Core i7-3960X vs Core i3-10305T
Core i7-3960X
Core i3-10305T
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. The Core i7-3960X is positioned at rank #1024 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i7-3960X
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-10305T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3960X | Core i3-10305T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($143) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake-R (2021) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3960X | Core i3-10305T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+135%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($143) |
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 and Core i3-10305T
Core i7-3960X
The Core i7-3960X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,402 points. Launch price was $861.
Core i3-10305T
The Core i3-10305T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,512 points. Launch price was $143.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3960X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i3-10305T offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-3960X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3960X versus 4 GHz on the Core i3-10305T — a 2.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-10305T (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-3960X uses the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-10305T uses Comet Lake-R (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3960X scores 8,402 against the Core i3-10305T's 8,512 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i3-10305T. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-3960X vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-10305T.
| Feature | Core i7-3960X | Core i3-10305T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 4 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+10% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB (total)+88% | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) | Comet Lake-R (2021) |
| PassMark | 8,402 | 8,512+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 658 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 4,973 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3960X uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-10305T uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-3960X | Core i3-10305T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 4 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: Yes (Core i7-3960X) / not specified (Core i3-10305T).
| Feature | Core i7-3960X | Core i3-10305T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | Yes | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3960X launched at $999 MSRP, while the Core i3-10305T debuted at $143. At current prices ($60 vs $143), the Core i7-3960X is $83 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3960X delivers 140.0 pts/$ vs 59.5 pts/$ for the Core i3-10305T — making the Core i7-3960X the 80.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3960X | Core i3-10305T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $999 | $143-86% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $60-58% | $143 |
| Performance per Dollar | 140.0+135% | 59.5 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2021 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-3960X and Core i3-10305T
