PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i7-5960X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,382 points. Launch price was $999.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-5960X

#91

Pentium G2100T

MSRP: $75|Avg: $10

105%

#92

Ryzen 5 9600X

MSRP: $279|Avg: $189

105%

#93

Core i5-2320

MSRP: $177|Avg: $22

104%

#94

FX-4150

MSRP: $137|Avg: $20

103%

#95

FX-8120

MSRP: $205|Avg: $40

102%

#96

FX-6200

MSRP: $169|Avg: $25

102%

#97

Ryzen 7 3800X

MSRP: $399|Avg: $140

102%

#98

Core i3-560

MSRP: $138|Avg: $10

102%

#99

Ryzen 3 5300G

MSRP: $130|Avg: $80

101%

#100

Pentium Dual-Core E2140

MSRP: $74|Avg: $5

101%

#101

Core i7-4820K

MSRP: $332|Avg: $40

101%

#102

Ryzen 9 7900X

MSRP: $549|Avg: $316

101%

#103

Ryzen 5 5600X

MSRP: $299|Avg: $135

100%

#104

Core i5-14600KF

MSRP: $304|Avg: $239

100%

#105

Pentium G2120T

MSRP: $87|Avg: $10

100%

#106

Core i7-5960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $83

100%

#107

Ryzen 7 5800

MSRP: $349|Avg: $160

100%

#108

Core i3-14100F

MSRP: $109|Avg: $96

99%

#109

Ryzen 7 3700X

MSRP: $329|Avg: $140

99%

#110

Core i5-3550

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

99%

#111

Ryzen 5 7600X

MSRP: $299|Avg: $199

99%

#112

Ryzen 3 3100

MSRP: $99|Avg: $75

99%

#113

Core i5-6600T

MSRP: $213|Avg: $35

99%

#114

Core i5-3340S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $25

98%

#115

Celeron G1840T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $10

98%

#116

Core i3-4350T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $20

97%

#117

Core i5-13490F

MSRP: $235|Avg: $170

97%

#118

Core i3-3240

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

97%

#119

Ryzen 5 5600F

MSRP: $99|Avg: $129

97%

#120

Ryzen 9 PRO 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $200

97%

#121

Ryzen 3 4300GE

MSRP: $94|Avg: $72

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-5960X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-5960X specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-5960X is a 8-core / 16-thread processor based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 20 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 13,382, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,244, while multi-core reaches 7,412. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 9,720.

Specification	Core i7-5960X
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 16T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Haswell-E (2014)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	20 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	356 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	2,600 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	0 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	67 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	13,382
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	9,720
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,244
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	7,412

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-5960X fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 40 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 4 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core i7-5960X
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Core i7 (Desktop)
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2011
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	40
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2133
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	4
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	X99
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i7-5960X
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-5960X has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 140 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately.

Specification	Core i7-5960X
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	140 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	67 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $83 (MSRP: $999), the Core i7-5960X delivers 161 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1109 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-5960X
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$999
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$83
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$999
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1109
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2014 (11 years ago)
Release Year	2014
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel