OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i7-3960X review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£920PassMark multi-core score:8415N. of physical cores:6CPU boost clock speed:3.9 GHzCPU socket:LGA2011TDP (Thermal design power):130 W

Intel Core i7-3960X Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 20 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i7-3960X
6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

40%

4.5

Technical score

25%

8.5

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

9.1

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 50% of processors
6.4

Value for money

Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

5.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 91%
4.5

Technical score

Technical score
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

60%

4.3

Performance

18%

3.9

Architecture

10%

5.8

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.5

Power & Thermal

4%

6.9

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

â–¼Worse than 72%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

9.2

Popularity

Grades by review (20)
17 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
★Better than 92%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • intel-core-i7-3960x
intel-core-i7-3960x
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i7-3960X

Based on 10 · 1

Praised for strong overall performance and overclocking, but the platform, included cooler and gaming results disappoint.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7-3960X

Technical score
Technical score
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components:

60%

4.3

Performance

18%

3.9

Architecture

10%

5.8

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.5

Power & Thermal

4%

6.9

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

4.5
Reviews score
8.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

5.7

Price

6.4
Processor type
workstation
This processor belongs to the workstation processor class, which is more advanced than that of 95.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA2011
This processor uses the LGA2011 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 52.9% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
Chipset
?
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AES
This processor supports SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AES instruction sets, which is narrower support than 87.4% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of physical cores
6
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 47.7% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
12
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 53% of processors and equal to 14.2% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
3.9 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 3.9 GHz which is lower than that of 67% of processors and equal to that of 3.2% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 3.3 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x3.3 GHz which is higher than that of 63.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
8,415
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 8,415 in PassMark, which is lower than 57.7% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
32 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 32 nm process node, which is older than that of 97.6% of processors and equal to that of 2.4% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 32 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 32 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 97.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
L3 cache
15 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 15 MB which is larger than that of 61.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
L2 cache
1.5 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 1.5 MB which is smaller than that of 63.7% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
L1 cache
384 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 44% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3
This processor supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.7% of processors and equal to that of 13.3% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
1,600 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 1,600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.7% of processors and equal to 10.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR3-1600 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 89.1% of processors and equal to 8.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 27.2% of processors and equal to 26.1% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
no
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 85.4% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
N/A
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
130 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 130 W which is higher than that of 94.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
130 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 130 W which is higher than that of 94.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i7-3960X vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 24 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    40 vs 16
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • 26.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 92% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    9.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (20)
    17 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 6.7
  • 35.1% more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    2.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.3 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x3.3 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 26.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 92% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    9.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (20)
    17 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 6.7
  • 26.4% higher sentiment score
    9.1 vs 7.2
  • Higher-end processor class
    This processor belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
    workstation vs mobile
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.3 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x3.3 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 35.1% more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    2.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 24 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    40 vs 16
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 56.9% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (661 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    661 vs 1,535
  • 30.6% weaker single-core performance
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,776 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    1,776 vs 2,558
  • 2.67x larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (32 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    32 nm vs 12 nm
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, SGX vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, SGX vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 38.9% lower multi-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,183 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    3,183 vs 5,209
  • 2.89x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (130 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    130 W vs 45 W
  • 3.68x more expensive
    Intel Core i7-3960X is more expensive than the average processor (£920 vs £250).
    £920 vs £250
  • 13.9% worse value for money
    Intel Core i7-3960X has worse value for money than the average processor (6.4 vs 7.3).
    6.4 vs 7.29
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, SGX vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, SGX vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 9 years older release date
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2011 vs 2020).
    November 2011
    2011 vs 2020
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 56.9% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (661 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    661 vs 1,535
  • 30.6% weaker single-core performance
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,776 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    1,776 vs 2,558
  • 11.4% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 38.9% lower multi-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,183 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    3,183 vs 5,209
  • 26.6% lower PassMark score
    This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (8,415 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    8,415 vs 11,469
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    This processor has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
    5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
  • 2.67x larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (32 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    32 nm vs 12 nm
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Sandy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
    Sandy Bridge vs Kaby Lake
  • 2.46x larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (435 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    435 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 50% less L2 per core
    This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 50% smaller L2 cache
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    1.5 MB vs 3 MB
  • Less advanced foundry
    This processor uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 32 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    Intel 32 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • 54.1% fewer transistors
    This processor has fewer transistors than the average processor (2.3 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
    2.27 billion vs 4.95 billion
  • 50% lower memory speed
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    1,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Older DDR support
    This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR3-1600 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR3-1,600 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 2 fewer memory channels
    This processor has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.89x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (130 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    130 W vs 45 W
  • 2.89x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (130 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    130 W vs 45 W
  • 9 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (91 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    91 °C vs 100 °C

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
The Good Old Gamer (TheGoodOldGamer)
≈ estimated
08/06/2022
Budget gaming test · overclocked 2011 processor
Verdict
Intel Core i7-3960X is a cheap used processor from 2011 that still performs well for budget gaming builds.
9.0
OC3D TV
≈ estimated
14/11/2011
Hands-on review · overclocking and performance impressions
Verdict
Intel Core i7-3960X delivers excellent performance, but its high price and the sample's modest overclock hold it back.
8.0
Custom PC Review
≈ estimated
04/02/2012
Unboxing · first look at workstation-class processor
Verdict
Intel Core i7-3960X is best for heavy multi-threaded workstation work, but not recommended for gaming buyers.
9.0
Linus Tech Tips
≈ estimated
17/11/2011
Unboxing · first look at size and cooling
Verdict
Intel Core i7-3960X is the fastest desktop chip for buyers who want maximum performance, though it is expensive.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
14/11/2011
Lab test · Six-core enthusiast chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-3960X is the fastest chip tested, but most apps barely use its six cores, so it pulls clearly ahead only when running several heavy tasks at once.
8.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
14/11/2011
Benchmark review · Enthusiast CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-3960X is the fastest consumer chip tested, best suited to gamers and heavy multithreaded users rather than most buyers.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
14/11/2011
Analysis · Disabled cores explained
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-3960X is the fastest chip you can buy, but Intel switched off two cores already built into its die.
9.0
pugetsystems.com
≈ estimated
14/11/2011
Lab test · Cooling and benchmarks
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-3960X runs far too hot on a standard heatsink, but Intel's liquid cooler holds it to 66°C under full load.
9.0
overclockers.com
≈ estimated
14/11/2011
Hands-on review · Platform and cooling
Verdict
The Core i7-3960X is a fast enthusiast chip with 40 PCIe lanes for multi-GPU builds, but the X79 chipset lacks native USB 3.0 and the box includes no cooler.
9.4
impulsegamer.com
✓ explicit
Not Dated
Benchmark review · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-3960X is one of the fastest desktop chips, leading in CPU and encryption tests, but it needs a new motherboard and lacks Quick Sync.
9.0
computerwoche.de
≈ estimated
09/01/2012
Lab test · Desktop CPU benchmarks
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-3960X is the fastest desktop processor you can buy, leading heavy multi-core tasks but only about 4% ahead in everyday PC tests.
9.5
tech-review.de
≈ estimated
08/02/2012
Lab test · Overclocking and power use
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-3960X is very fast and overclocks well, but it runs hot and draws far more power under load than the Core i7-980X.
10
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
14/11/2011
Lab test · Top desktop chip
Verdict
The Core i7-3960X is the fastest consumer chip at launch, 22% quicker than the Core i7 980X, but it draws a lot of power under load.
9.0
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
14/11/2011
Lab test · Multi-core benchmarks
Verdict
The Core i7-3960X is the fastest desktop chip for heavy multi-threaded work, but barely quicker than a Core i7-2600K in single-core tasks.
8.0
madboxpc.com
≈ estimated
27/01/2012
Lab review · Benchmark results
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-3960X leads the CPU tests, and its quad-channel memory delivers high bandwidth, though the graphics card limits some game results.
8.0
hwupgrade.it
≈ estimated
14/11/2011
Benchmark review · Sandy Bridge-E debut
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-3960X is the fastest desktop CPU tested, but the Core i7-2600K is still the better buy for most enthusiasts.
8.0
id.nl
✓ explicit
14/11/2011
Lab test · Six-core Sandy Bridge-E
Verdict
The Core i7-3960X is a fast six-core chip, about 1.5 times as fast as the Core i7-2600K in multi-threaded work, but no more efficient and needs a new platform.
9.5
techzine.nl
≈ estimated
29/11/2011
Benchmark review · Enthusiast desktop
Verdict
The Core i7-3960X suits heavy multi-threaded work and overclocking, but without built-in graphics it struggles to compete in quick video conversion.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7-3960X

  • Exceptional multi-threaded performance for professional tasks like 3D rendering, video encoding, and virtualization
  • High overclocking headroom, with users reporting stable speeds between 4.4GHz and 4.8GHz using proper cooling
  • Significant memory bandwidth improvements thanks to the quad-channel memory controller
  • Massive 15MB L3 cache provides a noticeable boost in data-heavy workloads compared to non-Extreme editions
  • Superior multitasking capabilities, allowing for heavy background processes (like Prime95 or multiple VMs) without lagging primary applications
  • Solid reliability and long-term stability when paired with high-end X79 motherboards

What customers don't like about Intel Core i7-3960X

  • Extremely high launch price ($990+), with many users noting poor price-to-performance value compared to the i7-3930K
  • High power consumption (130W TDP) and significant heat generation, especially when overclocked
  • Does not include a factory heatsink or cooling solution in the box, requiring an additional purchase
  • Requires a new and often expensive LGA 2011 motherboard and X79 chipset for compatibility
  • Lack of 'Quick Sync Video' feature, which was available on mainstream Sandy Bridge chips but omitted from this enthusiast version
  • Gaming performance gains over significantly cheaper quad-core processors are often marginal due to GPU bottlenecks

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition is a high-end desktop processor based on the 32nm Sandy Bridge-E architecture, featuring 6 physical cores and 12 threads via Hyper-Threading. It operates at a base clock of 3.3 GHz with a Max Turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz, supported by a substantial 15 MB L3 Smart Cache and a quad-channel DDR3-1600 memory controller. Main pros include its unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking, 40 PCIe Gen 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU setups, and exceptional multi-threaded performance for its era. However, it carries significant cons such as a high 130W TDP requiring robust cooling, the lack of integrated graphics, a premium launch price, and the absence of a bundled thermal solution.

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