Core i7-4960X vs Core i5-9500F
Core i7-4960X
Core i5-9500F
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 i7-4960X is positioned at rank #998 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 i7-4960X
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-9500F
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-9500F |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($136) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($154) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-E (2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-9500F |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+13%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($136) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($154) |
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 i7-4960X and Core i5-9500F
Core i7-4960X
The Core i7-4960X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,935 points. Launch price was $999.
Core i5-9500F
The Core i5-9500F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,985 points. Launch price was $192.
Processing Power
The Core i7-4960X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, matching the Core i5-9500F's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-4960X versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-9500F — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-9500F (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-4960X uses the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-9500F uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4960X scores 9,935 against the Core i5-9500F's 9,985 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-9500F. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-4960X vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9500F.
| Feature | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-9500F |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 6 |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz | 4.4 GHz+10% |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+20% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB (total)+67% | 9 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge-E (2013) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 9,935 | 9,985 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,479 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-4960X uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-9500F uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Core i7-4960X versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9500F — the Core i5-9500F supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-9500F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-4960X) vs 2 (Core i5-9500F). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-4960X) vs 16 (Core i5-9500F) — the Core i7-4960X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-9500F |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1866 | DDR4-2666+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+150% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-4960X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4960X) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-9500F). Primary use case: Core i7-4960X targets Desktop, Core i5-9500F targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-9500F rivals Ryzen 5 3500X.
| Feature | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-9500F |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Gaming Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-4960X launched at $990 MSRP, while the Core i5-9500F debuted at $187. At current prices ($136 vs $154), the Core i7-4960X is $18 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4960X delivers 73.1 pts/$ vs 64.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-9500F — making the Core i7-4960X the 11.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-9500F |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $990 | $187-81% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $136-12% | $154 |
| Performance per Dollar | 73.1+13% | 64.8 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2019 |
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