 Watt power envelope. The Core i7-3930K and i7-3960X need socket 2011 motherboards, which means that upgrading to these CPUs will require buying not just the processor, but other components as well, including the board and quad-channel memory.