Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition vs Xeon E5-1680 v2

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 i7-3960X Extreme Edition vs Xeon E5-1680 v2 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 i7-3960X Extreme Edition vs Xeon E5-1680 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $733 less on MSRP ($990 MSRP vs $1,723 MSRP).
✅Delivers 74.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.6 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($990 MSRP vs $1,723 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-1680 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (15 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-1680 v2, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.

Xeon E5-1680 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +21.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 15 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (12,396 vs 12,460).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.2 vs 12.6 PassMark/$ ($1,723 MSRP vs $990 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition better than Xeon E5-1680 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1680 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition is the better buy right now. Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition comes in $733 cheaper on MSRP at $990 MSRP versus $1,723 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5-1680 v2 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 21.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 74.9% better value on MSRP (12.6 vs 7.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E5-1680 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and 66.7% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 15 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition vs Xeon E5-1680 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition

The Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Max frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB. L2 cache: 1,536 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 12,460 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-1680 v2

The Xeon E5-1680 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600, DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 12,396 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-1680 v2 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-1680 v2 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-1680 v2 — a 16.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-1680 v2. The Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-1680 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition scores 12,460 against the Xeon E5-1680 v2's 12,396 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 800 vs 750, a 6.5% lead for the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 15 MB on the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1680 v2.

Feature	Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition	Xeon E5-1680 v2
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.9 GHz+18%
Base Clock	—	3 GHz
L3 Cache	15 MB	25 MB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	1,536 kB+500%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)
PassMark	12,460	12,396
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	8,579
Geekbench 6 Single	800+7%	750
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	4,500

🧠

Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition versus DDR3-1866 on the Xeon E5-1680 v2 — the Xeon E5-1680 v2 supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-1680 v2 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X79 (Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition) and C602,X79 (Xeon E5-1680 v2).

Feature	Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition	Xeon E5-1680 v2
Socket	—	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1866+17%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	256 GB+300%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	40

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Primary use case: Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition targets HEDT Desktop, Xeon E5-1680 v2 targets Server/Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition rivals FX-8350; Xeon E5-1680 v2 rivals Core i7-4960X.

Feature	Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition	Xeon E5-1680 v2
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	None
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	HEDT Desktop	Server/Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition was priced at $990, while the Xeon E5-1680 v2 came in at $1723. On launch pricing ($990 vs $1723), Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition was $733 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition delivers 12.6 pts/$ vs 7.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1680 v2 — making the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition the 54.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition	Xeon E5-1680 v2
MSRP	$990-43%	$1723
Performance per Dollar	12.6+75%	7.2
Release Date	2011	2013

Search Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition on Amazon

Search Xeon E5-1680 v2 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.