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 5960X Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£840PassMark benchmark result:13659N. of physical cores:8CPU boost clock speed:3.5 GHzCPU socket:LGA2011-3TDP (Thermal design power):140 W

Intel Core i7 5960X Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

5.8

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

5.5

Technical score

10%

8.3

User score

▲Better than 51% of processors
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

60%

5.7

Performance

18%

4.4

Cache & Architecture

10%

6.6

Memory & PCIe

7%

3.9

Power & Thermal

4%

7.6

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated Graphics

▼Worse than 51% of processors
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on 146 buyer reviews from online shops.
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.
▲Better than 83% of processors
  • intel-core-i7-5960x
  • intel-core-i7-5960x
intel-core-i7-5960x
intel-core-i7-5960x

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Best rankings

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 5960X

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

5.7

Performance

18%

4.4

Cache & Architecture

10%

6.6

Memory & PCIe

7%

3.9

Power & Thermal

4%

7.6

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated Graphics

5.5
User score
User score
8.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on 146 buyer reviews from online shops.
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.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
7.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Intel Core i7 5960X has a popularity score of 7.5 points, which is higher than that of 84.4% of products in this category.
7.5
Value for money
Value for money
5.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

5.8

Overall score

40%

6.1

Price

5.9
Brand name
Intel
Processor type
workstation
Processor type
workstation
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
LGA2011-3
CPU socket
LGA2011-3
This processor uses the LGA2011-3 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 59.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
Chipset
?
CPU architecture
x86-64
CPU architecture
x86-64
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
8
N. of physical cores
8
This processor has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 63.4% of processors and equal to 13.6% of processors.
CPU threads
16
CPU threads
16
This processor offers 16 CPU threads, which is more than 71% of processors and equal to 14% of processors.
Threads per core
2
Threads per core
2
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
3.5 GHz
CPU boost clock speed
3.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 3.5 GHz which is lower than that of 80.4% of processors and equal to that of 3.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
8x 3.0 GHz
CPU base clock speed
8x 3.0 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 8x3.0 GHz which is higher than that of 75% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
22 nm
Semiconductor size
22 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
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
20 MB
L3 cache
20 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 20 MB which is larger than that of 79.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
L2 cache
2 MB
L2 cache
2 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 51% of processors and equal to that of 11.2% of processors.
L1 cache
256 KB
L1 cache
256 KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.6% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
2,133 MHz
Maximum memory speed
2,133 MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.5% of processors and equal to 8.9% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2133 MHz
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2133 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2133 MHz, which is lower than that of 78% of processors and equal to 5.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Maximum memory capacity
64 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
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)
140 W
TDP (Thermal design power)
140 W
This processor has a TDP of 140 W which is higher than that of 94.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
140 W
Base power (PL1)
140 W
This processor has a base power of 140 W which is higher than that of 94.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
140 W
Boost power (PL2)
140 W
This processor has a boost power of 140 W which is higher than that of 82.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i7 5960X vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceCache & ArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated GraphicsPower & Thermal
  • 24 more PCIe lanes
    PCIe lane count
    40
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    40 vs 16
  • 8 more CPU threads
    CPU threads
    16
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    16 vs 8
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Unlocked multiplier
    yes
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
  • 58.8% higher multi-core score
    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    7,668
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,668 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    7,668 vs 4,829
  • 45.9% more L3 per core
    L3 per core
    2.5 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
    This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • Higher base clock
    CPU base clock speed
    8 x 3.0 GHz
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    8x3.0 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • 2 more CPU cores
    N. of physical cores
    8
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    8 vs 6
  • 7.54x more popular
    Intel Core i7 5960X is more popular than the average processor (7.54 vs 1).
    7.54 vs 1
  • 3.6% higher user score
    User score
    8.3/ 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
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Intel Core i7 5960X
    the average processor
    Intel Core i7 5960X has a higher user score than the average processor (8.28 vs 8.000).
    8.28 vs 8
  • Higher-end processor class
    Processor type
    workstation
    This processor belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
    workstation vs mobile
  • Modern CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA2011-3
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2011-3 vs FP4).
    LGA2011-3 vs FP4
  • 8 more CPU threads
    CPU threads
    16
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    16 vs 8
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Unlocked multiplier
    yes
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
  • 58.8% higher multi-core score
    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    7,668
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,668 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    7,668 vs 4,829
  • Higher base clock
    CPU base clock speed
    8 x 3.0 GHz
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    8x3.0 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • 2 more CPU cores
    N. of physical cores
    8
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    8 vs 6
  • 29.2% higher PassMark score
    PassMark benchmark result
    13,659
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (13,659 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    13,659 vs 10,572.5
  • 45.9% more L3 per core
    L3 per core
    2.5 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
  • 2.5x larger L3 cache
    L3 cache
    20 MB
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
    20 MB vs 8 MB
  • 24 more PCIe lanes
    PCIe lane count
    40
    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
    This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 48.5% higher memory bandwidth
    Maximum memory bandwidth
    68 GB/s
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (68 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
    68 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Maximum operating temperature (TJ Max)
    105 °C
    This processor has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    105 °C vs 100 °C
  • 18.6% lower boost clock
    CPU boost clock speed
    3.5 GHz
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    3.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Semiconductor size
    22 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
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.11x higher base power
    Base power (PL1)
    140 W
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    140 W vs 45 W
  • 2.33x higher boost power
    Boost power (PL2)
    140 W
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.
    140 W vs 60 W
  • 15.9% weaker single-core performance
    PassMark single-core benchmark score
    2,103
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,103 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
    2,103 vs 2,500
  • 2.01x larger die size
    Die size
    356 mm²
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (356 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    356 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Microarchitecture codename
    Haswell
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Haswell vs Kaby Lake).
    Haswell vs Kaby Lake
  • 3.36x more expensive
    Intel Core i7 5960X is more expensive than the average processor (£840 vs £250).
    £840 vs £250
  • 12.2% worse value for money
    Intel Core i7 5960X has worse value for money than the average processor (5.85 vs 6.6).
    5.85 vs 6.56
  • 6 years older release date
    Release date
    2014
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2014 vs 2020).
    August 2014
    2014 vs 2020
  • No crypto acceleration
    Cryptographic acceleration
    AES
    This processor does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does. 0.00% of processors include crypto acceleration.
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 18.6% lower boost clock
    CPU boost clock speed
    3.5 GHz
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    3.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 15.9% weaker single-core performance
    PassMark single-core benchmark score
    2,103
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,103 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
    2,103 vs 2,500
  • 11.8% lower single-core score
    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    1,298
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,298 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,298 vs 1,471
  • 37.5% lower bus speed
    Bus speed
    5 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
    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
    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
  • 2.01x larger die size
    Die size
    356 mm²
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (356 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    356 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Microarchitecture codename
    Haswell
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Haswell vs Kaby Lake).
    Haswell vs Kaby Lake
  • 50% less L2 per core
    L2 per core
    0.25 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
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    L1 cache
    256 KB
    This processor has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    256 KB vs 384 KB
  • 20% smaller L2 cache
    L2 cache
    2 MB
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    2 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • Less advanced foundry
    Foundry
    Intel 22 nm
    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
  • 47.5% fewer transistors
    N. of transistors
    2.6 billion
    This processor has fewer transistors than the average processor (2.6 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
    2.6 billion vs 4.95 billion
  • 27.3% lower memory speed
    Maximum memory speed
    2,133 MHz
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2133 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 MHz.
    2,133 MHz vs 2,933 MHz
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    Max memory speed (JEDEC)
    DDR4-2133 MHz
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2133 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR4-2,133 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    PCIe bifurcation modes
    x16
    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
    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
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    Configurable TDP
    no
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.11x higher base power
    Base power (PL1)
    140 W
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    140 W vs 45 W
  • 2.33x higher boost power
    Boost power (PL2)
    140 W
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.
    140 W vs 60 W
  • 3.11x higher TDP
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    140 W
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    140 W vs 45 W
  • 5 °C higher CPU temperature
    CPU temperature
    105 °C
    This processor has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    105 °C vs 100 °C

Video reviews

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

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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcper.com
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
T
tomshardware.com
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
T
tomshardware.com
22/07/2015
Summary of the review
techradar.com
13/12/2014
Benchmark review · Eight-core desktop chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-5960X is very fast for multi-threaded work and runs cool, but it adds little to gaming.
E
expertreviews.co.uk
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
kitguru.net
30/08/2014
Lab test · Overclocking results
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-5960X overclocks easily to a stable 4.3 GHz and offers eight cores, but its lower clocks may slow single-core and gaming speed.
digitalfoundry.net
30/08/2014
Lab test · Eight-core Haswell-E
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-5960X is suited to video encoding and heavy multi-core work, but its lower clocks leave it slower than the 4790K in single-core tasks.
T
techgage.com
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
B
bit-tech.net
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
H
hexus.net
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
G
guru3d.com
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
H
hothardware.com
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
P
pugetsystems.com
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
O
overclockers.com
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
uk.pcmag.com
26/09/2014
Review · Power user processor
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-5960X is the most powerful consumer chip for heavily threaded work, but it only suits buyers who put raw CPU power first.
technic3d.com
29/08/2014
Hands-on test · Overclocking results
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-5960X offers eight cores that overclock to about 4.1 GHz on all cores, but it needs a new platform and draws a lot of power.
C
chip.de
23/10/2014
Summary of the review
gamestar.de
29/08/2014
Lab test · Eight-core Intel chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-5960X is Intel's first eight-core desktop chip, but few games use all its cores, so it suits heavy multi-core work more than gaming.
pcgameshardware.de
30/08/2014
Lab test · Eight-core CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-5960X is Intel's first eight-core desktop chip, built for heavy multi-core work, though its lower clock speeds may slow games.
O
overclocking.com
08/09/2014
Summary of the review
G
generation-nt.com
01/09/2014
Summary of the review
T
tomshardware.fr
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
C
clubic.com
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
C
cowcotland.com
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
journalmetro.com
17/12/2014
Hands-on test · Eight-core desktop chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-5960X is a very fast eight-core chip for builders who want top performance, but some games use its cores poorly and lighter chips can do better.
G
ginjfo.com
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
C
cowcotland.com
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
C
comptoir-hardware.com
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
H
hardware.fr
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
profesionalreview.com
26/01/2015
Lab review · Eight-core chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-5960X suits demanding workstation work with eight cores, 16 threads and strong overclocking, but gaming needs an overclock.
G
geeknetic.es
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
T
tomshw.it
30/07/2015
Summary of the review
T
tomshw.it
01/09/2014
Summary of the review
H
hwupgrade.it
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
M
multiplayer.it
23/09/2014
Summary of the review
H
hwupgrade.it
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
N
nl.hardware.info
02/08/2015
Summary of the review
N
nl.hardware.info
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
H
hardware.info
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
29/08/2014
Summary of the review
id.nl
14/11/2014
Benchmark test · Haswell-E chips
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-5960X is the fastest processor here, suited to video editing, 3D rendering and CAD, though it needs a new motherboard and DDR4 memory.
T
tweakers.net
31/05/2016
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on 146 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Intel Core i7 5960X

  • Unmatched multi-threaded performance due to 8 cores and 16 threads
  • Excellent for professional content creation, such as 4K video editing and 3D rendering
  • High overclocking potential, with many users reaching 4.4GHz or higher stably
  • Provides a full 40 PCIe lanes, ideal for multi-GPU configurations
  • Runs impressively cool and efficient for its power class
  • Supports DDR4 memory and the modern X99 chipset platform

What we don't like about Intel Core i7 5960X

  • Extremely high initial launch price (approx. £760 / $1,050)
  • Requires expensive platform upgrades (new X99 motherboard and DDR4 RAM)
  • Limited performance gains in gaming compared to much cheaper quad-core processors
  • Lower stock base clock speed (3.0 GHz) than some previous-generation flagships
  • Single-threaded tasks are often handled better by higher-clocked mainstream CPUs

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-5960X is a high-end desktop processor based on the Haswell-E architecture, featuring 8 physical cores and 16 threads with a 3.0 GHz base clock and a 3.5 GHz Turbo Boost. Built on a 22nm process, it was the first consumer CPU to support quad-channel DDR4 memory (up to 2133 MHz) and offers a massive 20MB of L3 Smart Cache along with 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU configurations. Its primary strengths include exceptional multi-threaded performance for 4K video editing or 3D rendering and an unlocked multiplier that provides significant overclocking headroom. However, its main drawbacks include a high 140W TDP that requires robust cooling, the lack of integrated graphics, and the necessity of a specific X99 motherboard with an LGA 2011-v3 socket, making for an expensive platform entry.

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