Core i5-2405S vs Core i7-960

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.

Core i5-2405S vs Core i7-960 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-2405S vs Core i7-960: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-2405S

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i7-960 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-960.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-960 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,397 vs 3,400).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-960

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2405S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2405S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-960 better than Core i5-2405S?

Yes. Core i7-960 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-960 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-960 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-960 is the better buy right now. Core i7-960 comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $309 MSRP versus $309 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 0.1% better value on MSRP (11.0 vs 11.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-2405S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2405S vs Core i7-960 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-2405S

The Core i5-2405S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,397 points. Launch price was $472.

Core i7-960

The Core i7-960 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,400 points. Launch price was $316.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2405S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-960's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2405S versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-960 — a 4.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-960 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-2405S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-960 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2405S scores 3,397 against the Core i7-960's 3,400 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-960. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2405S vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-960.

Feature	Core i5-2405S	Core i7-960
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.46 GHz+5%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.2 GHz+28%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	3,397	3,400
Geekbench 6 Single	557	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,480	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2405S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-960 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2405S	Core i7-960
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x / EPT (Core i5-2405S) / not specified (Core i7-960). The Core i5-2405S includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-960 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2405S targets Budget.

Feature	Core i5-2405S	Core i7-960
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x / EPT	—
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2405S was priced at $309, while the Core i7-960 came in at $309. On launch pricing ($309 vs $309), Core i7-960 was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2405S delivers 11.0 pts/$ vs 11.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-960 — making the Core i7-960 the 0.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2405S	Core i7-960
MSRP	$309	$309
Performance per Dollar	11.0	11.0
Release Date	2011	2009

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