After the long wait since its announcement at Computex 2017, Intel has released the specifications for its 12- to 18-core processors: Intel Core™ i9-7920X, Intel Core i9-7940X, Intel Core i9-7960X and the Extreme Edition Intel Core i9-7980XE processors. According to Intel, the new X-series processor family are designed to deliver the performance needed to meet extreme computing demands for virtual reality (VR), content creation, gaming and overclocking.
Multitasking becomes extreme mega-tasking with simultaneous, compute-intensive, multithreaded workloads aligned in purpose, powered by up to 18 cores and 36 threads. And, with up to 68 PCIe 3.0 lanes on the platform, people have the ability to expand their systems with fast SSDs, up to four discrete GFX cards and ultrafast Thunderbolt™ 3 solutions.
Content creators can expect up to 20 percent better performance for VR content creation and up to 30 percent faster 4K video editing over the previous generation. This means less time waiting and more time designing new worlds and experiences. Gamers and enthusiasts will experience up to 30 percent faster extreme mega-tasking for gaming over the previous generation.
The 12-core Intel® Core™ X-series processor will be available starting on Aug. 28, and 14- to 18-core Intel® Core™ X-series processors will be available starting Sept. 25. The 4- to 10-core Intel® Core™ X-series processors are already on shelves and available at multiple retailers, along with more than 200 Intel X299 Chipset motherboards.