Legit Processor Reviews

Intel Core i7-3960X Sandy Bridge-E Processor Review

Manufacturer: Intel
Product: Intel Core i7-3960X CPU
Date: Mon, Nov 14, 2011 - 02:00 AM
Written By: Nathan Kirsch -
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Intel Core i7-3960X CPU Water Temp Testing

Intel RTS2011LC

Today, Intel has also introduced the RTS2011LC, a sealed liquid cooling thermal solution that works on Intel core processor families with LGA2011 / 1366 / 1155 / 1156 sockets. This kit is geared toward enthusiasts that want to get the most from their computer. We've already covered this cooler back in September, so we'll get right to it. This water cooling kit features a 150mm x 118mm x 37mm radiator that is kept cool by a 120mm x 120mm x 25mm fan.

Intel RTS2011LC Copper Base

The water block and pump cover clearly states that the water cooler was developed by Asetek, which has been in the liquid cooling business for a long time. Asetek has teamed up with Corsair and Antec in recent years and jointly brought out liquid coolers with them, so this should be a quality cooler.  Flipping the block over you can clearly see the copper cold plate. Intel has not announced pricing on this water cooler, but we expect it to be in the $80-$100 range.

Specifications of RTS2011LC:
  • Fan Speeds: 800-2200 RPM (4 wire PWM)
  • Fan Dimensions: 120 mm x 120 mm x 25 mm
  • Fan Airflow: 74CFM
  • Unit Noise Level: 21dBA@800 RPM / 35dBA @ 2200 RPM
  • Radiator Dimensions: 150mm x 118mm x 37mm
  • Pump Z-Height: 33mm
  • Total Thermal Solution Weight: 820 grams
  • Cooling Liquid: Propylene Glycol
  • Thermal Interface Material: TC-1996

Intel has made a very nice installation video for the RTS2011LC water cooler that is certainly worth a look if you are curious about buying one of these coolers.

Intel Core i7-3960X Processor Temperature at Idle

The Intel RTS2011LC water cooler is pretty darn quiet and the Intel Core i7-3960X was running at 35C at idle.

Intel Core i7-3960X Processor Temperature at Load

When it comes to load temperatures with Prime95 64-bit we found the Intel Core i7-3060X topping out at 68C. This is 11C higher than the Zalman CNPS12X, but well under the thermal limits of the processor.

We'll have an in-depth review posted here shortly that shows off the new Intel water cooler by our CPU cooling guru, so stay tuned!

Next Page - Core i7-3960X CPU Overclocking


Review Index
Page 1 - Intel Sandy Bridge-E LGA 2011 CPUs Arrive
Page 2 - The Intel X79 Express Chipset & DX79SI Mobo
Page 3 - 32 in 32 Promotional Unboxing
Page 4 - The Test System
Page 5 - SiSoftware Sandra 2011 SP5
Page 6 - x264 HD Encoding
Page 7 - CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5
Page 8 - Handbrake
Page 9 - POV-Ray 3.7 RC3
Page 10 - Cinebench R11.5
Page 11 - PCMark 7
Page 12 - 3DMark Vantage
Page 13 - Resident Evil 5
Page 14 - H.A.W.X. 2 Benchmark
Page 15 - S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat
Page 16 - Total System Power Consumption
Page 17 - Intel Core i7-3960X CPU Air Temp Testing
Page 18 - Intel Core i7-3960X CPU Water Temp Testing
Page 19 - Core i7-3960X CPU Overclocking
Page 20 - Final Thoughts and Conclusions