CPU
GPU
Core i7-2960XM
Core i5-6300HQ
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. The Core i7-2960XM is positioned at rank 60 and the Core i5-6300HQ is on rank 212, so the Core i7-2960XM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2960XM
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6300HQ
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2960XM | Core i5-6300HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2960XM | Core i5-6300HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i7-2960XM and Core i5-6300HQ
Core i7-2960XM
The Core i7-2960XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,709 points. Launch price was $1,096.
Core i5-6300HQ
The Core i5-6300HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,672 points. Launch price was $250.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2960XM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-6300HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-2960XM versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-6300HQ — a 14.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-2960XM (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i7-2960XM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-6300HQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2960XM scores 4,709 against the Core i5-6300HQ's 4,672 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-2960XM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2960XM vs 6 MB on the Core i5-6300HQ.
| Feature | Core i7-2960XM | Core i5-6300HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+16% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz+17% | 2.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 4,709 | 4,672 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2960XM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-6300HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-2960XM versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6300HQ — the Core i7-2960XM supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6300HQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2960XM) and HM170,QM170 (Core i5-6300HQ).
| Feature | Core i7-2960XM | Core i5-6300HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | BGA1440 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+39900% | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 64 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-2960XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-2960XM) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6300HQ). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2960XM) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6300HQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6300HQ targets Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2960XM rivals Core i7-2820QM; Core i5-6300HQ rivals A12-9730P.
| Feature | Core i7-2960XM | Core i5-6300HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | HD Graphics 530 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Gaming Laptop |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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