Core i7-4960X
Intel
PassMark
9,935
MSRP
$990
AVG Price
$136
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.
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. 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 Core i7-4960X
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i7-4960X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Among Us
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Deadlock
Dota 2
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Path of Exile 2
Project Zomboid
Rust
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. 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 |
| 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 |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Series | Intel Core i7 (Desktop) |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $999 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 3 September 2013 (12 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Ivy Bridge-E (2013) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1311 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 6 |
| Threads | 12 |
| Die Size | 257 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 5 GT/s |
| Max Frequency | 4 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.6 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 1,860 million |
| Process Technology | 22 nm |
| Unlocked Multiplier | + |
| Max Core Temperature | 67 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 130 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | 4 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 59.7 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 64 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core i7-4960X
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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