• The Intel Core i7-980X Processor Extreme Edition is a six-core, 12-thread processor that offers high-end Intel technologies. (A thread is a sequence of instructions within a program or process. Multiple threads can exist within the same set of processes and share resources, including memory.) The processor's technologies include Hyper-Threading, a technology that allows threads to run simultaneously on each core; Turbo Boost, a technology that increases each core's processor speeds when it hasn't yet reached its highest available thresholds; and Virtualization Technology, which allows a CPU to run multiple operating systems and applications in independent partitions--hence one computer system can function as multiple virtual systems. The chipset runs at 3.33Ghz with a maximum speed of 3.6Ghz, while providing for DDR3-1066 memory, which is an effective setup for video editing, gaming and multi-tasking.
  
  

Clock Speeds

• The standard clock speed is 3.33GHz, with a max turbo frequency of 3.6GHz. Max turbo frequency refers to the extra speed that can be achieved when Intel's Turbo Boost Technology is activated. Turbo Boost effectively squeezes more processing through each of the CPU's cores in shorter periods of time if the system senses that the processor has capacity that would sit idle at normal speeds.
  
  

Core and Thread Counts

• The Intel Core i7-980X Processor Extreme Edition uses six cores, or processors, and 12 threads.
  
  

Memory Specifications

• The processor's maximum memory size is 24GB with DDR3-1066 and three memory channels. The processor's maximum memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s with a physical address extension of 36-bit. ECC memory is not supported. Physical address extension allows the computer to access more than 4GB of RAM at one time, an option required by some memory-intensive applications and hardware.
  
  

Packaging Specifications

• The processor uses one maximum CPU configuration with a TCASE temperature of 67.9 degrees C and a package size of 42.5mm X 45mm. The processor also supports FCLGA1366 sockets. A halogen-free case option is also available. TCASE temperature stipulates the maximum temperature the CPUs casing can experience before degradation to the CPU occurs. Halogen-free CPU casing provides users with a more environmentally friendly option, as halogen is toxic and hard to dispose of properly.
  
  

Intel Specific Technologies

• Intel proprietary technologies include Turbo Boost, Hyper-Threading and Virtualization Technology (VT-x). AES New Instructions, or Advanced Encryption Standard for 64bit systems; Intel 64, or Intel's implementation of x86-64; Idle states; Enhanced Intel Speedstep Technology, or dynamic frequency scaling technologies developed by Intel; and Execute Disable Bit, or Intel hardware-based security that helps reduce exposure to viruses and malicious code.
  
  

Additional Specifications

• The processor includes the Intel Smart Cache 12 MB and a bus/core ratio of 25--the ratio of the system bus speed and the operating frequency of the processor. It also includes the Intel QPI speed of 6.4 GT/s, one QPI Link (QuickPath Interconnect is the newest high-speed interface to replace front-side bus, while the QPI Link refers to the number of connected processors being implemented); a 64-bit instruction set (support for 64-bit hardware and software); 32 nm lithography (the expected average half-pitch of a memory cell); a max TDP of 130 W (thermal design power, or TDP, refers to the highest level of output a CPU's casing can tolerate without causing degradation to the unit's processors); and a VID voltage range of 0.800V-1.375V. VID voltage range is described by Intel as the voltage range set by the voltage identification signals, referring to the voltage to be delivered to the processor.