Desktop CPUs with the best Overall Performance

Just looking at the published specifications on intel's website, you'll find the two identical except for the 100 mhz difference and a 3MB larger L3 cache.

What's more, thanks to the 'K' on the end of Intel Core i7 3930K, this lower priced alternative to the Intel Core i7 3960X gets the full unlocked treatment and also benefits from the newly introduced CPU strap, the better to make overclocking a bit more flexible.

Since the Core i7 990X Extreme Edition processor is an extreme edition we have an unlocked multiplier that we can play with to increase the speeds!

CPU Overclocking Enabled (with Intel Z77 Express & Z75 Express Chipsets): Fully unlocked core multiplier, power, and DDR3 memory ratios enable high flexibility for overclocking.

We're also pleased that the BCLK strap shenanigans help to render the partially locked multiplier a non-issue for the majority of overclockers.

The Sandy Bridge die was about 1/3 larger and more effective at dissipating heat, outstripping the power reductions Ivy Bridge gained by moving to a smaller manufacturing process.

The Intel Core i7-980X processor has an 25x multiplier with a 133MHz reference clock, but features low power states and turbo mode.

It is definitly cooler than Sandy Bridge due to the 22nm manufacturing process.