Intel Core i7 4930K Extreme Hex Core CPU Retail (Socket 2011, 3.40GHz, 12MB, 130W, Hyper-Threading Technology, Virtualisation for Directed I/O)

This is a six-core, hyper-threaded (effectively 12 core) CPU with quad-channel RAM, and double the PCIe lanes over the more common main-stream CPUs (such as the Haswell i7 4770K. It's a bit more expensive, but for some applications, this is a much better choice.I prefer an E CPU for things like Photoshop, because having double the RAM bandwidth lets you manipulate ultra-large images (lots of layers) more readily. Quad channel RAM means you can get a 16GB configuration using 4GB DIMMs, which run at faster cycle times than 8GB DIMMs. An 8 DIMM motherboard can hold 32GB using 4GB DIMMs. Moreover, if you use 8GB DIMMs, you can get 64GB - something that's not possible with a mainstream CPU. Only an E CPU can address 64GB.If you wanted to run two top-of-the-line video cards at their fastest, then an E CPU is the better choice, because it lets you run both cards at x16.I built two machines using a 3960X and a 3930K, and they were fine PCs. The 4930K runs a bit faster than the 3930K, yet cooler - I have worked this CPU hard, and have never managed to exceed 40 degrees C (that's using a Noctua NH-D14 - recommended).

This is a wonderful CPU for those who need it or would benefit from the perks of the extra cores. The thermal performance of these chips is reflected wonderfully by the price; the die is soldered onto the IHS, meaning that there is increased thermal conductivity between the surface and the external heatsink being used. I can run this chip at 4.6GHz easy with an air cooling Hyper 412s with dual Noctua NF-F12 push-pull method running at ~300rpm and the temperatures rarely rise above 45c.This is a chip I would recommend to anyone who knows where and when this would be useful, and would say to people that unless you will trully use its features, save the money and stick with the Z platform, you will likely get the same performance in the things that you do.

Great cpu if you are into 3D animation or design as it has 6 cores which means 3D packages render much faster. I believe more games will use the 6 cores as directx 12 will take advantage of the extra cores so this gives you the edge in gaming too :)Runs very cool 30c no load or 44c under load with H100i

This cpu is amazing so so fast. I decided to skip 4th gen consoles and build a gaming pc with this at the centre and I am amazed at how good it is. It stays nice and cool even under load and as a previous reviewer has stated I have also been able to overclock to 4.5 and it still remains very stable.

I decided on this processor when made the decision to upgrade from my 920 i7 quad core that I had been using for the last 4 years. I chose this cpu with a ROG Rampage Black Edition mb & I was not disapointed. All the processing power you will ever need but at a slightly higher cost, an expensive processor but worth every penny. Decided to get most of my build from Amazon & I was impressed with the super fast delivery & excellent customer service I have received for all the parts purchased.

Lovely.

I bought this to make my own PC. This was the highest spec chip for the money I wanted to spend. I get 7.9 on the Windows 7 test and that's as standard ie not overclocked. I haven't tried overclocking yet as I don't need it. I have the capability however with the MB reviewed separately.It handles video editing really fast which was my prime reason for changing my PC.

Superb CPU. The six cores mean plenty of processing power for and need, and my particular one overclocks (on all 6 cores) faultlessly at 4.5GHz! There is no guarantee that yours will be as good at overclocking as mine, it varies from chip to chip, but I would be surprised if you didn't get a reasonable level of overclocking from this CPU.I used mine in a custom PC build with an ASUS Rampage IV Extreme motherboard, 16GB of RAM and 2 Nvidia GTX 780 graphics cards. Works brilliantly!