Core i7-960 vs Core i7-880
Core i7-960
Core i7-880
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 i7-960 is positioned at rank 979 and the Core i7-880 is on rank 1064, so the Core i7-960 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-960
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-880
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-960 | Core i7-880 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-960 | Core i7-880 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+177%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
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 i7-960 and Core i7-880
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-960 and Core i7-880 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-960 versus 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-880 — a 7.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-880 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The Core i7-960 uses the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-880 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-960 scores 3,400 against the Core i7-880's 3,429 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-880. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-960 | Core i7-880 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.46 GHz | 3.73 GHz+8% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+5% | 3.06 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Bloomfield (2008−2010) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,400 | 3,429 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 507 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,478 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-960 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-880 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-960 | Core i7-880 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-960) / Yes (Core i7-880).
| Feature | Core i7-960 | Core i7-880 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | Yes |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-960 launched at $309 MSRP, while the Core i7-880 debuted at $583. At current prices ($110 vs $40), the Core i7-880 is $70 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-960 delivers 30.9 pts/$ vs 85.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-880 — making the Core i7-880 the 94% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-960 | Core i7-880 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $309-47% | $583 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $110 | $40-64% |
| Performance per Dollar | 30.9 | 85.7+177% |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2010 |
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