Xeon E5-1660 v3 vs Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
Xeon E5-1660 v3
Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
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 Xeon E5-1660 v3 is positioned at rank 824 and the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition is on rank 951, so the Xeon E5-1660 v3 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-1660 v3
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-1660 v3 | Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($198) | ✅ More affordable ($150) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-EP (2014−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-1660 v3 | Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+31%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($198) | ✅ More affordable ($150) |
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 Xeon E5-1660 v3 and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
Xeon E5-1660 v3
The Xeon E5-1660 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1333, DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 12,582 points. Launch price was $800.
Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
The Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Max frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB. L2 cache: 1,536 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 12,460 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-1660 v3 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-1660 v3 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-1660 v3 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition — a 5.9% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-1660 v3. The Xeon E5-1660 v3 uses the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-1660 v3 scores 12,582 against the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition's 12,460 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E5-1660 v3. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1660 v3 vs 15 MB on the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1660 v3 | Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16+33% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz+6% | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total)+33% | 15 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1,536 kB+500% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell-EP (2014−2015) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 12,582 | 12,460 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 800 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-1660 v3) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition). Primary use case: Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1660 v3 | Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | HEDT Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-1660 v3 launched at $1080 MSRP, while the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition debuted at $990. At current prices ($198 vs $150), the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition is $48 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-1660 v3 delivers 63.5 pts/$ vs 83.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition — making the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition the 26.6% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-1660 v3 | Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1080 | $990-8% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $198 | $150-24% |
| Performance per Dollar | 63.5 | 83.1+31% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2011 |
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