Core i7-880 vs Core i7-960

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 i7-880 vs Core i7-960 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 i7-880 vs Core i7-960: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-880

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 95W instead of 130W, a 35W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-960.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.9 vs 11.0 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).

Core i7-960

2009

Why buy it

✅Costs $274 less on MSRP ($309 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Delivers 87.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.0 vs 5.9 PassMark/$ ($309 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,400 vs 3,429).
❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-880.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-880 better than Core i7-960?

Yes. Core i7-880 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 35 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% 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, Core i7-880 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% more average FPS across 35 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-880 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-880 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-880 comes in 88.7% more expensive on MSRP at $583 MSRP versus $309 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 35 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-960 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 87.1% better value on paper (11.0 vs 5.9 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1366.

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

Core i7-880 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 4 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 i7-880 vs Core i7-960 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-880

The Core i7-880 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,429 points. Launch price was $583.

Core i7-960

The Core i7-960 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,400 points. Launch price was $316.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-880 and Core i7-960 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-880 versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-960 — a 7.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-880 (base: 3.06 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-880 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-960 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-880 scores 3,429 against the Core i7-960's 3,400 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-880. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-880	Core i7-960
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz+8%	3.46 GHz
Base Clock	3.06 GHz	3.2 GHz+5%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Lynnfield (2009−2010)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	3,429	3,400
Geekbench 6 Single	507	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,478	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-880 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-960 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-880	Core i7-960
Socket	LGA1156	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i7-880) / not specified (Core i7-960).

Feature	Core i7-880	Core i7-960
Integrated GPU	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	Yes	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-880 was priced at $583, while the Core i7-960 came in at $309. On launch pricing ($583 vs $309), Core i7-960 was $274 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-880 delivers 5.9 pts/$ vs 11.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-960 — making the Core i7-960 the 60.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-880	Core i7-960
MSRP	$583	$309-47%
Performance per Dollar	5.9	11.0+86%
Release Date	2010	2009

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