Intel's latest processor caters very well to these manufacturers, sparking memories of times of super-expensive PCs that could cost more than $30,000.
If you want to order a Sandy Bridge-E PC today, and you don't intend to build such a PC yourself, your options are still very limited. You will have to go to boutique PC vendors such as Digital Storm, Origin PC or Maingear.
Basic systems with Intel's i7 3930K processor start at around $2600, while 3960X systems command a premium of at least $500 and can be ordered as overclocked versions with clock speeds of between 4.5 GHz and 5.2 GHz. A typical overclocked 3960X system with vendor-recommended options appears to be running in the $6000 to $8000 range. However, the option lists are long and a Sandy Bridge-E system can be pimped out with plenty of features to reach more than $12,000 at Digital Storm and more than $13,000 at Origin. Maingear goes well beyond that with custom paint jobs, optional dual 46-inch displays or Samsung's 23-inch 6-panel display, you would be looking at close to $22,000 for your new PC.
Read more about the new Sandy Bridge-E in our full review.