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.

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 i7-5960X

#288

Ryzen Threadripper 1950

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

165%

#288

Core i5-12500TE

MSRP: $225|Avg: $225

498%

#289

Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE

MSRP: $108|Avg: $70

494%

#290

Core i9-10900KF

MSRP: $509|Avg: $336

494%

#291

Core i9-7900X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $188

156%

#291

Core i9-14900T

MSRP: $549|Avg: $577

494%

#292

Core i5-13500T

MSRP: $342|Avg: $342

494%

#293

Core i3-10300

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $140.49

494%

#294

Core i9-10900F

MSRP: $464|Avg: $300

493%

#294

Core i9-7920X

MSRP: $1199|Avg: $236

146%

#295

Core i9-7940X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $275

136%

#295

Ryzen 7 5800X3D

MSRP: $449|Avg: $429

492%

#296

Core i7-9700F

MSRP: $323|Avg: $200

491%

#297

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

MSRP: $1499|Avg: $1419

488%

#298

Core i9-7960X

MSRP: $1699|Avg: $185

123%

#298

Core i5-9500F

MSRP: $187|Avg: $154

484%

#299

Core i9-11900KB

MSRP: $539|Avg: $350

484%

#299

Core i9-7980XE

MSRP: $1999|Avg: $300

111%

#300

Core i7-10700F

MSRP: $310|Avg: $250

482%

#301

Core i7-10700T

MSRP: $355|Avg: $200

481%

#302

Core i7-6900K

MSRP: $1089|Avg: $1089

101%

#302

Celeron G5920

MSRP: $52|Avg: $40

481%

#303

Core i7-5960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $83

100%

#303

Core i3-10105T

MSRP: $122|Avg: $122

478%

#304

Core i7-6950X

MSRP: $1723|Avg: $180

76%

#304

Celeron G5900

MSRP: $50|Avg: $42

477%

#305

Core 5 120

MSRP: $340|Avg: $340

475%

#306

Core i7-12700T

MSRP: $339|Avg: $337

469%

#307

Core 3 100HL

MSRP: $306|Avg: $280

469%

#308

Core i9-11900F

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $358.87

459%

#309

Core i9-9900T

MSRP: $423|Avg: $215

458%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-5960X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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