Core i7-1165G7 vs Core i7-4960X

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 i7-1165G7 vs Core i7-4960X 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 i7-1165G7 vs Core i7-4960X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-1165G7

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 28W instead of 130W, a 102W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Core i7-4960X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,863 vs 9,935).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 15 MB).

Core i7-4960X

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅+25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).
✅900% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $990 MSRP, while Core i7-1165G7 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌364.3% higher power demand at 130W vs 28W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-1165G7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-1165G7 better than Core i7-4960X?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-1165G7 is ahead with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4960X pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark. Core i7-4960X also has the bigger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4960X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i7-1165G7 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-1165G7 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $990 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-4960X only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (10.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2011.

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

Core i7-1165G7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-1165G7 vs Core i7-4960X Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-1165G7

The Core i7-1165G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,863 points. Launch price was $426.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-1165G7 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-4960X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-4960X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-1165G7 versus 4 GHz on the Core i7-4960X — a 16.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-1165G7 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-1165G7 uses the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i7-4960X uses Ivy Bridge-E (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-1165G7 scores 9,863 against the Core i7-4960X's 9,935 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-4960X. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-1165G7 vs 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-4960X.

Feature	Core i7-1165G7	Core i7-4960X
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.7 GHz+18%	4 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.6 GHz+29%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	15 MB (total)+25%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	10 nm SuperFin-55%	22 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021)	Ivy Bridge-E (2013)
PassMark	9,863	9,935
Geekbench 6 Single	1,809	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-1165G7 uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-4960X uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR4x-4267 on the Core i7-1165G7 versus DDR3-1866 on the Core i7-4960X — the Core i7-1165G7 supports 128.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-1165G7) vs 4 (Core i7-4960X). PCIe lanes: 4 (Core i7-1165G7) vs 40 (Core i7-4960X) — the Core i7-4960X offers 36 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i7-1165G7	Core i7-4960X
Socket	FCBGA1449	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR4x-4267+129%	DDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	4	40+900%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-4960X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-1165G7 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1165G7) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4960X). The Core i7-1165G7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Core i7-4960X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1165G7 targets Mainstream Ultrabook, Core i7-4960X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-1165G7 rivals Ryzen 7 5700U.

Feature	Core i7-1165G7	Core i7-4960X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Iris Xe Graphics 96EU	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mainstream Ultrabook	Desktop