OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v1.0
Processors Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Processors Methodology v1.0

Intel Core i9 7960X Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,350PassMark benchmark result:27571N. of physical cores:16CPU boost clock speed:4.4 GHzCPU socket:LGA2066TDP (Thermal design power):165 W

Intel Core i9 7960X Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i9 7960X
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

90%

6.8

Technical score

10%

8.2

User score

â–²Better than 69% of processors
5.9

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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

3.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 80%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 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–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

60%

7.1

Performance

18%

6.4

Cache & Architecture

10%

7.2

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.6

Power & Thermal

4%

7.9

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated Graphics

â–²Better than 68%
8.2

User score

User score
8.2/ 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%

9.4

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 82%
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  • intel-core-i9-7960x
  • intel-core-i9-7960x
intel-core-i9-7960x
intel-core-i9-7960x
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Best rankings
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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 7960X

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 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–² Better than 68% of models
Score components:

60%

7.1

Performance

18%

6.4

Cache & Architecture

10%

7.2

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.6

Power & Thermal

4%

7.9

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated Graphics

6.8
User score
User score
8.2/ 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%

9.4

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
5.4/ 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 79% of models
Popularity:
Intel Core i9 7960X has a popularity score of 5.4 points, which is higher than that of 79% of products in this category.
5.4
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

3.4

Price

5.9
Brand name
Intel
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
LGA2066
This processor uses the LGA2066 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 74.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
Chipset
X299
This processor supports X299 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 95.3% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
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
16
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 16 CPU cores, which is more than 91.5% of processors and equal to 4% of processors.
CPU threads
32
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 32 CPU threads, which is more than 95% of processors and equal to 3% of processors.
Threads per core
2
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
4.4 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.4 GHz which is higher than that of 51.2% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
16x 2.8 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 16x2.8 GHz which is higher than that of 93.9% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.6% of processors and equal to that of 33.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
22 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 22 MB which is larger than that of 81.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
L2 cache
16 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 16 MB which is larger than that of 89.8% of processors and equal to that of 2.7% of processors.
L1 cache
1,024 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 1,024 KB which is larger than that of 86.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
Show more
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
2,666 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 58.3% of processors and equal to 8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
Show more
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)
165 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 165 W which is higher than that of 95.9% of processors and equal to that of 1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
165 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 165 W which is higher than that of 95.9% of processors and equal to that of 1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i9 7960X vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceCache & ArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated GraphicsPower & Thermal
  • 10 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    16 vs 6
  • 2.61x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (27,571 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    27,571 vs 10,572.5
  • 3.88x better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (10,842 vs 2,791). The average processor scores 2,791 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    10,842 vs 2,791
  • 24 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    32 vs 8
  • 6.4x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    16 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    44 vs 16
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (16x2.8 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    16x2.8 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
  • 5.37x more popular
    Intel Core i9 7960X is more popular than the average processor (5.37 vs 1).
    5.37 vs 1
  • 2.6% higher user score
    User score
    8.2/ 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 i9 7960X
    the average processor
    Intel Core i9 7960X has a higher user score than the average processor (8.21 vs 8.000).
    8.21 vs 8
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2066 vs FP4).
    LGA2066 vs FP4
  • Higher-end processor class
    This processor belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
    workstation vs mobile
  • 2.61x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (27,571 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    27,571 vs 10,572.5
  • 10 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    16 vs 6
  • 3.88x better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (10,842 vs 2,791). The average processor scores 2,791 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    10,842 vs 2,791
  • 24 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    32 vs 8
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (16x2.8 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    16x2.8 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
  • Supports Turbo Core
    This processor supports Turbo Core, the average processor does not. 1.00% of processors support Turbo Core.
    Intel Turbo Boost
    3.0 vs 2.0
  • 6.4x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    16 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 2.67x larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (1024 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    1,024 KB vs 384 KB
  • 2x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 2.75x larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (22 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
    22 MB vs 8 MB
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    44 vs 16
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2 °C lower CPU temperature
    This processor has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (98 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    98 °C vs 100 °C
  • 72.3% lower multi-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,337 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    1,337 vs 4,829
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W
  • 2.73x larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    484 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 19.8% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.7 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.375 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W
  • 5.4x more expensive
    Intel Core i9 7960X is more expensive than the average processor (£1,350 vs £250).
    £1,350 vs £250
  • 5.4x more expensive
    Intel Core i9 7960X is more expensive than the average processor (£1,350 vs £250).
    £1,350 vs £250
  • 11.7% worse value for money
    Intel Core i9 7960X has worse value for money than the average processor (5.88 vs 6.6).
    5.88 vs 6.56
  • No crypto acceleration
    This processor does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does. 0.00% of processors include crypto acceleration.
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 3 years older release date
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
    September 2017
    2017 vs 2020
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 72.3% lower multi-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,337 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    1,337 vs 4,829
  • 6.5% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,375 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,375 vs 1,471
  • 2.73x larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    484 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 19.8% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.7 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.375 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
    Skylake vs Kaby Lake
  • 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
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2666 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR4-2,666 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2666 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 MHz.
    2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W
  • 2 °C lower TJ Max
    This processor has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (98 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    98 °C vs 100 °C

Video reviews

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

7.0
Hardware Canucks
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Hands-on review · benchmarks, overclocking and power tests
Verdict
Intel Core i9-7960X is the fastest CPU available, but its price only makes sense for those who need maximum multithreaded performance.
7.0
Tweakers Tech Hub
≈ estimated
02/10/2017
Comparison review · benchmarks and power tests
Verdict
Intel Core i9-7960X is the fastest chip in the test, but pricey and power hungry, with Threadripper the better value.
7.0
Paul's Hardware
≈ estimated
25/09/2017
Comparison review · benchmarks and temperature tests
Verdict
Intel Core i9-7960X is a strong multi-core chip, but it's poor value next to the cheaper AMD 1950X.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Intel Core i9 7960X

  • Exceptional multi-threaded performance for heavy workloads like 4K video encoding, rendering, and file compression
  • Strong single-core performance compared to contemporary HEDT rivals, making it versatile for both production and high-frame-rate gaming
  • Significant 35% to 80% performance uplift over previous generation 10-core models like the i7-6950X
  • Excellent overclocking headroom, with some users and reviewers reaching 4.5GHz-4.6GHz on all cores
  • More affordable and efficient alternative to the flagship 18-core i9-7980XE while retaining most of the power

What we don't like about Intel Core i9 7960X

  • Extremely high power consumption, reaching over 400W for the CPU alone when overclocked
  • Severe thermal challenges caused by the use of thermal paste (TIM) instead of solder, often requiring delidding or custom water cooling
  • Poor value proposition compared to AMD's Threadripper 1950X, which offered similar core counts at a much lower price point at launch
  • Fewer PCIe lanes (44) than the competing Threadripper platform (64), limiting high-end expansion options
  • High total cost of ownership due to the need for expensive X299 motherboards and high-end cooling solutions

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-7960X is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor from the Skylake-X series, featuring 16 physical cores and 32 threads designed for the LGA 2066 socket and X299 chipset. It operates at a base clock speed of 2.80 GHz, with a Max Turbo frequency of 4.20 GHz and a Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 frequency of up to 4.40 GHz. Built on a 14nm process, it includes 22 MB of L3 cache, supports quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory, and provides 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for extensive expandability. Its main pros include exceptional multi-threaded performance for heavy content creation, such as 4K video editing and 3D rendering, along with significant overclocking headroom and high memory bandwidth. However, notable cons include a high 165W TDP that leads to significant heat generation and power consumption, necessitating a premium liquid cooling solution, alongside a high initial retail price and the lack of integrated graphics.

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