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 i7-990X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,135 points. Launch price was $1,104.

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 i7-990X

#831

Core i9-12900TE

MSRP: $494|Avg: $664

109%

#832

Athlon XP 2600+

MSRP: $98|Avg: $10

107%

#833

Athlon 64 X2 5000+

MSRP: $136|Avg: $42

107%

#834

Core i7-940

MSRP: $562|Avg: $90

106%

#835

Ryzen 7 5800X3D

MSRP: $449|Avg: $849.99

105%

#836

Athlon 64 FX-74

MSRP: $499|Avg: $50

105%

#837

Core i9-9940X

MSRP: $1387|Avg: $850

104%

#838

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

MSRP: $1899|Avg: $1836

103%

#839

Celeron 2.30

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

102%

#840

Core i3-7102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $80

102%

#841

Ryzen Embedded V1756B

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

102%

#842

Core i3-7300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $128

102%

#843

Pentium E2220

MSRP: $32|Avg: $32

101%

#844

Celeron G465

MSRP: $70|Avg: $37

101%

#845

Celeron G1610T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

100%

#846

Core i7-990X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $225

100%

#847

Athlon 64 3100+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

100%

#848

FX-4320

MSRP: $250|Avg: $100

99%

#849

Pentium G4600

MSRP: $82|Avg: $116

99%

#850

Core i5-4590T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $130

99%

#851

Phenom II X4 910e

MSRP: $157|Avg: $69

98%

#852

Athlon X4 970

MSRP: $85|Avg: $85

98%

#853

Athlon 64 3700+

MSRP: $272|Avg: $20

98%

#854

Pentium G4400T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $75

98%

#855

A10-6790B

MSRP: $122|Avg: $50

98%

#856

Core i7-960

MSRP: $309|Avg: $110

97%

#857

Pentium D 830

MSRP: $316|Avg: $20

97%

#858

Athlon XP 2400+

MSRP: $193|Avg: $10

96%

#859

Ryzen Embedded R2544

MSRP: $280|Avg: $280

96%

#860

Pentium G4400

MSRP: $64|Avg: $85

95%

#861

Pentium G3460T

MSRP: $69|Avg: N/A

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-990X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-990X specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-990X is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.73 GHz from a base frequency of 3.46 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 7,135, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-990X
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.73 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.46 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Gulftown (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	12 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	239 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,170 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	6.4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	68 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	7,135

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-990X fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i7-990X
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1366
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-990X has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i7-990X
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	68 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $225 (MSRP: $999), the Core i7-990X delivers 32 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1565 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-990X
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$999
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$225
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$1,104
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1565
Release DateLaunch date	24 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel