[PConline starting] Intel's new Extreme i9/i7 and X299 platform has been out for a while now, and we've already taken a look at the i7-7820X and i9-7900X evaluations. The most top-tier i9-7980XE was just officially released, and we managed to get our hands on it — yep, that's right! An 18-core, 36-thread monster is nothing short of impressive. Let's dive in and see what this beast is all about.
â— New i9, New XE Suffix
New Extreme Platform Processor Account Book
The star of today's show is the i9-7980XE, featuring an 18-core, 36-thread design. That’s two more cores than the AMD Threadripper 1950X, making it the most powerful consumer CPU available right now. The base clock is set at 2.6GHz, which is reasonable given the sheer number of cores. However, with Intel's Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology, individual cores can push up to 4.4GHz when needed, giving it a serious edge in single-threaded tasks — even surpassing the i7-7700K in some cases.
In addition to its core count, the i9-7980XE supports four-channel DDR4-2666 memory and offers an impressive number of PCIe 3.0 lanes. One of the most notable features is its TDP, which has been increased to 165W — the highest for a desktop CPU. Based on our experience with the i7-7820X, we expect this chip to run quite hot, especially considering its 18-core architecture.
â— Still Using Grease: U?
i9-7980XE Still Uses Thermal Grease
Some overseas reviewers have already opened their i9-7980XE units, and guess what? It still uses thermal grease instead of solder. Even though it's the top-tier processor of this generation, it hasn't moved to a more advanced thermal solution. That’s a bit surprising — especially for a chip with such high power consumption. As a hardcore enthusiast, I'm not too happy about that.
â— Top Performance, Top Price
Currently, the i9-7980XE is available through various retailers, with prices ranging from around ¥13,999 to as high as ¥18,000. For comparison, the Ryzen 1950X, which is slightly less powerful, only costs around ¥8,500. That means the i9-7980XE is nearly twice as expensive. While performance is expected to be strong, it's unclear if it's worth double the price, especially when competing against AMD's offerings.
â— Size Matters
Left (i9-7980X), Right (i7-8700K)
The i9-7980XE requires an X299 motherboard with an LGA2066 socket, which isn't compatible with older X99 boards. Compared to the mainstream i7-8700K, it's significantly larger. This also means more pins and a bigger footprint on the motherboard.
Backside Comparison
As you can see, the size is definitely bigger, and the pin count reflects that. This isn’t a small chip — it's built for heavy workloads and high-end systems.
i9-7980XE Picture Gallery:
After installing it on the motherboard and powering it up, the system booted smoothly. Here are some screenshots from CPU-Z:
The BIOS settings were left at default, and we found that the i9-7980XE is currently running on an ES (Engineering Sample) version of Step 4. Official versions should be very similar once they hit the market.
With 18 cores and 36 threads, the i9-7980XE has a 24.75MB L3 cache and a boost frequency of up to 4.4GHz via TB 3.0. It's a powerhouse designed for extreme multitasking and demanding applications.
Task Manager
Seeing 36 threads in action is pretty cool — it's like watching a machine operate at a whole new level. Exciting, to say the least.
This is just the beginning of our evaluation. We're currently running full performance tests and will publish the complete review this week. Make sure to follow PConline's DIY channel for updates. If you're into DIY builds, feel free to join our QQ group for more insights and discussions.
24 hours mechanical timer
Instant indicator
Min.setting time:15 minutes. Max.setting timer:24 hours
With hand switch,can be switched to operating and
setting at any time
Instructions:
1. Set program: 1 pin is equivalent to 15 minutes. Determine desired start time and push down pins until desired
off time.
For instance, if you want electrical devices to work from 8:00am to 11:00am and from 13:00pm to 17:00pm, you
just need to put down allthe pins between the three period time.
2. Set the current time: Turning the dial clockwise until the arrow pointing to
current time.
For example,if now it is 8:00 am, please turn the dial and make sure the
arrow point to 8. (See the picture.)
3. Plug the electrical device directly into the timer. Make sure the electrical
device is power-on.
4. Plug the timer into electrical outlet and the electrical device will be work
according to the setting program.
Note: = Normal Ope n = Timing
Make sure the switch on the Timing position. If it
is on the [Normal Open" mode, the electrical device is
always power-on and the timer function no work.
Specifications:
|
Rated Voltage, Current and Power |
As shown on the label |
|
Time Setting Range |
15minutes24hours |
|
Working Temperature |
-10℃?+55℃ |
|
Operation |
Clockwise |
|
Insulation Resistance |
>100M |
|
Inherent Loss |
≤1W |
Application:
1. To enable high-power electric appliances to run automatically at off-peak time if there is different electricity
price according to different periods of time in some areas.
2. To use for electric appliances which need time control, such as water heaters, air conditioners, drinking
fountains, rice cookers, advertising lights and so on.
3. To control the charging time. For example, battery of electric bikes or mobile phones, storage batteries, etc.
4. Occasions which need switch on/off frequently, like interval spray irrigation for flowersand lawn, cyclical
adding oxygen to fish jar, fountains and so on.
5. Home safety precautions and lighting.
Caution:
1.D o not exceed the maximum ratings of the timer.
2.M ust reset the current time after power failure.
3.D o not plug the timer directly into the working electrical appliances.
4.U nless changing the setting, keep the program same every day.
5.D o not disassemble timer by yourself. Professionals service are needed for maintenance.
6.T his item is only for indoor use.
Plug-in Mechanical Timer, Mechanical Timer Socket, 24hr Mechanical Timer, Mechanical Timer Plug, Mechanical Timer Adaptor, Mechanical Electric Timer Switch
NINGBO COWELL ELECTRONICS & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD , https://www.cowellsockets.com