Core i7-4960X vs Core i7-5820K
Core i7-4960X
Core i7-5820K
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-4960X is positioned at rank 998 and the Core i7-5820K is on rank 686, so the Core i7-5820K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4960X
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-5820K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-4960X | Core i7-5820K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($136) | ✅ More affordable ($103) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-E (2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-E (2014) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-4960X | Core i7-5820K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+31%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($136) | ✅ More affordable ($103) |
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 i7-5820K
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.
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 |
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 28.6% 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+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+43% | 28 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-4960X launched at $990 MSRP, while the Core i7-5820K debuted at $389. At current prices ($136 vs $103), the Core i7-5820K is $33 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4960X delivers 73.1 pts/$ vs 95.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-5820K — making the Core i7-5820K the 26.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-4960X | Core i7-5820K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $990 | $389-61% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $136 | $103-24% |
| Performance per Dollar | 73.1 | 95.4+31% |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2014 |
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