Core i7-4960X vs Xeon E7450

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 Xeon E7450 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 Xeon E7450: 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: +12.4% higher average FPS across 43 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.0 vs 23.8 PassMark/$ ($990 MSRP vs $417 MSRP).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 130W vs 90W.

Xeon E7450

2008

Why buy it

✅Costs $573 less on MSRP ($417 MSRP vs $990 MSRP).
✅Delivers 137.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.8 vs 10.0 PassMark/$ ($417 MSRP vs $990 MSRP).
✅Draws 90W instead of 130W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4960X across 43 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (9,932 vs 9,935).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 15 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4960X better than Xeon E7450?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E7450 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4960X is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4960X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.4% more average FPS across 43 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 0% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i7-4960X is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E7450 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-4960X comes in 137.4% more expensive on MSRP at $990 MSRP versus $417 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.4% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E7450 is also 137.3% better value on MSRP (23.8 vs 10.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i7-4960X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008) and 25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4960X vs Xeon E7450 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.

Xeon E7450

The Xeon E7450 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA604. Thermal design power (TDP): 90 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 9,932 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4960X is built on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-4960X scores 9,935 against the Xeon E7450's 9,932 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-4960X. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-4960X vs 12 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon E7450.

Feature	Core i7-4960X	Xeon E7450
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	—
Boost Clock	4 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+50%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	15 MB (total)+25%	12 MB L3 Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-E (2013)	—
PassMark	9,935	9,932

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4960X uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E7450 uses PGA604 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4960X	Xeon E7450
Socket	LGA2011	PGA604
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	4	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	40	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4960X) / not specified (Xeon E7450). Primary use case: Core i7-4960X targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i7-4960X	Xeon E7450
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4960X was priced at $990, while the Xeon E7450 came in at $417. On launch pricing ($990 vs $417), Xeon E7450 was $573 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4960X delivers 10.0 pts/$ vs 23.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E7450 — making the Xeon E7450 the 81.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4960X	Xeon E7450
MSRP	$990	$417-58%
Performance per Dollar	10.0	23.8+138%
Release Date	2013	2008

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