Hardware News

Intel Core i7-3820 'Sandy Bridge-E' LGA2011 Processor Review

Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan

2012-02-23 06:00:00.0


Hardware Canucks have reviewed the high-end Intel Core i7-3820 'Sandy Bridge-E' quad-core/eight-thread processor. It has a 3.6Ghz default clock, can Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz, has 10MB of L3 cache, a quad-channel DDR3-1600 memory interface, 40 PCI-E lanes, and support for PCI-Express 3.0.

Here's an excerpt:

"To conclude, the Core i7-3820 is an excellent processor and an ideal choice for those who need the inherent bandwidth advantages of the LGA2011 platform, but it is not for everyone. If a high-end multi-GPU configuration, a series of enterprise-class PCI-E SSDs, or 32GB+ of RAM are not part of your plans, a Core i7-2600K/Z68 motherboard combo will get you similar performance, roughly equal overclocking potential, an integrated GPU if you need it, guaranteed support for Ivy Bridge and the savings a few bucks. Not only that, but you can buy it right now, which is no easy task when it comes to Sandy Bridge-E chips since Intel has thus far had some serious supply issues. These caveats don't overshadow the good though, and we can wholeheartedly recommend the i7-3820 to well-informed buyers."


This is clearly a very good processor, a worthy successor to the wildly popular Core i7-920, but unless you really need its superior multi-GPU capabilities it might be hard to justify having to spend top dollar on an LGA2011 motherboard, quad-core memory kit, and compatible CPU cooler.

Click here to read the full review.

---

Please head over to our discussion board to talk about this news (registration not required).

Recent posts