i7-3970X Extreme Edition vs Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
Aggregate performance score
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X outperforms Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition by a whopping 584% based on our aggregate benchmark results.
Primary details
Comparing Ryzen Threadripper 3970X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.
| Place in the ranking | 65 | 1115 |
| Place by popularity | not in top-100 | not in top-100 |
| Cost-effectiveness evaluation | 15.59 | no data |
| Market segment | Desktop processor | Desktop processor |
| Series | AMD Ryzen Threadripper | Intel Core i7EE |
| Power efficiency | 13.43 | 3.67 |
| Architecture codename | Matisse (2019−2020) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| Release date | 25 November 2019 (4 years ago) | 12 November 2012 (12 years ago) |
| Launch price (MSRP) | $1,999 | no data |
Cost-effectiveness evaluation
Performance per price, higher is better.
Detailed specifications
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X 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 cores | 32 (Dotriaconta-Core) | 6 (Hexa-Core) |
| Threads | 64 | 12 |
| Base clock speed | 3.7 GHz | no data |
| Boost clock speed | 4.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| Bus type | no data | DMI 2.0 |
| Bus rate | 8 × 16 GT/s | 5 GT/s |
| Multiplier | 37 | 35 |
| L1 cache | 96K (per core) | no data |
| L2 cache | 512K (per core) | 1,536 KB |
| L3 cache | 128 MB | 15 MB |
| Chip lithography | 7 nm, 12 nm | 32 nm |
| Number of transistors | 19,200 million | no data |
| 64 bit support | + | + |
| Windows 11 compatibility | + | - |
| Unlocked multiplier | + | - |
Compatibility
Information on Ryzen Threadripper 3970X 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 configuration | 1 (Uniprocessor) | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
| Socket | TR4 | no data |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 280 Watt | 150 Watt |
Technologies and extensions
Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Ryzen Threadripper 3970X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.
| AES-NI | + | + |
| AVX | + | + |
| Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST) | no data | + |
| Precision Boost 2 | + | no data |
Virtualization technologies
Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Ryzen Threadripper 3970X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition are enumerated here.
| AMD-V | + | - |
Memory specs
Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Ryzen Threadripper 3970X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.
| Supported memory types | DDR4 Eight-channel | no data |
| Maximum memory size | 256 GB | 64 GB |
| Max memory channels | 4 | no data |
| Maximum memory bandwidth | 102.403 GB/s | no data |
| ECC memory support | + | - |
Peripherals
Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Ryzen Threadripper 3970X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition.
| PCIe version | no data | 2.00 |
| PCI Express lanes | no data | 40 |
Pros & cons summary
| Performance score | 39.74 | 5.81 |
| Recency | 25 November 2019 | 12 November 2012 |
| Physical cores | 32 | 6 |
| Threads | 64 | 12 |
| Chip lithography | 7 nm | 32 nm |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 280 Watt | 150 Watt |
Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has a 584% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 7 years, 433.3% more physical cores and 433.3% more threads, and a 357.1% more advanced lithography process.
i7-3970X Extreme Edition, on the other hand, has 86.7% lower power consumption.
The Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition in performance tests.
Should you still have questions on choice between Ryzen Threadripper 3970X and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.
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