Intel BX80673I97900X Core i9-7900X X-Series Processor 10 Cores up to 4.3 GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA2066 X299 Series 140W

Picked up the 7900X for my X299 system.Decided on the 7900X because of the higher speed compared to the more expensive ones with more cores. Simply put, games don't use all of these cores, and so the 7980XE not has unused potential, but what is used is slower than the 7900X.For an X299 system, the 7900X is the best CPU for gaming. You may even want to look at a Z370 system, but I want my PCIe lanes, and I want enough for full 16 on 2 video cards. If you only use 1 video card, you'd be happy with Z370 and i7 8700k for gaming.I let my Asus Rampage VI Extreme board auto overclock this CPU, and it pulled 4.6 out of the bag. Nice!There is a problem with these CPUs though, and that problem is heat. I have a Corsair H115i AiO watercooler on it, with a push/pull configuration. Now, granted, the 280mm radiator is only like 25~30mm thick, and the tubing is small... The AiO and CPU run around 40C at idle at base speeds. That's 10C higher than my i7 5960X OCed at 4.2GHz. I haven't seen the temps go over 55C, but I haven't run anything like Prime95 to stress the CPU.All the kids today talk about "delidding" which is a risky process, and not the kind of thing you want to just try on a $900 item. Plus doing so will instantly kill your warranty. But the results are apparently much better temps.Personally, I plan on putting together my own loop and the H115i is just a temp solution. With a triple 140mm radiator that's 55mm thick, likely a HardwareLabs Black Ice rad, the i9 will be much more controlled. Still, it's a hot CPU! Maybe hotter than McDonald's coffee.

Coming from X99 and was skeptical about X299. I decided on this model chip bc the Turbo 3.0 frequency is the same as the 7820x, the 10 core was appealing in itself but also the 44 PCI express lanes. Using on Asus Rampage Extreme VI with 3 M.2 storage devices and dual GPU's. The particular chip I received. Delidded myself and can achieve 4.8 GHZ speeds. Very happy with both the chip and my decision to go bigger on cores. Maximum Temperatures under Load, never exceed 80C at 4.8 GHZ. I use a daily clock of 4.6 and never exceed 70C but cooling with full water loop. As our current and future games rely on more core and thread counts. I feel good that I can handle most anything that's out there without stressing my system to warm. Highly recommend. coming from X99 6 core 6850k on Rampage V ed 10. Also use a lot for Photoshop and Video editing. Great chip.

In 2007, I built a new high-performance system around the i7-980x "Extreme" processor. I've loved it and it has worked hard but was showing its age as Windows and the applications it loads grew hungrier for the attention of the CPU. When I had trouble installing Version 1803 of Windows 10, I decided it was time.Wanting to have at least equivalent processing power, I choose the i9-9500x. I didn't want half-measures so I went for the i9, hoping it would give me better performance for a longer number of years.After installing it, I was not disappointed.Documentation was spartan but adequate, (but I've built a couple dozen systems in the last 40 years). Just follow the rules as to static and orientation. I opted for water cooling as it's recommended by Intel. Heat will kill a high-end system faster than anything except cat fur.

I live not too far from Intel and it is an amazing company. Most of their products are of high quality and leaves me sitting on the edge of my seat with anticipation, waiting for the next big thing to release.Unfortunately, this CPU is very capable although the head is an issue, as everyone is aware of.For gaming and streaming, it is a very capable CPU but you would still be better off using the AMD 1800x which is far cheaper.The Threadripper is in no way better though compared to this.Maybe in small areas depending on what you are really using it for but overall this is a better card but the price always is the deciding factor here.I really would love to get my hands on a 7980XE or something of the like to test out but they are quite expensive.I have been with both AMD and Intel, and I will likely stay with Intel here. Hopefully, AMD will influence their prices and we can see an increase in performance with a reduction in price!