Intel Core i7-3960X
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Overall score
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Released
Q4/2011
Intel Core i7-3960X

Processor Intel Core i7-3960X, specifications and benchmarks

747 place in the overall ranking CPUs!
The Intel Core i7-3960X processor is installed in LGA 2011 socket boards and operates at a frequency of 3.30 GHz. The Intel Core i7-3960X has a total of 6 cores. Release date: Q4/2011. TDP is 130 W. This review will provide all the technical specifications and detailed data about the Intel Core i7-3960X processor. Discover everything to determine whether a game or software will run on Intel Core i7-3960X.

Specifications

Technical data
CPU Family and Group

This section provides a comprehensive overview of the processors generation and family, explaining the specific market segment it is designed for. It covers key details such as the CPUs position within its product lineup, its intended use cases (e.g., consumer, server, or workstation), and how its generation compares to previous models.

CPU Technical Specs

Intel Core i7-3960X. This section highlights key performance parameters of the processor, including the number of cores, threads, and clock speeds (base and boost frequencies). These metrics directly impact multitasking capabilities and overall system performance in both single-threaded and multi-threaded applications.

  • Frequency
    3.30 GHz
  • CPU Cores
    6
  • Turbo (1 Core)
    3.90 GHz
  • CPU Threads
    12
  • Turbo (6 Cores)
    3.90 GHz
  • Hyperthreading
    Yes
  • Overclocking
    Yes
  • Core architecture
    normal
  • A core
    --
  • B core
    --
  • C core
    --
IGPU

This section provides details on the integrated graphics capabilities of the processor. It covers the architecture, performance characteristics, and supported technologies (e.g., DirectX, OpenGL), which are essential for systems without dedicated GPUs or for mobile devices that require energy-efficient graphics processing.

  • GPU name
    no iGPU
  • GPU frequency
  • GPU (Turbo)
    No turbo
  • Execution units
  • Shader
  • Max. GPU Memory
    --
  • Max. displays
  • Generation
  • DirectX Version
  • Technology
  • Release date
Hardware codec support

This section covers the built-in hardware codec support for video and image processing. The processor’s ability to handle codecs like H.264, HEVC, and VP9 directly influences its performance in tasks such as video playback, editing, and streaming. This hardware acceleration ensures smoother media handling with lower CPU utilization.

  • h265 / HEVC (8 bit)
    No
  • h265 / HEVC (10 bit)
    No
  • h264
    No
  • VP9
    No
  • VP8
    No
  • AV1
    No
  • AVC
    No
  • VC-1
    No
  • JPEG
    No
Memory Specs & PCI

This section breaks down the technical characteristics of the memory supported by the processor, including the types (e.g., DDR4, DDR5), number of memory channels, and maximum supported memory speed. It also covers PCI Express support, which determines the bandwidth available for GPUs, SSDs, and other peripherals, critical for high-performance systems.

  • Memory type
    DDR3-1600
  • Max. Memory
  • ECC
    No
  • Memory channels
    4
  • PCIe version
  • PCIe lanes
Encryption

This section focuses on the hardware-based security technologies integrated into the processor. These include encryption support features such as AES-NI, Intel SGX, and AMD Secure Memory Encryption, which provide robust protection for sensitive data and help mitigate cybersecurity risks.

  • AES-NI
    Yes
Thermal Management
  • TDP (PL1)
    130 W
  • TDP up
    --
  • TDP (PL2)
    --
  • TDP down
    --
  • Tjunction max.
    --
* see below
Technologies and Extensions

This section explains the underlying technologies that enable the processor to deliver high performance. It includes details about the manufacturing process (e.g., 7nm, 10nm), supported instruction sets (e.g., AVX, SSE), and virtual machine extensions that enhance compatibility and efficiency across various workloads.

  • Instruction set (ISA)
    x86-64 (64 bit)
  • Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-x EPT, VT-d (C2 Stepping)
  • ISA extensions
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX
  • L2-Cache
    --
  • L3-Cache
    15.00 MB
  • Architecture
    Sandy Bridge E
  • Technology
    32 nm
  • Socket
    LGA 2011
  • Release date
    Q4/2011
  • Part Number
    --
Positions in all rankings

Common positions Intel Core i7-3960X CPU in popular benchmarks, for comparison with other models.

  • Cinebench R15 (Single-Core)
    368 place
  • Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core)
    269 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)
    753 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    519 place
  • Geekbench 3, 64bit (Single-Core)
    382 place
  • Geekbench 3, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    182 place
  • Cinebench R11.5, 64bit (Single-Core)
    559 place
  • Cinebench R11.5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    154 place
  • Estimated results for PassMark CPU Mark
    440 place

Benchmarks

Performance tests CPU

Compare the benchmark scores of Intel Core i7-3960X with other processors to gauge its real-world performance across various tasks..

These tests encompass tasks such as mathematical calculations, 3D rendering, cryptocurrency mining, and performance evaluations in both single-core and multi-core modes.

Cinebench R15 (Single-Core)
The Cinebench R15 SC stresses the computing modules of a desktop or laptop computer to their limits and accurately determines the key performance parameters of the hardware
160
160
160
159
Intel Core i7-3960X
Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core)
The Cinebench R15 MC stresses the computing modules of a desktop or laptop computer to their limits and accurately determines the key performance parameters of the hardware
1165
1165
1160
1158
Intel Core i7-3960X
Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)
Geekbench 5 SC is a popular cross-platform performance test for desktop or mobile processors that uses system memory intensively
839
839
837
836
Intel Core i7-3960X
Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
Geekbench 5 MC is a popular cross-platform performance test for desktop or mobile processors that uses system memory intensively
5012
4989
4981
4973
Intel Core i7-3960X
Geekbench 3, 64bit (Single-Core)
Geekbench 3 SC for one CPU core, includes stress tests simulating real 3D scenarios for Windows, Mac, Linux, Ansroid, iOS
3320
3319
3319
3314
Intel Core i7-3960X
Geekbench 3, 64bit (Multi-Core)
Geekbench 3 MC using a multi-core and hyperthreading, includes stress tests simulating real 3D scenarios for Windows, Mac, Linux, Ansroid, iOS
20156
20120
19425
19300
Intel Core i7-3960X
Cinebench R11.5, 64bit (Single-Core)
The PC CPU and GPU test involves rendering a specific 3D scene in single-core mode, based on CINEMA 4D
1.57
1.57
1.57
1.57
Intel Core i7-3960X
Cinebench R11.5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
The PC CPU and GPU test involves rendering a specific 3D scene in multi-core mode and hyperthreading, based on CINEMA 4D
11.7
11.54
11.37
11.35
Intel Core i7-3960X
Estimated results for PassMark CPU Mark
PassMark is a test suite that performs complex mathematical calculations to determine CPU performance on file compression, encryption and physics-related tasks
12797
12790
12750
12712
Intel Core i7-3960X

Synonyms

Similar processors in terms of performance.

Similar in technical data processors with Intel Core i7-3960X.

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Intel Core i5-1030G4 View
Intel Core i5-7500 View
Intel Xeon E5-2697 v2 View

*

PL1 - The power limit (in watts) generated by the processor (or GPU) during sustained, standard operation. It represents the typical thermal output during normal workloads.

PL2 - Represents the maximum power limit under heavy load or overclocking conditions. It indicates the thermal output during peak performance.

These values are essential for determining the optimal cooling system and power supply required to maintain stable performance.

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Intel Core i7-3960X

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