Intel Core i9-7900X engineering sample gets reviewed

Posted on Friday, June 16 2017 @ 18:16 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
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Hexus was able to get its hands on an engineering sample of the Intel Core i9-7900X processor as well as a X299 motherboard from an undisclosed motherboard maker. The chip has a 140W TDP, it's clocked at 3.3GHz and has a Turbo of 4.5GHz. You can check the early review over here.

Based on what they saw when benchmarking the chip, Hexus concludes there's still quite a bit of work to be done to get the platform ready. Further software optimizations are needed as there are sometimes unexplainable performance irregularities, which are unlikely to be solved in time for launch as the platform ships next week.

But overall, if the $999 price tag isn't a deal-breaker for you, the Core i9-7900X offers very high single-threaded performance, great multi-core potential and plenty of overclocking headroom:
Plenty of reason for discord among enthusiast users, yet look past the confusion and you may see cause for optimism. The world's first Core i9 processor, the 7900X, is ultimately a 10-core powerhouse offering excellent IPC performance and outstanding multi-core prowess in a single $999 chip armed with plenty of overclocking headroom. Said ingredients make it an automatic choice for power users seeking the ultimate PC experience, and the chip's benchmarking potential makes for a fitting debut of the Core i9 brand.

Bottom line: the price tag remains a stumbling block and software optimisations are needed, but anyone willing to splash a thousand bucks on a new CPU need look no further than the Intel Core i9-7900X. Over to you, Threadripper.
Here's an example of a test where the 7900X really shines:

INTC 7900x in CineBech


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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