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 i7-960 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,400 points. Launch price was $316.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-960 is positioned at rank #979 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 i7-960

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

28338%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

26776%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

19442%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

5857%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

4639%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

4059%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2325%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2294%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2089%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2089%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2065%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2010%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1982%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1974%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1956%

#978

E1-1500

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

100%

#979

Core i7-960

MSRP: $309|Avg: $110

100%

#980

Core i5-2405S

MSRP: $309|Avg: $120

100%

#981

Celeron 420

MSRP: $39|Avg: $15

99%

#982

Athlon II X4 615e

MSRP: $186|Avg: $30

99%

#983

Athlon X2 BE-2350

MSRP: $90|Avg: $10

98%

#984

Core 2 Quad Q8300

MSRP: $179|Avg: $10

97%

#985

Core i7-860

MSRP: $284|Avg: $30

96%

#986

Core i7-870

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

96%

#987

Athlon 64 X2 5000+

MSRP: $136|Avg: $42

95%

#988

Core i3-6102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

95%

#989

Pentium Dual-Core E2160

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

95%

#990

Pentium Dual-Core E2210

MSRP: $98|Avg: $15

93%

#991

Core 2 Duo E7500

MSRP: $113|Avg: $10

93%

#992

Core 2 Quad Q9505

MSRP: $213|Avg: $150

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-960 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-960 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-960 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.46 GHz from a base frequency of 3.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,400, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-960
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.46 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	263 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	731 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1333 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	68 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,400

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-960 fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i7-960
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Core i7 (Desktop)
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1366
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-960 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 i7-960
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	68 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $110 (MSRP: $309), the Core i7-960 delivers 31 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #979 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2136 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-960
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$309
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$110
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$316
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#979
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2136
Release DateLaunch date	20 October 2009 (16 years ago)
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel