Ryzen Embedded R2544 vs Core i7-3960X
Ryzen Embedded R2544
Core i7-3960X
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Embedded R2544
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3960X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen Embedded R2544 | Core i7-3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($280) | ✅ More affordable ($60) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Picasso (2019−2022) / 12 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen Embedded R2544 | Core i7-3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+362%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($280) | ✅ More affordable ($60) |
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 Ryzen Embedded R2544 and Core i7-3960X
Ryzen Embedded R2544
The Ryzen Embedded R2544 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 30 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Picasso (2019−2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.35 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,486 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i7-3960X
The Core i7-3960X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,402 points. Launch price was $861.
Processing Power
The Ryzen Embedded R2544 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-3960X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-3960X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Ryzen Embedded R2544 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3960X — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3960X (base: 3.35 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Ryzen Embedded R2544 uses the Picasso (2019−2022) architecture (12 nm), while the Core i7-3960X uses Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen Embedded R2544 scores 8,486 against the Core i7-3960X's 8,402 — a 1% lead for the Ryzen Embedded R2544. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen Embedded R2544 vs 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-3960X.
| Feature | Ryzen Embedded R2544 | Core i7-3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.9 GHz+5% |
| Base Clock | 3.35 GHz+2% | 3.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 15 MB (total)+275% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core)+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 12 nm-63% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Picasso (2019−2022) | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 8,486 | 8,402 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 658 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 4,973 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen Embedded R2544 uses the FP5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3960X uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Ryzen Embedded R2544 | Core i7-3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FP5 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 4 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 40 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Ryzen Embedded R2544) / Yes (Core i7-3960X).
| Feature | Ryzen Embedded R2544 | Core i7-3960X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | Yes |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen Embedded R2544 launched at $280 MSRP, while the Core i7-3960X debuted at $999. At current prices ($280 vs $60), the Core i7-3960X is $220 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen Embedded R2544 delivers 30.3 pts/$ vs 140.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-3960X — making the Core i7-3960X the 128.8% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen Embedded R2544 | Core i7-3960X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $280-72% | $999 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $280 | $60-79% |
| Performance per Dollar | 30.3 | 140.0+362% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2011 |
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