
Core i7-3970X

Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G
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 is positioned at rank #1020 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
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3970X | Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raven Ridge (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3970X | Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+67%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($60) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
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 and Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G

Core i7-3970X
The Core i7-3970X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,554 points. Launch price was $593.

Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G
The Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 May 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Raven Ridge (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 8,527 points. Launch price was $169.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3970X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-3970X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-3970X versus 3.9 GHz on the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G — a 2.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-3970X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-3970X uses the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G uses Raven Ridge (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3970X scores 8,554 against the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G's 8,527 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-3970X. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-3970X vs 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G.
| Feature | Core i7-3970X | Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz+3% | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB (total)+275% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) | Raven Ridge (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 8,554 | 8,527 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 742 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3970X uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-3970X | Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | AM4 |
| 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: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3970X) / not specified (Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G). Primary use case: Core i7-3970X targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3970X rivals FX-9590.
| Feature | Core i7-3970X | Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G |
|---|---|---|
| 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 launched at $990 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G debuted at $193. At current prices ($60 vs $100), the Core i7-3970X is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3970X delivers 142.6 pts/$ vs 85.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G — making the Core i7-3970X the 50.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3970X | Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $990 | $193-81% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $60-40% | $100 |
| Performance per Dollar | 142.6+67% | 85.3 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2018 |
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