Six-cores not enough? No problems, here's 12!
The other day I put together a barebones build for a high-performance system based around Intel's new six-core "hexacore" i7 980x processor. Some of you asked if it was possible to put two of these monster CPUs on a single board to get more power ... it sure is!
To pull off this stunt you'll need EVGA's new Classified Super Record 2 (SR-2) motherboard. Dual LGA1366 sockets baby!
Here's the spec:
- Supports Intel Xeon Dual QPI Socket 1366 Processors
- Intel 5520 Chipset 12 DIMM Triple-Channel DDR3 1333MHz+ (up to 48GB)
- Enthusiast Layout Supporting 2-way SLI, 3-way SLI, 4-way SLI or CrossFireX 2 SATA III 6.0GB/s Ports, 6 SATA II 3.0GB/s Ports, 2 E-SATA Ports
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports (10/100/1000)
- 8 Channel High Definition Audio
- 2 USB 3.0/2.0 Ports, 10 USB 2.0 Ports (6 I/0, 4 Internal)
This board can be yours for $600.
If you wanted to make use of this board in the barebones build I outlined the other day, the board and an extra CPU (you'll need to use the new Xeon 5600 CPUs instead of the 980x, which aren't compatible with this board) will jack the price up to stratopsheric levels (a top-end Xeon X5680 will set you back over $1,700 apiece)!
