X79 - LGA 2011

Sandy Bridge-E is the code name for the high-end platform that came on November 14, 2011 to replace the Nehalem platform (LGA1366). Sandy Bridge-E has nothing to do with Sandy Bridge on the LGA1155 socket.
LGA2011 is the socket name for the new processors.
X79 is a chipset for the LGA2011 platform. The X79 is also known by the code name Patsburg.

Sandy Bridge-E has a quad-channel memory controller (vs. dual-channel LGA1155), 40 PCIe lanes (versus 16), no integrated video core, and support for bus overclocking (Base Clock). Sandy Bridge processors cannot be installed on LGA2011 boards.

The X79 chipset consists of a single chip and is connected to the processor by a DMI bus with a bandwidth of 20Gb/s. The chipset supports 8 PCI-e 2.0 lanes, 4 SATA-II ports (3.0Gb/s) and 2 SATA-III ports (6.0Gb/s) with the ability to organize RAID arrays of levels 0,1,10 and 5. The chipset also supports 14 USB 2.0 ports. X79 does not support USB 3.0 and PCI.

In addition to two SATA 6.0Gb/s and four SATA 3Gb/s, the X79 chipset originally included support for an 8-port SAS controller. However, just before the release, instabilities in the controller's operation were discovered, as a result of which it was decided to cut down the functionality of the chipset, leaving only SATA ports. Chipset SAS ports are left bypassing Intel recommendations only on ECS X79R-AX and X79R-AX Deluxe boards, but the results of testing SSDs on SAS ports show that 1) - the system is extremely unstable (BSOD), 2) SSDs are slower than on SATA ports. (http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1833/1/). SATA/SAS ports are present on the chipset C600- server analogue of X79.

Support for multiprocessor configurations and the presence of an SCU (SCSI Controller Unit) with additional SATA/SAS ports.

The C600 is available in 4 variants. For a detailed comparison of all variants of the C600 with the X79, see the website arc.intel.com. The main differences between the options are presented in the table below.

LGA2011 processors have an integrated PCI-e 3.0 controller with 40 lanes. All LGA2011 boards support AMD Crossfire. SLI support depends on the presence of an SLI certificate in the BIOS / UEFI of the motherboard. At the moment, only the Sapphire Pure Black X79N does not support SLI. Also, server-class boards based on the C6XX chipset, as well as two- and four-processor boards, do not officially support either SLI or Crossfire.

Without additional controllers, SLI and Crossfire can work in the following modes:

2 graphics cards:

• 16x + 16x

3 graphics cards:

• 16x + 8x + 8x
• 16x + 16x + 8x

4 graphics cards:

• 8x + 8x + 8x + 8x
• 16x + 8x + 8x + 8x

Core i7 3930K, 3960X and 3970X processors come with an unlocked multiplier. For the 3820 processor, the multiplier is locked up to the value necessary for the processor to operate at a frequency in Turbo mode. In addition, for all processors it is possible to change the base clock (Base Clock) and memory dividers. Individual overclocking options will depend on the processor used and the capabilities of the motherboard.

For serious overclocking, it is not recommended to purchase Gigabyte X79-UD3, X79-UD5 and G1.Assassin 2 boards. These boards use low-quality transistors in the CPU power system, which can burn out under load. As a solution, Gigabyte has prepared a new version of UEFI for these boards (F7), which lowers the CPU frequency by throttling under heavy load. The Gigabyte GA-X79-UD7 board was originally designed for overclocking and is not affected by the above defect, but this model was released in a limited edition and is no longer produced.

LGA2011 processors have a built-in quad-channel DDR3 memory controller. The maximum amount of memory is 128GB (on boards with 8 slots). To implement quad-channel access, you will need 4 or 8 memory sticks, depending on the capabilities of the motherboard. To implement quad-channel mode with four DDR3 modules on boards with 8 slots, memory must be installed on opposite sides of the socket.

Any DDR3 memory with an operating voltage of 1.5v-1.65v will do. The maximum allowable memory voltage is 1.85v. For optimal performance, the same modules should be used. If you cannot find a four-channel set, you can use a two-channel set of four modules. For guaranteed memory operation at the declared frequencies in quad-channel mode, it is worth using memory from the QVL list attached to the motherboard.

Without the necessary mounting kit - not all, although the physical location of the mounting holes is the same for both sockets. The LGA2011 mounting frame has threaded holes and no through holes. On boards ASUS Rampage IV Extreme and ASUS Rampage IV Formula implemented a socket with interchangeable back plates (X-Socket), allowing the installation of both LGA2011 and LGA1366 coolers without additional fasteners. Owners of Noctua, Cooler Master and Thermaltake coolers can get the necessary kit to mount their existing coolers for the new platform for free (see next question).

Purchase an LGA2011 board and/or a Core i7-3000 processor and fill out the appropriate form on the manufacturer's website:

• Noctua- The offer is valid worldwide.
• Cooler Master- Offer valid only for residents of Canada, USA and Mexico.
• Thermaltake- Offer valid for residents of Canada and the United States only.