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 i7-4960X vs Core i7-5820K 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 i7-4960X vs Core i7-5820K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4960X

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 130W instead of 140W, a 10W reduction.
✅42.9% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 28) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.0 vs 25.3 PassMark/$ ($990 MSRP vs $389 MSRP).

Core i7-5820K

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $601 less on MSRP ($389 MSRP vs $990 MSRP).
✅Delivers 151.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.3 vs 10.0 PassMark/$ ($389 MSRP vs $990 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4960X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (9,826 vs 9,935).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4960X better than Core i7-5820K?

Yes. Core i7-4960X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4960X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.5% 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, Core i7-4960X is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i7-4960X is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4960X comes in 154.5% more expensive on MSRP at $990 MSRP versus $389 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-5820K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 151.7% better value on paper (25.3 vs 10.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2011.

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

Core i7-5820K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4960X vs Core i7-5820K Technical Specifications

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

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 i7-5820K

The Core i7-5820K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,826 points. Launch price was $410.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4960X and Core i7-5820K share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-4960X versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-5820K — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-4960X (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-4960X uses the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-5820K uses Haswell-E (2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4960X scores 9,935 against the Core i7-5820K's 9,826 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-4960X. Both processors carry 15 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4960X	Core i7-5820K
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4 GHz+11%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+9%	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	15 MB (total)	15 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-E (2013)	Haswell-E (2014)
PassMark	9,935+1%	9,826
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	5,700
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,134
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	5,383

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Core i7-4960X versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-5820K — the Core i7-5820K supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-4960X) vs 28 (Core i7-5820K) — the Core i7-4960X offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i7-4960X	Core i7-5820K
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866	DDR4-2133+14%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	40+43%	28

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4960X) vs Yes (Core i7-5820K). Primary use case: Core i7-4960X targets Desktop, Core i7-5820K targets Enthusiast Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-5820K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.

Feature	Core i7-4960X	Core i7-5820K
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes
Target Use	Desktop	Enthusiast Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4960X was priced at $990, while the Core i7-5820K came in at $389. On launch pricing ($990 vs $389), Core i7-5820K was $601 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4960X delivers 10.0 pts/$ vs 25.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-5820K — making the Core i7-5820K the 86.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4960X	Core i7-5820K
MSRP	$990	$389-61%
Performance per Dollar	10.0	25.3+153%
Release Date	2013	2014

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