Review on Unleash Peak Performance: Intel Core i7-7740X X-Series Processor Overclockable 4 Cores up to 4.50GHz Turbo Unlocked FCLGA2066 X299 Series 112W by Daniel Spear

Selected 7900X for my X299 system. I chose the 7900X because of the higher speed compared to more expensive models with more cores. Simply put, games don't use all of those cores so the 7980XE doesn't have untapped potential, but what does use is slower than the 7900X. For X299 system, 7900X is the best CPU for gaming. You might even want to look at the Z370 system, but I need my PCIe lanes and want enough for a full 16 by 2 graphics cards. If you only use 1 graphics card, you will be happy with Z370 and i7 8700k for gaming. I had my Asus Rampage VI Extreme board auto overclock this processor and it pulled 4.6 out of the bag. Well! There is one problem with these processors, however, and that problem is heat. I have a Corsair H115i AiO liquid cooling with a push-pull configuration. Now, of course, the 280mm radiator is only 2530mm thick and the tubes are small. AiO and CPU idle at base speeds of around 40 °C. That's 10 degrees more than my 4.2GHz i7 5960X. I didn't see temperatures above 55C, but I wasn't running anything like Prime95 to stress the CPU. Try the $900 thing. Also, it will immediately void your warranty. But the results are clearly much better than temporary. I personally plan to build my own loop and the H115i is just a temporary solution. With a triple 55mm thick 140mm cooler, most likely a Black Ice heatsink from HardwareLabs, the i9 will be much more manageable. However, this is a hot processor! Maybe hotter than McDonald's coffee.