Intel Sandy Bridge-E Processors Shipping w/o CPU Cooler – Core i7-3820 Delayed
Last week we reported that AMD would be offering some retail boxed processors with a sealed water cooler for those that want better cooling and improved overclocking results. This weekend is appears that Intel has responded by tipping off VR-Zone that some of Intels upcoming Sandy Bridge-E processors will ship without a CPU cooler. The site says that the Intel Core i7-3820, 3930K and the 3960X will all ship without a CPU cooler in the box. This is great news for those that later purchase an aftermarket CPU cooler if Intel is able to lower the price on these models since they don’t include the HSF. The site also reports that while the official TDP rating on these processors is 130W that these processors are really pulling 180W! If that isn’t enough bad news already the same site also reports that the quad-core Intel Core i7-3820 processor is delayed and will be making an appearance after the first Sandy Bridge-E processors come to market.
The upcoming Core i7 processor from Intel, the 3820, 3930K and the 3960X will all ship without a cooler in the box. That said, Intel has decided to offer own brand coolers for the platform, it’s just that they won’t come in the box with the CPU. We can’t really see why anyone would buy an Intel cooler over a third party cooler as not even Intel’s high-end heatpipe cooler for its current and past Extreme Edition models were all that great. Some of the third party cooler makers will have products ready at launch, but worst case scenario, we might be looking at a cooler shortage at launch. On top of this, we’re hearing that although the rated TDP is 130W these beasts are consuming closer to 180W and that’s without even overclocking them. In fact, according to PSU design guidance we’ve seen, Intel is telling power supply makers to make sure their Sandy Bridge-E PSUs can cope with a peak current of 23A on the 12V2 rail and based on an 80 percent or better efficiency rating of the PSU. As such it might be a very good idea to invest in a water cooling kit if you’re planning on going Sandy Bridge-E. On top of all that it looks like the quad core 3820 model has been delayed and will arrive later than the 3930K and 3960X, although we don’t know exactly when Intel intends to release it to the market. Intel is currently working on the C1 stepping and this should be what ships in the end unless there are any unforeseen issues with the latest stepping. So in other words, good news all around..
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