Xeon 6960P
Intel
PassMark
130,659
MSRP
$9625
AVG Price
$9625
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 Xeon 6960P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2024-09-24. It is based on the Granite Rapids (2024−2025) architecture. It features 72 cores and 144 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 432 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 3 nm process technology. Socket: LGA7529. Thermal design power (TDP): 500 Watt. Memory support: DDR5(6400MT/s), MRDIMM(8800MT/s). Passmark benchmark score: 130,659 points. Launch price was $9,625.
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 Xeon 6960P
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon 6960P across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Delta Force
Dota 2
Hogwarts Legacy
League of Legends
Naraka: Bladepoint
Once Human
Path of Exile 2
Project Zomboid
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon 6960P specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon 6960P is a 72-core / 144-thread processor based on the Granite Rapids (2024−2025) architecture, manufactured on a Intel 3 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 432 MB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 2 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 112 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 130,659, placing it in the Enthusiast performance tier as a Recent generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 2,100, while multi-core reaches 60,000.
| Specification | Xeon 6960P |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 72C / 144T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.9 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.7 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Granite Rapids (2024−2025) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | Intel 3 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 432 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 2 MB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 112 kB (per core) |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 130,659 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 2,100 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 60,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon 6960P fits into the LGA7529 socket and supports PCIe 4.0 with 96 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5(6400MT/s), MRDIMM(8800MT/s) memory at speeds up to DDR5-6400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 3072 GB across 12 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Xeon 6960P |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA7529 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 4.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 96 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR5(6400MT/s), MRDIMM(8800MT/s) |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 3072 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 12 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | None |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | Intel 600 Series |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 2 |
Advanced Features
The Xeon 6960P is primarily designed for Server. It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the EPYC 9654.
| Specification | Xeon 6960P |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Server |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ✅ Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x, VT-d |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | EPYC 9654 |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon 6960P has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 500 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. Recommended cooling: Server Cooling.
| Specification | Xeon 6960P |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 500 Watt |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | None |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Server Cooling |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $9,625, the Xeon 6960P delivers 14 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #17 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon 6960P |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $9625 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $9625 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $9,625 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #17 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2024-09-24 |
| Release Year | 2024 |
| 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
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | server |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $9,625 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 2024-09-24 |
| Architecture Codename | Granite Rapids (2024−2025) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 17 |
Technical Specifications
10 specs
Technical Specifications
10 specs
| Cores | 72 |
| Threads | 144 |
| L1 Cache | 112 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 432 MB (total) |
| Max Frequency | 3.9 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.7 GHz |
| Process Technology | Intel 3 nm |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 80 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA7529 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 500 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 2 |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR5(6400MT/s), MRDIMM(8800MT/s) |
| Memory Channels | 12 |
| ECC Memory Support | + |
| Max Memory Capacity | 3 TB |
Our Recommendation for Xeon 6960P
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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