Core i7-3960X vs Xeon E5-1660

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 vs Xeon E5-1660 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 vs Xeon E5-1660: 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

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $81 less on MSRP ($999 MSRP vs $1,080 MSRP).
✅Delivers 9.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.4 vs 7.7 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $1,080 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon E5-1660

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,324 vs 8,402).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.7 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($1,080 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3960X better than Xeon E5-1660?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1660 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3960X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3960X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i7-3960X is the better buy right now. Core i7-3960X comes in $81 cheaper on MSRP at $999 MSRP versus $1,080 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 9.1% better value on MSRP (8.4 vs 7.7 PassMark/$), 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 E5-1660 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3960X vs Xeon E5-1660 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon E5-1660

The Xeon E5-1660 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 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: 15360 kB (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: 8,324 points. Launch price was $290.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3960X and Xeon E5-1660 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3960X versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-1660 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-3960X scores 8,402 against the Xeon E5-1660's 8,324 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-3960X. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-3960X vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-1660.

Feature	Core i7-3960X	Xeon E5-1660
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	15 MB (total)	15360 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)
PassMark	8,402	8,324
Geekbench 6 Single	658	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,973	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i7-3960X	Xeon E5-1660
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	4	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	40	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i7-3960X) / not specified (Xeon E5-1660).

Feature	Core i7-3960X	Xeon E5-1660
Integrated GPU	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	Yes	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3960X was priced at $999, while the Xeon E5-1660 came in at $1080. On launch pricing ($999 vs $1080), Core i7-3960X was $81 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3960X delivers 8.4 pts/$ vs 7.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1660 — making the Core i7-3960X the 8.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3960X	Xeon E5-1660
MSRP	$999-8%	$1080
Performance per Dollar	8.4+9%	7.7
Release Date	2011	2012

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