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.

Overview

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-4960X is positioned at rank #998 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4960X

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

31047%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

29337%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

21301%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

6417%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

5083%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

4447%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2547%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2514%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2289%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2288%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2263%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2202%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2171%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2162%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2143%

#998

Core i7-4960X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $136

100%

#999

Pentium Dual-Core E2200

MSRP: $100|Avg: $25

98%

#1001

Core 2 Duo E4400

MSRP: $113|Avg: $20

97%

#1002

Pentium D 915

MSRP: $74|Avg: $10

95%

#1003

Core 2 Quad Q9400

MSRP: $229|Avg: $25

94%

#1004

Core i5-655K

MSRP: $216|Avg: $55

93%

#1005

Celeron 450

MSRP: $53|Avg: $5

93%

#1006

Core 2 Duo E4600

MSRP: $133|Avg: $9.6

93%

#1008

Core i7-870S

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

92%

#1009

Core 2 Duo E6540

MSRP: $163|Avg: $15

91%

#1010

Celeron 430

MSRP: $49|Avg: $10

91%

#1011

Athlon X2 BE-2300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $80

90%

#1012

Core i7-875K

MSRP: $353|Avg: $175

90%

#1013

Core i5-670

MSRP: $284|Avg: $100

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-4960X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-4960X specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-4960X is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4 GHz from a base frequency of 3.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 15 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 9,935, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-4960X
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge-E (2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	15 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	257 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,860 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	67 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	9,935

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4960X fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 40 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1866 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 4 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core i7-4960X
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7 (Desktop)
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2011
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	40
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1866
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	4
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-4960X is primarily designed for Desktop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i7-4960X
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-4960X has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i7-4960X
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	67 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $136 (MSRP: $990), the Core i7-4960X delivers 73 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #998 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1311 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-4960X
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$990
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$136
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$999
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#998
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1311
Release DateLaunch date	3 September 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel