i7-3970X Extreme Edition vs i9-10900X

VS

Aggregate performance score

Core i9-10900X
2019
10 cores / 20 threads, 165 Watt
14.14
+143%
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
2012
6 cores / 12 threads, 150 Watt
5.81

Core i9-10900X outperforms Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition by a whopping 143% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core i9-10900X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking5191129
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Market segmentDesktop processorDesktop processor
Seriesno dataIntel Core i7EE
Power efficiency8.113.67
Architecture codenameCascade Lake-X (2019)Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Release date19 October 2019 (5 years ago)12 November 2012 (12 years ago)

Detailed specifications

Core i9-10900X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.

Physical cores10 (Deca-Core)6 (Hexa-Core)
Threads2012
Base clock speed3.7 GHzno data
Boost clock speed4.7 GHz3.5 GHz
Bus typeno dataDMI 2.0
Bus rate8 GT/s DMI3 MHz5 GT/s
Multiplierno data35
L1 cache64K (per core)no data
L2 cache1 MB (per core)1,536 KB
L3 cache19.25 MB (shared)15 MB
Chip lithography14 nm32 nm
Maximum core temperature94 °Cno data
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility+-
Unlocked multiplier+-

Compatibility

Information on Core i9-10900X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.

Number of CPUs in a configuration11 (Uniprocessor)
SocketFCLGA2066no data
Power consumption (TDP)165 Watt150 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i9-10900X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsIntel® SSE4.1, Intel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVX2, Intel® AVX-512no data
AES-NI++
AVX++
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)++
Turbo Boost Technology2.0no data
Hyper-Threading Technology+no data
TSX+-
Turbo Boost Max 3.0+no data
Deep Learning Boost+-

Security technologies

Core i9-10900X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

TXT+no data
EDB+no data

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i9-10900X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition are enumerated here.

VT-d+no data
VT-x+no data

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i9-10900X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR4-2933no data
Maximum memory size256 GB64 GB
Max memory channels4no data
Maximum memory bandwidth94 GB/sno data

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i9-10900X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition.

PCIe version3.02.00
PCI Express lanes4840

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 14.14 5.81
Recency 19 October 2019 12 November 2012
Physical cores 10 6
Threads 20 12
Chip lithography 14 nm 32 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 165 Watt 150 Watt

i9-10900X has a 143.4% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 6 years, 66.7% more physical cores and 66.7% more threads, and a 128.6% more advanced lithography process.

i7-3970X Extreme Edition, on the other hand, has 10% lower power consumption.

The Core i9-10900X is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition in performance tests.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core i9-10900X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

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Intel Core i9-10900X
Core i9-10900X
Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition

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Community ratings

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