Intel Core i7-990X

Intel Core i7-990X
Benchmarks & Specs

Last updated:
The Intel Core i7-990X, based on the Gulftown architecture, was an absolute top-of-the-line model in its day. It represented the cutting edge of available processors. Manufactured using the advanced 32-nm process, it represented Intel's engineering prowess at the time. As part of the "Extreme Edition," this processor specifically appealed to users seeking maximum performance.

Especially in the area of gaming, it offered remarkable performance at the time. Its generous 12 MB Level 3 Cache was a crucial factor for the fast processing of complex data. This enabled smooth workflows even with intensive use and demanding applications. The solid memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s also underlined its claim as a high-end model.

We remember well its ability to master several demanding tasks simultaneously with ease. The Intel Core i7-990X was long considered an extremely reliable and powerful choice. It was the preferred component for systems that relied on high computing power and left nothing to be desired at the time.
  • High-End Extreme Edition Processor
  • Excellent Performance for Gaming
  • Large 12 MB Level 3 Cache
  • Robust Multi-Tasking Capability

Performance Overview
Average performance across multiple benchmarks

Single-core performance
Rank 750 / 867
In segment Desktop
Multi-core performance
Rank 580 / 821
In segment Desktop
Geekbench 6 Single-Core

Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Single-core performance

Intel Core i5-2550k
4C / 4T · 3.80 GHz
664
Intel Core i5-3350P
4C / 4T · 3.30 GHz
662
Intel Core i7-990X
6C / 12T · 3.73 GHz
660
Intel Core i7-2600
4C / 8T · 3.80 GHz
659
Intel Pentium Gold G5400T
2C / 4T · 3.10 GHz
658
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
4C / 4T · 3.80 GHz
3,276
Intel Core i5-4590
4C / 4T · 3.50 GHz
3,276
Intel Core i7-990X
6C / 12T · 3.46 GHz
3,247
Intel Core i5-4570
4C / 4T · 3.40 GHz
3,243
AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3350GE
4C / 4T · 3.30 GHz
3,230
Geekbench 5, 64bit Single-Core

Geekbench 5, 64bit Single-Core
Single-core performance

Intel Core i3-3220
2C / 4T · 3.30 GHz
648
Intel Core i3-3225
2C / 4T · 3.30 GHz
648
Intel Core i7-990X
6C / 12T · 3.73 GHz
639
Intel Core i5-670
2C / 4T · 3.73 GHz
638
AMD FX-9590
8C / 8T · 5.00 GHz
634
Geekbench 5, 64bit Multi-Core

Geekbench 5, 64bit Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 1500
4C / 8T · 3.60 GHz
3,781
Intel Xeon D-1528
6C / 12T · 1.90 GHz
3,768
Intel Core i7-990X
6C / 12T · 3.46 GHz
3,765
AMD Ryzen 5 2500X
4C / 8T · 3.80 GHz
3,755
Intel Xeon E3-1230 v3
4C / 8T · 3.70 GHz
3,754
CPU-Z Benchmark 17 Multi-Core

CPU-Z Benchmark 17 Multi-Core
Multi-core performance

Intel Core i3-10105F
4C / 8T · 3.70 GHz
2,486
Intel Core i5-8400
6C / 6T · 2.80 GHz
2,482
Intel Core i7-990X
6C / 12T · 3.46 GHz
2,460
Intel Core i3-10100F
4C / 8T · 3.60 GHz
2,417
Intel Core i3-10100
4C / 8T · 3.60 GHz
2,415

More benchmarks

At a glance

PropertyValue
FamilyIntel Core i7 Extreme Edition (24)
CPU groupIntel Core i7 900 (4)
ArchitectureGulftown
Technology32 nm
SegmentDesktop
SocketLGA 1366
Generation1
Predecessor
Successor

CPU Cores and Base Frequency

PropertyValue
CPU Cores / Threads6 / 12
Hyperthreading / SMT
Core architecturenormal
Cores: 6x
Frequency: 3.46 GHz
Turbo Frequency (1 Core): 3.73 GHz
Turbo Frequency (6 Cores):
L2-Cache1.50 MB
L3-Cache12.00 MB
OverclockingYes

Memory & PCIe

Memory typeMemory bandwidth
DDR3-1066
25.6 GB/s
PropertyValue
Max. Memory24 GB
Memory channels3
ECC
PCIe
PCIe Bandwidth

Thermal Management

PropertyValue
TDP130 W
TDP (PL2)
TDP up
TDP down
T. junction max.

Technical details

PropertyValue
Chip designMonolithic
AES-NI
Operating systemsWindows 10, Linux
Instruction setx86-64 (64 bit)
ISA extensionsSSE4.1, SSE4.2
Release dateQ1/2011
Release price1059 $
DocumentsTechnical data sheet
Intel Core i7-990X
Intel Core i7-990X
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