It's a Beast

Strengths:

This CPU can take any thing you throw at it, there is no progam that this CPU can't deal with. I am running this in a Asus Sabertooth X79 Board, one click of a button in the bios and it runs at 4.2 stable and cool. I have the Intel Liquid cooler RTS2011LC. idol temps are around 23c load 45c, I have run Prime 95 in a 12 hour loop and temps where 43c-45c. wlth all core up and running. Everything that I run on my computer seems to run at Hyper speed with this Processor.. It's ready for PCI-E 3.0,

Weaknesses:

It's the one everybody complains about and that is "PRICE" to performance. Intel Extreme processors are always priced out of this world. With Intel Changing their Socket all the time you need a new "Motherboard X79 Chipset", CPU and Quad memory so it's almost a complete upgrade and expensive. However if you want the best you will pay the price for it.

Summary:

If your a big Computer gamer you will not see much difference with this CPU while in games over the modest priced I7 2600k, so if you are a Gamer get the I5 2500 or I7 2600k. If you have to have the best of the best and deep pockets get this 3960x. It will not disappoint you with it's blinding speed, or if your job calls for it, IE. Encoding, Video editing that sort of thing. This CPU and X79 Chipset should last a while until Intel desided to change the Socket again.