Stefan Mileschin

Intel launched its next-generation Core i7-5000 series high-end desktop platform, consisting of socket LGA2011-V3 Core i7 processors, and compatible motherboards based on the Intel X99 Express chipset. The platform is an upscaling of the "Haswell" micro-architecture, codenamed "Haswell-E" and targets Ultra HD gamers, media professionals, and PC enthusiasts. The platform begins with the "Haswell-E" silicon, which physically features eight "Haswell" CPU cores, a staggering 20 MB of L3 cache, a quad-channel DDR4 integrated memory controller, and a 40-lane PCI-Express Gen 3.0 root complex. Three SKUs are carved out of this silicon.

The series is led by the Core i7-5960X. Intel's first eight-core processor for the high-end desktop market, this chip features HyperThreading, which enables 16 logical CPUs for the OS to play with, 20 MB of L3 cache, and clock speeds of 3.00 GHz, with 3.50 GHz maximum Turbo Boost. It commands a price of $999. Next up, is the Core i7-5930K. A six-core chip with HyperThreading that enables 12 logical CPUs, this chip features 15 MB of L3 cache, clock speeds of 3.50 GHz with 3.70 GHz maximum Turbo Boost, and a US $583 price-tag. The most affordable chip is the Core i7-5820K. At US $389, it's the cheapest six-core HEDT chip by Intel (at launch). It features 12 MB of L3 cache, and clock speeds of 3.30 GHz, with 3.60 GHz of Turbo Boost. Too good to be true? Not so fast. It features a slimmer 28-lane PCIe root complex, so certain multi-GPU configurations won't run optimally. The Intel X99 Express chipset corrects many of the shortcomings of its predecessor, the X79 Express. It features a meaty storage controller that offers ten SATA 6 Gb/s ports, one or more SATA-Express, and M.2 slots. It also integrates a 6-port USB 3.0 host controller, and two independent 4-port USB 2.0 host controllers.

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