Intel X99: Everything You Need To Know

by HEXUS Staff on 2 September 2014, 16:15

Tags: Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), ASUSTeK (TPE:2357), Gigabyte (TPE:2376), Corsair, G.SKILL, SCAN

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qacikf

Add to My Vault: x

The arrival of Intel's X99 platform represents a new opportunity for power users and enthusiasts to build high-performance systems with enough oomph to rival high-end workstations.

Launched just a couple of days ago, the X99 chipset arrives with a supporting cast of high-profile stars, including a headlining, eight-core Core i7-5960X processor, an array of high-end motherboards and cutting-edge DDR4 memory.

There's a lot of new hardware to consider, so if you've missed any of our exhaustive launch-day coverage, here's a recap of related reviews that cover the ins and outs of the X99 platform.

Intel Core i7-5960X (22nm Haswell)

"...if you really can take advantage of eight cores and 16 threads of Haswell power, the Core i7-5960X, even at $999, is untouchable."

Pros: Eight cores and 16 threads in one chip
Cons: The $999 cost

Buy Link: Scan Computers

Asus X99-Deluxe

"Asus, with the X99-Deluxe, has a very solid offering whose enhanced feature-set complements the high-end platform well."

Pros: Well-rounded feature set and OC Socket
Cons: The price, potentially

Buy Link: Scan Computers

Gigabyte X99-Gaming 5

"Performance is very competent, spurred on by Gigabyte playing a little fast and loose with Turbo Core frequencies."

Pros: Good layout and competitive street price
Cons: BIOS seems over elaborate

Buy Link: Scan Computers

Corsair Vengeance LPX 2,800MHz

"Our testing shows Corsair's Vengeance LPX is a few per cent faster than regular 2,133MHz memory using the same latencies."

Pros: Suited for Core i7-5960X and available in a choice of colours
Cons: Minor performance improvements in most apps

Buy Link: Scan Computers

G.Skill Ripjaws 4 3,000MHz CL15

"G.Skill sets the pricing and performance gauntlet down with the release of an aggressively-priced pack of DDR4 3,000MHz memory."

Pros: Cutting-edge DDR4 speeds and low latencies
Cons: Requires base-clock adjustment to work correctly

Buy Link: Novatech

Scan 3XS X99 Micro

"Scan's 3XS X99 Micro is the fastest Micro-ATX PC we've seen, but Intel's latest-generation processor needs next-generation graphics to go with it."

Pros: Six cores and 12 threads in a SFF PC
Cons: BIOS bugs on X99 platform

Buy Link: Scan Computers



HEXUS Forums :: 2 Comments

Login with Forum Account

Don't have an account? Register today!
I don't think ‘exhaustive’ means what you think it means ;)
at least Hexus has made things simple!