Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition vs Xeon W-2133
Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
Xeon W-2133
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 i7-3960X Extreme Edition is positioned at rank 951 and the Xeon W-2133 is on rank 618, so the Xeon W-2133 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W-2133
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition | Xeon W-2133 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($617) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition | Xeon W-2133 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+306%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($617) |
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 i7-3960X Extreme Edition and Xeon W-2133
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 W-2133
The Xeon W-2133 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400, DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 12,615 points. Launch price was $617.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition and Xeon W-2133 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon W-2133 — a 16.7% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2133. The Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon W-2133 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition scores 12,460 against the Xeon W-2133's 12,615 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon W-2133. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 800 vs 1,292, a 47% lead for the Xeon W-2133 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 15 MB on the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition vs 8.25 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2133.
| Feature | Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition | Xeon W-2133 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.9 GHz+18% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB+82% | 8.25 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1,536 kB+50% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 12,460 | 12,615+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 6,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 800 | 1,292+62% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 6,647 |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition versus DDR4-2666 on the Xeon W-2133 — the Xeon W-2133 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-2133 supports up to 512 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition) vs 48 (Xeon W-2133) — the Xeon W-2133 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X79 (Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition) and C422 (Xeon W-2133).
| Feature | Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition | Xeon W-2133 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-2666+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 512 GB+700% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | 48+20% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon W-2133 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon W-2133). Primary use case: Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition targets HEDT Desktop, Xeon W-2133 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition rivals FX-8350; Xeon W-2133 rivals Ryzen Threadripper 1900X.
| Feature | Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition | Xeon W-2133 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | HEDT Desktop | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition launched at $990 MSRP, while the Xeon W-2133 debuted at $617. At current prices ($150 vs $617), the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition is $467 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition delivers 83.1 pts/$ vs 20.4 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2133 — making the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition the 121% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition | Xeon W-2133 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $990 | $617-38% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150-76% | $617 |
| Performance per Dollar | 83.1+307% | 20.4 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2017 |
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