Core i7-960
Intel
PassMark
3,400
MSRP
$309
AVG Price
$110
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 i7-960 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. 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 i7-960
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i7-960 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
League of Legends
Marvel Rivals
Minecraft
Palworld
Path of Exile 2
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Rocket League
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. 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 |
| 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 |
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 | $316 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 20 October 2009 (16 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Bloomfield (2008−2010) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2136 |
Technical Specifications
14 specs
Technical Specifications
14 specs
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 8 |
| Die Size | 263 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 1333 MHz |
| Max Frequency | 3.46 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.2 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 731 million |
| Process Technology | 45 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 68 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 130 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | 3 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 25.6 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 24 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core i7-960
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare Core i7-960
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