Core i7-5960X
Intel
PassMark
13,382
MSRP
$999
AVG Price
$83
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 i7-5960X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) 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. Passmark benchmark score: 13,382 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 i7-5960X
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i7-5960X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Dead by Daylight
Destiny 2
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Genshin Impact
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Naraka: Bladepoint
Overwatch 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i7-5960X specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i7-5960X is a 8-core / 16-thread processor based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 20 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 13,382, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,244, while multi-core reaches 7,412. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 9,720.
| Specification | Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 8C / 16T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.5 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Haswell-E (2014) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 22 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 20 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 | 356 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 2,600 million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 0 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 | 13,382 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 9,720 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,244 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 7,412 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-5960X fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 40 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 4 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).
| Specification | Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SeriesProduct family | 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 | DDR4 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2133 |
| 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 |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | X99 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | Yes |
Power & Cooling
The Core i7-5960X has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 140 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately.
| Specification | Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 140 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 67 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $83 (MSRP: $999), the Core i7-5960X delivers 161 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1109 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $999 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $83 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $999 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1109 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 1 September 2014 (11 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2014 |
| 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 | Core i7 (Desktop) |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $999 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 1 September 2014 (11 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Haswell-E (2014) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1109 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 8 |
| Threads | 16 |
| Die Size | 356 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 0 GT/s |
| Max Frequency | 3.5 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 2,600 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) | 140 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | 4 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 68 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 i7-5960X
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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