OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v1.0
Processors Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Processors Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Processors Methodology v1.0

Intel Core i7 4960X Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110PassMark benchmark result:9925N. of physical cores:6CPU boost clock speed:4.0 GHzCPU socket:LGA2011TDP (Thermal design power):130 W

Intel Core i7 4960X Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

5.2

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

90%

4.9

Technical score

10%

8.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 58% of processors
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.
When it matters
When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

60%

4.7

Performance

18%

4.3

Cache & Architecture

10%

6.0

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.6

Power & Thermal

4%

7.1

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated Graphics

â–¼Worse than 62% of processors
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters
When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

6.0

Number of reviews

Based on 88 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 82% of processors
  • intel-core-i7-4960x
intel-core-i7-4960x

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 4960X

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.
When it matters
When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components:

60%

4.7

Performance

18%

4.3

Cache & Architecture

10%

6.0

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.6

Power & Thermal

4%

7.1

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated Graphics

4.9
User score
User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters
When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

6.0

Number of reviews

Based on 88 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters
When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Popularity:
Intel Core i7 4960X has a popularity score of 6 points, which is higher than that of 80.8% of products in this category.
6.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.6/ 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–² Better than 50% of models
Score components:

60%

5.2

Overall score

40%

9.9

Price

6.6
Brand name
Intel
Processor type
workstation
Processor type
workstation
★ Better than 95% of models
This processor belongs to the workstation processor class, which is more advanced than that of 95.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.9% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA2011
CPU socket
LGA2011
â–² Better than 55% of models
This processor uses the LGA2011 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 54.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
Chipset
?
CPU architecture
x86-64
CPU architecture
x86-64
â–² Better than 2% of models
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
6
N. of physical cores
6
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 49.9% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
12
CPU threads
12
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 55% of processors and equal to 14.1% of processors.
Threads per core
2
Threads per core
2
â–² Better than 30% of models
Market range: <0 – >2.5
This processor offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.3% of processors and equal to 69.7% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4 GHz
CPU boost clock speed
4 GHz
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4 GHz which is lower than that of 59.8% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 3.6 GHz
CPU base clock speed
6x 3.6 GHz
â–² Better than 70% of models
This processor has a base clock of 6x3.6 GHz which is higher than that of 70.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
22 nm
Semiconductor size
22 nm
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 22 nm
Foundry
Intel 22 nm
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
This processor is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
L3 cache
15 MB
L3 cache
15 MB
â–² Better than 64% of models
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 15 MB which is larger than that of 63.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
L2 cache
1.5 MB
L2 cache
1.5 MB
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 1.5 MB which is smaller than that of 62.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
L1 cache
384 KB
L1 cache
384 KB
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 44.9% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3
DDR memory version
DDR3
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
This processor supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 13.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
1,866 MHz
Maximum memory speed
1,866 MHz
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 1,866 MHz, which is lower than that of 84.4% of processors and equal to 2.7% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR3-1866 MHz
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR3-1866 MHz
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1866 MHz, which is lower than that of 86.6% of processors and equal to 0.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
â–¼ Worse than 44% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.5% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
no
Integrated graphics
no
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
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
TDP (Thermal design power)
130 W
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 130 W which is higher than that of 94.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
130 W
Base power (PL1)
130 W
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 130 W which is higher than that of 94.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
130 W
Boost power (PL2)
130 W
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 130 W which is higher than that of 81.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
Configurable TDP
no
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i7 4960X vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceCache & ArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated GraphicsPower & Thermal
  • 24 more PCIe lanes
    PCIe lane count
    40
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <10 – >30
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    40 vs 16
  • 4.29x faster classroom rendering
    Blender (bmw27) benchmark result
    1,433.4
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <97 – >1.3k
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,433.4 vs 334.1). The average processor needs 334.1 for the Blender Classroom test.
    1,433.4 vs 334.1
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Unlocked multiplier
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
  • 45.9% more L3 per core
    L3 per core
    2.5 MB/core
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <1 MB/core – >3 MB/core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1.7 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    2.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Memory overclocking
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    CPU threads
    12
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <4 – >24
    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
    CPU base clock speed
    6 x 3.6 GHz
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    6x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • 6.02x more popular
    Intel Core i7 4960X is more popular than the average processor (6.02 vs 1).
    6.02 vs 1
  • 6.02x more popular
    Intel Core i7 4960X is more popular than the average processor (6.02 vs 1).
    6.02 vs 1
  • 1.8% higher user score
    User score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Intel Core i7 4960X
    the average processor
    Intel Core i7 4960X has a higher user score than the average processor (8.15 vs 8.000).
    8.15 vs 8
  • Higher-end processor class
    Processor type
    workstation
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    This processor belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
    workstation vs mobile
  • 4.29x faster classroom rendering
    Blender (bmw27) benchmark result
    1,433.4
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <97 – >1.3k
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,433.4 vs 334.1). The average processor needs 334.1 for the Blender Classroom test.
    1,433.4 vs 334.1
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Unlocked multiplier
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    CPU threads
    12
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <4 – >24
    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
    CPU base clock speed
    6 x 3.6 GHz
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    6x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • 45.9% more L3 per core
    L3 per core
    2.5 MB/core
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <1 MB/core – >3 MB/core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1.7 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    2.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 87.5% larger L3 cache
    L3 cache
    15 MB
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (15 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
    15 MB vs 8 MB
  • 24 more PCIe lanes
    PCIe lane count
    40
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <10 – >30
    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
    Memory overclocking
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 30.3% higher memory bandwidth
    Maximum memory bandwidth
    59.7 GB/s
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <25 GB/s – >100 GB/s
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (59.7 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
    59.7 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
  • 52.4% lower single-core score
    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    700
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <561 – >2.7k
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (700 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    700 vs 1,471
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Semiconductor size
    22 nm
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    22 nm vs 12 nm
  • No configurable TDP
    Configurable TDP
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.89x higher base power
    Base power (PL1)
    130 W
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    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
  • 17.9% weaker single-core performance
    PassMark single-core benchmark score
    2052
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <1.4k – >4k
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2052 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
    2,052 vs 2,500
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Microarchitecture codename
    Ivy Bridge
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
    Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake
  • 2.17x higher boost power
    Boost power (PL2)
    130 W
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <25 W – >150 W
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (130 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.
    130 W vs 60 W
  • Older DDR support
    DDR memory version
    DDR3
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • Narrower instruction support
    Instruction sets
    MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AES
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 7 years older release date
    Release date
    2013
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2013 vs 2020).
    September 2013
    2013 vs 2020
  • No crypto acceleration
    Cryptographic acceleration
    AES
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This processor does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does. 0.00% of processors include crypto acceleration.
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 52.4% lower single-core score
    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    700
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <561 – >2.7k
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (700 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    700 vs 1,471
  • 17.9% weaker single-core performance
    PassMark single-core benchmark score
    2052
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <1.4k – >4k
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2052 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
    2,052 vs 2,500
  • 28.3% lower multi-core score
    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    3,464
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <763 – >14k
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,464 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    3,464 vs 4,829
  • 7% lower boost clock
    CPU boost clock speed
    4.0 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    4.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 37.5% lower bus speed
    Bus speed
    5 GT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <3 GT/s – >8 GT/s
    This processor has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
    5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    Bus transfer rate
    5 GT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <4 GT/s – >19 GT/s
    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
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Semiconductor size
    22 nm
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    22 nm vs 12 nm
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Microarchitecture codename
    Ivy Bridge
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
    Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake
  • 45.2% larger die size
    Die size
    257 mm²
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <99 mm² – >257 mm²
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    257 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 50% less L2 per core
    L2 per core
    0.25 MB/core
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <0.25 MB/core – >2 MB/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
  • 40% smaller L2 cache
    L2 cache
    1.5 MB
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 62.4% fewer transistors
    N. of transistors
    1.86 billion
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <1.303 billion – >25 billion
    This processor has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.9 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
    1.86 billion vs 4.95 billion
  • Less advanced foundry
    Foundry
    Intel 22 nm
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This processor uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • Older DDR support
    DDR memory version
    DDR3
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 36.4% lower memory speed
    Maximum memory speed
    1,866 MHz
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1866 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 MHz.
    1,866 MHz vs 2,933 MHz
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    Max memory speed (JEDEC)
    DDR3-1866 MHz
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR3-1866 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR3-1,866 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    PCIe bifurcation modes
    x16
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16 vs x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4).
    x16 vs x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4
  • 2 fewer memory channels
    Memory channels
    4
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <1 – >6
    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
    Integrated graphics
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    Configurable TDP
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.89x higher base power
    Base power (PL1)
    130 W
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    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
  • 2.17x higher boost power
    Boost power (PL2)
    130 W
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <25 W – >150 W
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (130 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.
    130 W vs 60 W
  • 2.89x higher TDP
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    130 W
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    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

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Third-party reviews

Based on 88 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Intel Core i7 4960X

  • Fastest consumer processor for multi-threaded workloads at its launch
  • Excellent for video transcoding, 3D modeling, and content creation
  • Features 40 PCIe lanes, ideal for high-bandwidth multi-GPU setups
  • Supports quad-channel memory for significant bandwidth improvements
  • Improved power efficiency and lower TDP (130W) compared to predecessor
  • Backward compatible with existing X79 motherboards (LGA 2011 socket)
  • Unlocked multiplier allows for relatively easy overclocking

What we don't like about Intel Core i7 4960X

  • Extremely high launch price (approx. $1,000) results in poor overall value
  • Marginal performance gains (approx. 5-10%) over the previous generation i7-3960X
  • Lacks newer features found in contemporary Haswell-based chips (e.g., FMA3 instruction set)
  • Single-threaded performance is often outperformed by cheaper mainstream CPUs like the i7-4770K
  • Aging X79 platform lacks native USB 3.0 and has limited SATA 6Gb/s ports
  • Certain Intel-manufactured X79 motherboards (e.g., DX79SI) do not support the upgrade

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-4960X is a high-end desktop processor based on the 22nm Ivy Bridge-E architecture, featuring 6 physical cores and 12 threads with Hyper-Threading technology. It operates at a base clock frequency of 3.6 GHz and can reach a maximum turbo boost speed of 4.0 GHz, while utilizing a massive 15 MB of L3 Smart Cache and a 130W TDP. Key advantages include its fully unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking, a quad-channel DDR3-1866 memory controller, and a generous 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, which make it exceptional for multi-GPU setups and heavy multi-threaded workloads like 3D rendering and video editing. However, its primary drawbacks are the lack of integrated graphics, relatively high power consumption compared to modern standards, and diminishing returns in single-core performance when compared to the newer Haswell-based consumer chips of its era.

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