Core i5-9500 vs Core i7-4960X
Core i5-9500
Core i7-4960X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-9500
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4960X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-9500 | Core i7-4960X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($65) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($136) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-E (2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-9500 | Core i7-4960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+107%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($65) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($136) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-9500 and Core i7-4960X
Core i5-9500
The Core i5-9500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,829 points. Launch price was $192.
Core i7-4960X
The Core i7-4960X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,935 points. Launch price was $999.
Processing Power
The Core i5-9500 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, matching the Core i7-4960X's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-9500 versus 4 GHz on the Core i7-4960X — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-9500 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-9500 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4960X uses Ivy Bridge-E (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-9500 scores 9,829 against the Core i7-4960X's 9,935 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-4960X. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9500 vs 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-4960X.
| Feature | Core i5-9500 | Core i7-4960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz+10% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+20% |
| L3 Cache | 9 MB (total) | 15 MB (total)+67% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Ivy Bridge-E (2013) |
| PassMark | 9,829 | 9,935+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,468 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-9500 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4960X uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9500 versus DDR3-1866 on the Core i7-4960X — the Core i5-9500 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-9500 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-9500) vs 4 (Core i7-4960X). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-9500) vs 40 (Core i7-4960X) — the Core i7-4960X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-9500 | Core i7-4960X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666+33% | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 40+150% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-4960X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-9500) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4960X). The Core i5-9500 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-4960X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9500 targets Desktop, Core i7-4960X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-9500 rivals Ryzen 5 2600.
| Feature | Core i5-9500 | Core i7-4960X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-9500 launched at $192 MSRP, while the Core i7-4960X debuted at $990. At current prices ($65 vs $136), the Core i5-9500 is $71 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9500 delivers 151.2 pts/$ vs 73.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-4960X — making the Core i5-9500 the 69.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-9500 | Core i7-4960X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $192-81% | $990 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $65-52% | $136 |
| Performance per Dollar | 151.2+107% | 73.1 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2013 |
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