Intel Core i7-3820 Sandy Bridge-E 3.6GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 2011 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80619i73820

Pros: This is one fast CPU.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: Other complain that there is no cooling system included; I prefer it this way as it allows me to install the exact one that I need. Most manufacturers will include a cheap heatsink or fan. Now you have a choice of the quality of heatsink you want to install.

Pros: This CPU is FAST. I have this combined with an ASUS Rampage IV, 16gb of RAM, and an OCZ SSD, and Windows 7 installed in under 10 minutes.

Cons: Speedfan doesn't report the temperature correctly.

Pros: Cheap. Future proof. Overclocks very well even though it is not unlocked. Running at 4.8 24/7. Benchmarks show that when overclocked performance is right there with its big brother and in some cases blows it outta the water like in photoshop. No game right now on the market can max this thing out including Crysis 3 on highest settings. In most games usage never breaks 40 percent amazing when my old processor was getting maxed out in the same game.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: Decided to go with this to wait on the next gen of intel i7s and I am not disappointed and it has been a strong performer. I do a lot of gaming and photo editing and this processor never breaks a sweat even with 2 6970's behind it.

Pros: Price - The price on this CPU is just about right for what it can do and offer.

CPU Frequency - Stock @ 3.6ghz, Over-Clocked @ 4.4ghz, Intel turbo boost plus OC brings this to a whopping 5.1ghz.

Temperature (liquid Cooled) - idle @ 32c, load @ 52c.

Features - Since this CPU does not come with integrated graphics chip, it instead comes built with a PCI-e, RAM and a QPI (replaces the FSB) controller built on the CPU. Having them built on the CPU reduces the bottleneck found on other chipsets like the Z77 platform. This results in faster, low latency performance for the other components.(the IB processors have a ram controller built onto them but it is not as good as SB-E) This is also the reason why the upcoming Ivy bridge-E processors will also work with an X79 motherboard and because X79 motherboard were designed with future releases in mind. When IB-E releases all you will need is a BIOS update and you will get a new CPU, better controllers for the motherboard, and you don't have to spend a dime getting a new motherboard like you will with Haswell. So this is more future proof than getting a processor for an LGA 1155 motherboard.

Gaming - People say when gaming to go for a 3570K or a 3770K, which they are really good for gaming, but, everyone overlooks the single most important thing about gaming and that is minimum FPS. This means that the Core i7 3820 will keep up with the stuff on the screen a lot better than a Core i7 3770k will. The one thing that the E series CPU's have a big advantage over from a regular Core i7 is the Physics. Games love Physics. Especially if that game uses NVidia PhysX and you own an AMD card. This CPU has enough physics processing power that it can render things like destruction, ragdoll animation, and particle collision a lot better than an IB processor.

Cons: No CPU cooler included - Stock coolers were terrible anyways.

No integrated Graphics - SB and IB have a distinct advantage over SB-E and that is they have an a GPU built on them that include technology like Quick Sync for even faster video encoding.

Performance per Watt ratio is not as good as IB.

Motherboards are more expensive but future proof.

Other Thoughts: Computer specs
CPU - Core i7 3820 @ 4.4ghz
Motherboard - ASRock x79 Extreme3
GPU - ATI 4850 (AMD 7950 on the way)
Power supply - Rosswill Hive 750 watt
Fan and Heatsink - Corsair H55 Hydro
RAM - G.Skill Ripjaws Z series 4 x 2GB @ 2133Mhz
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 2TB

Windows Experience Score
CPU 8.2
RAM 8.2
Graphics 7.0
Gaming Graphics 7.0
Primary Hard Disk 5.9

[Passmark] - 3820 vs. 3770k This is to give you an idea of the performance of each.

Integer Math :
3770K - 18053
3820 - 18847

Floating Point Math :
3770K - 8516
3820 - 8226

Prime Numbers:
3770K - 33.2
3820 - 34.3

Extended Instructions (SSE):
3770K - 50.4
3820 - 52.5

Compression :
3770K - 14546
3820 - 14091

Encryption :
3770K - 2029
3820 - 1961

Physics :
3770K - 592
3820 - 671

Single Threaded Performance:
3770K - 2295
3820 - 2297

Pros: This processor has worked very well with high end build. Great architecture, memory control, and well enough power for small business server operations or powerful personal computer

Cons: This processor is more than most people will need, however this performance level is not a con but in fact part of the intended design

Pros: Fast, and easy to overclock, also great price. No problem on installing, used the H60 water cooling block to cool it and it works wonderfully. Highly recommend this CPU.

Cons: N/A

Pros: speed and response
coupled with premium ram this processor screams.

Cons: unfortunatly running winblows 8.

Pros: water cooling this but not OC as yet. no issues at all with my setup its hard to tell what is working well, as i have everything as good as i can get it without going 6 cores or extreme ED. but this is apart of a system i have built that is running smootly. 680 GPU and 1866 32g (8x4g) on a asus sabertooth x79 MB and its a beast! no complaints here.

Cons: none

Other Thoughts: did have me a little worried w the sound it makes when you press the thing into the MB slot, thought i broke it. talked to some who build as well and its normal, and well the thing is working so no prob right? scared the .. out of me!

Pros: Running on ASROCK X79 Extreme6 without issues.
Overclocks well.

Cons: Runs on the warmer side so be prepared with waterblock.

Other Thoughts: 4.2 GHz all day everyday.
Mine got me to 4.8GHz without any fuss.
Good Chip.

Pros: Works as advertised!!! I really have no experience to compare this to, but it works fine with the Asrock MB it is installed. I am using this home built computer for CAD/CAE work, and so far it is handling the programs very well.

Cons: None.