Core i7-4960HQ vs FX-9370

Intel

Core i7-4960HQ

4 Cores8 Thrd47 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-9370

8 Cores8 Thrd220 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i7-4960HQ vs FX-9370 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i7-4960HQ vs FX-9370 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 i7-4960HQ vs FX-9370: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4960HQ

2013

Why buy it

  • Draws 47W instead of 220W, a 173W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-9370 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (6,370 vs 6,374).

FX-9370

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +21.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $42 MSRP, while Core i7-4960HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 368.1% higher power demand at 220W vs 47W.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-9370 better than Core i7-4960HQ?
Yes. FX-9370 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 21.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, FX-9370 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 21.5% 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, FX-9370 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-9370 is the better buy right now. FX-9370 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $42 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 21.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (151.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
FX-9370 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4960HQ vs FX-9370 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-4960HQ

The Core i7-4960HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,370 points. Launch price was $657.

AMD

FX-9370

The FX-9370 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 July 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 220 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,374 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i7-4960HQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-9370 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-9370 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-4960HQ versus 4.7 GHz on the FX-9370 — a 21.2% clock advantage for the FX-9370 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The Core i7-4960HQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-9370 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4960HQ scores 6,370 against the FX-9370's 6,374 — a 0.1% lead for the FX-9370.

FeatureCore i7-4960HQFX-9370
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
4.7 GHz+24%
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
4.4 GHz+69%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
8192 kB+3100%
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Crystalwell (2013−2014)
Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark
6,370
6,374
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4960HQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-9370 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-4960HQFX-9370
Socket
BGA1364
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0