Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition vs Xeon E5-2660 v3

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 i7-3970X Extreme Edition vs Xeon E5-2660 v3 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 i7-3970X Extreme Edition vs Xeon E5-2660 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $455 less on MSRP ($990 MSRP vs $1,445 MSRP).
✅Delivers 44.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.0 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($990 MSRP vs $1,445 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2660 v3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (12,900 vs 13,039).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (15 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2660 v3, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.
❌42.9% higher power demand at 150W vs 105W.

Xeon E5-2660 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +18.6% 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: 10 cores / 20 threads.
✅Draws 105W instead of 150W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 13.0 PassMark/$ ($1,445 MSRP vs $990 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2660 v3 better than Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2660 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-2660 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 18.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2660 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 15 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2660 v3 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-2660 v3 comes in 46.0% more expensive on MSRP at $1,445 MSRP versus $990 MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 44.4% better value on paper (13.0 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on FCLGA2011.

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

Xeon E5-2660 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012), 66.7% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 15 MB), more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 20 threads instead of 6/12, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition vs Xeon E5-2660 v3 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon E5-2660 v3

The Xeon E5-2660 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 13,039 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2660 v3 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 v3 — a 5.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. The Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition scores 12,900 against the Xeon E5-2660 v3's 13,039 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon E5-2660 v3. L3 cache: 15 MB on the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660 v3.

Feature	Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition	Xeon E5-2660 v3
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	10 / 20+67%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+6%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	—	2.6 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)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	12,900	13,039+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	742	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition uses the FCLGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2660 v3 — the Xeon E5-2660 v3 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2660 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X79 (Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition) and Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2660 v3).

Feature	Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition	Xeon E5-2660 v3
Socket	FCLGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2133+33%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	768 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	40

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon E5-2660 v3 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2660 v3). Primary use case: Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition targets HEDT Desktop, Xeon E5-2660 v3 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition rivals FX-9590.

Feature	Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition	Xeon E5-2660 v3
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	Server

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition was priced at $990, while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 came in at $1445. On launch pricing ($990 vs $1445), Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition was $455 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition delivers 13.0 pts/$ vs 9.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2660 v3 — making the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition the 36.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition	Xeon E5-2660 v3
MSRP	$990-31%	$1445
Performance per Dollar	13.0+44%	9.0
Release Date	2012	2014

Search Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition on Amazon

Search Xeon E5-2660 v3 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.