CPU
GPU
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE
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 i7-3970X Extreme Edition is positioned at rank #943 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 i7-3970X Extreme Edition
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition | Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($175) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cezanne (2021−2025) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition | Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+4%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($175) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
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 i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
The Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 November 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Max frequency: 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB. L2 cache: 1,536 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCLGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 12,900 points. Launch price was $149.
Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE
The Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Cezanne (2021−2025) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 12,761 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE. The Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE uses Cezanne (2021−2025) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition scores 12,900 against the Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE's 12,761 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. L3 cache: 15 MB on the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition vs 8 MB on the Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE.
| Feature | Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition | Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 4.2 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB+88% | 8 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1,536 kB+200% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 7 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Cezanne (2021−2025) |
| PassMark | 12,900+1% | 12,761 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 742 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition uses the FCLGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition | Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCLGA2011 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 4 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition) / not specified (Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE). Primary use case: Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition rivals FX-9590.
| Feature | Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition | Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | HEDT Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition launched at $990 MSRP, while the Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE debuted at $180. At current prices ($175 vs $180), the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition delivers 73.7 pts/$ vs 70.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE — making the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition the 3.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition | Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $990 | $180-82% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $175-3% | $180 |
| Performance per Dollar | 73.7+4% | 70.9 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2024 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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