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Intel Core i9 9960X Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£1,190
  • PassMark benchmark result: 29670
  • N. of physical cores: 16
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.5 GHz

Intel Core i9 9960X review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

6.4

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

6.2

Technical Score

10.0%

7.9

User score

Good
6.2

Technical Score

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 components:

60.0%

6.2

Performance

18.0%

6.4

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.2

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

4.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.0

Platform

1.0%

3.4

Integrated Graphics

Good
7.9

User score

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 components:

70.0%

9.6

User reviews

30.0%

3.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
(40)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 4.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.4

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.9

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.1

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    4.1

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    6.7

    N. of physical cores

  • 6.2
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    4.9

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.7

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    10

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    4.1

    L3 cache

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-9960X is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor from the 9th Gen Skylake-X Refresh family, featuring 16 physical cores and 32 threads designed for intensive multitasking and professional creative workflows. Built on a 14nm process for the LGA 2066 socket, it operates at a 3.1 GHz base frequency with a Max Turbo frequency of 4.4 GHz (4.5 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0) and includes 22 MB of Smart Cache. Key pros include an unlocked multiplier for extreme overclocking, quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory support, and a generous 44 PCIe lanes for expanded I/O capabilities. However, main cons involve its high 165W TDP requiring robust cooling, the lack of an integrated GPU or included thermal solution, and its discontinued status making it an older architecture compared to modern alternatives.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 9960X

Technical Score

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 components:

60.0%

6.2

Performance

18.0%

6.4

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.2

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

4.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.0

Platform

1.0%

3.4

Integrated Graphics

6.2
Intel Core i9 9960X has a technical score of 6.24 points, which is higher than that of 68.3% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

9.6

User reviews

30.0%

3.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
(40)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.9
Intel Core i9 9960X has a user score of 7.87 points, which is lower than that of 87.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
3.8
Intel Core i9 9960X has a popularity of 3.8 points, which is higher than 80.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

6.4

Overall score

40.0%

4.2

Price

5.7
Intel Core i9 9960X has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.7 points, which is lower than 78% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

workstation
Intel Core i9 9960X 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
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA2066
Intel Core i9 9960X uses the LGA2066 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 74.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

X299
Intel Core i9 9960X supports X299 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 95.3% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i9 9960X 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.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

16
Intel Core i9 9960X has 16 CPU cores, which is more than 91.5% of processors and equal to 4% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

32
Intel Core i9 9960X offers 32 CPU threads, which is more than 95% of processors and equal to 3% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i9 9960X offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.5 GHz
Intel Core i9 9960X reaches a boost clock of 4.5 GHz which is higher than that of 56.5% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

16 x 3.1 GHz
Intel Core i9 9960X has a base clock of 16x3.1 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i9 9960X uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i9 9960X 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
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

22 MB
Intel Core i9 9960X 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
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

16 MB
Intel Core i9 9960X 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
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

1,024 KB
Intel Core i9 9960X has an L1 cache of 1024 KB which is larger than that of 86.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i9 9960X 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
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i9 9960X supports memory speeds up to 2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2666 MHz
Intel Core i9 9960X supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to 7.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i9 9960X 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
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

no
Intel Core i9 9960X does not include integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

?
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

N/A
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

165 W
Intel Core i9 9960X 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)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

165 W
Intel Core i9 9960X 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)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

?
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i9 9960X does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i9 9960X vs the average processor

  • 2.85x better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (7,920 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (7,920 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.7,920 vs 2,783
  • 24 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 9960X has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i9 9960X has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.32 vs 8
  • 10 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 9960X has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i9 9960X has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.16 vs 6
  • 6.4x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 9960X 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.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i9 9960X 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
  • 2.82x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (29,670 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (29,670 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.29,670 vs 10,532.5
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 9960X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
    When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=20

    Intel Core i9 9960X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.44 vs 16
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 9960X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 9960X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 2.16x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (10,376 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (10,376 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.10,376 vs 4,793
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 9960X uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2,066 vs FP2).
  • Higher-end processor class
    Intel Core i9 9960X belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
  • 2.85x better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (7,920 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 24 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 9960X has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 10 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 9960X has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 2.82x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (29,670 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 9960X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 2.16x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (10,376 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 4.7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 6.4x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 9960X 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.
  • 2.75x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (22 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 2.67x larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (1,024 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 2x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 9960X 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.
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 9960X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 9960X supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 85.6% higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (85 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 9960X has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 15 °C lower CPU temperature
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (85 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 9960X does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i9 9960X has an older release date than the average processor (2,018 vs 2,020).
    October 2018
  • 29.3% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (234.6 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 6.6% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (452 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 6% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,383 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2.72x larger die size
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 19.8% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i9 9960X has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 9960X uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 2 fewer memory channels
    Intel Core i9 9960X has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • No integrated graphics
    Intel Core i9 9960X does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    Intel Core i9 9960X 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.
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 9960X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    Intel Core i9 9960X 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.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i9 9960X 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
  • 2.72x larger die size
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².484 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i9 9960X 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
    Intel Core i9 9960X has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i9 9960X has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.375 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 29.3% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (234.6 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >290

    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (234.6 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.234.6 vs 331.88
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 9960X has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i9 9960X 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
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 9960X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i9 9960X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 4.76x more expensive
    Intel Core i9 9960X is more expensive than the average processor (£1,190 vs £250).
    Intel Core i9 9960X is more expensive than the average processor (£1,190 vs £250).£1,190 vs £250
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 9960X and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
40 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 9960X?

  • High multi-threaded performance (16 cores/32 threads) ideal for rendering, virtualization, and heavy multitasking
  • Support for quad-channel memory providing high bandwidth for memory-intensive simulations
  • Generous PCIe lane count (44 lanes) for multiple GPUs and NVMe storage configurations
  • Strong overclocking headroom with reported stability at 4.5GHz+ on all cores with proper cooling
  • Soldered heat spreader (IHS) improves heat transfer compared to previous generations using TIM

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 9960X?

  • High heat output and power draw requiring substantial cooling (AIO or high-end air) and a beefy PSU
  • High initial launch price was frequently cited as 'extreme' and poorly positioned against competitors like Threadripper
  • Outdated 14nm process node limits single-core performance compared to newer mainstream architectures
  • Lack of support for modern standards like PCIe 4.0/5.0 and DDR5 memory
  • Requires the specific X299 chipset/LGA 2066 socket, which is now a discontinued 'dead-end' platform

Expert reviews

V
valid.x86.fr
30/03/2026
CPU-Z Single-Thread Benchmark for Intel Core i9-9960X

The CPU-Z validation for 7bbggc showcases a high-performance system powered by an Intel Core i9-14900K processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and an ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO motherboard, achieving a single-thread score of approximately 931 and a multi-thread score of 16,363. This configuration excels in multi-threaded tasks, such as rendering, and provides top-tier single-core performance,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
V
valid.x86.fr
30/03/2026
Intel Core i9-9960X (6T) CPU-Z Benchmark

The CPU-Z validation report for the specified 6-thread processor configuration details a, snapshot of performance, confirming system stability, clock speeds, and memory timings at a specific moment. It provides a baseline multi-threaded score indicating how the hardware handles parallel processing for general computing tasks. Key pros include competitive performance for moderate...Read more

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T
tweakers.net
22/11/2018
Intel Core i9-9980XE Review (includes benchmarks for Intel Core i9-9960X)

The Intel Core i9-9980XE, an 18-core/36-thread Skylake refresh, features soldered thermal interface material (STIM) and a 400MHz base clock bump, offering 10–15% better performance than the 7980XE. It shines as a versatile all-rounder, excelling in Adobe CC and gaming, though it is overshadowed in heavy rendering by cheaper alternatives. However, high power consumption and a $2,000...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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