Core i7-5960X

Details and Benchmarks for Intel Core i7-5960X

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Benchmark Results

Combined benchmark scores based on multiple data points, giving a quick overview of this processor's performance.

Overall Score

Overall score for Core i7-5960X based on all benchmark results gathered. Look at this like a meta score, you will find more specific workload ratings below.

5,453 Rank: 517
Rank Name Score Visual
513 Core i5-8400 5,459
+0.1%
514 Ryzen 3 5400U 5,459
+0.1%
515 Xeon E3-1280 v5 5,455
+0%
516 Core i5-10400F 5,455
+0%
517 Core i7-5960X 5,453
518 Core i7-5950HQ 5,446
-0.1%
519 Ryzen 3 4100 5,445
-0.1%
520 Core i7-8705G 5,443
-0.2%
521 Core i7-5775R 5,442
-0.2%
522 Core i7-5850HQ 5,442
-0.2%

View full ranking →

Multicore Score

Multicore performance score for Core i7-5960X based on multi-threaded benchmark results.

5,427 Rank: 422
Rank Name Score Visual
418 Xeon E5-2686 v4 5,440
+0.2%
419 Ryzen 7 PRO 4750GE 5,432
+0.1%
420 Xeon Gold 5115 5,428
+0%
421 Ryzen 5 PRO 1600 5,427
+0%
422 Core i7-5960X 5,427
423 Core Ultra 5 134U 5,427
+0%
424 Ryzen 5 3600 5,421
-0.1%
425 Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE 5,419
-0.1%
426 Xeon E5-2630 v4 5,419
-0.1%
427 Core 5 120U 5,419
-0.1%

View full ranking →

Singlecore Score

Single-core performance score for Core i7-5960X based on single-threaded benchmark results.

5,470 Rank: 576
Rank Name Score Visual
572 Core i5-9400 5,473
+0.1%
573 Core i5-4690 5,473
+0.1%
574 Xeon E3-1220 v5 5,472
+0%
575 Core i7-7660U 5,471
+0%
576 Core i7-5960X 5,470
577 Core i3-8109U 5,469
+-0%
578 Core i5-1135G7 5,469
+-0%
579 Core i5-7260U 5,468
+-0%
580 EPYC 7F72 5,467
-0.1%
581 Core i7-10750H 5,464
-0.1%

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Workload Scores

Performance scores grouped by workload type, normalized and aggregated from multiple raw benchmark results.

Number Crunching

Aggregated score for Core i7-5960X based on integer math, floating point math, and prime number computation benchmarks.

4,945 Rank: 415
Rank Name Score Visual
411 Core i7-10875H 4,952
+0.1%
412 Xeon E5-2690 v2 4,947
+0%
413 Xeon E5-1660 v4 4,946
+0%
414 Ryzen 7 1800X 4,946
+0%
415 Core i7-5960X 4,945
416 Ryzen 7 5700U 4,936
-0.2%
417 Core i7-10870H 4,935
-0.2%
418 Core i7-9700K 4,933
-0.2%
419 Xeon Silver 4210 4,932
-0.3%
420 Xeon E5-2618L v4 4,932
-0.3%

View full ranking →

Data Processing

Aggregated score for Core i7-5960X based on data encryption, data compression, and string sorting benchmarks.

4,993 Rank: 423
Rank Name Score Visual
419 Xeon E5-2680 v2 5,009
+0.3%
420 Xeon E-2336 5,007
+0.3%
421 Core i7-6900K 4,997
+0.1%
422 Ryzen 5 1600 4,997
+0.1%
423 Core i7-5960X 4,993
424 Ryzen 5 4600U 4,992
+-0%
425 Xeon E5-2650 v4 4,989
-0.1%
426 Core i7-10875H 4,987
-0.1%
427 Core i7-10870H 4,986
-0.1%
428 Core 5 120U 4,985
-0.2%

View full ranking →

Physics & Compute

Aggregated score for Core i7-5960X based on physics simulation and extended instruction set (SSE/AVX) benchmarks.

5,029 Rank: 377
Rank Name Score Visual
373 Xeon E-2356G 5,036
+0.1%
374 Xeon E-2278G 5,035
+0.1%
375 Xeon E5-2658 v4 5,034
+0.1%
376 Core i9-9900 5,033
+0.1%
377 Core i7-5960X 5,029
378 Ryzen 7 PRO 4750GE 5,028
+-0%
379 Core i7-10700F 5,027
+-0%
380 EPYC 7281 5,024
-0.1%
381 Xeon Silver 4215 5,023
-0.1%
382 Core i7-7800X 5,022
-0.1%

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Core i7-5960X Details

The Intel Core i7-5960X stands as a high-end desktop processor from Intel's Haswell-E generation, launched in September 2014. While it's now considered an older device by modern standards, it remains a powerful option for enthusiasts and professionals seeking robust multi-threaded performance. With a base clock of 3.0 GHz and a turbo frequency reaching 3.5 GHz, the chip leverages Intel Hyper-Threading to deliver 16 threads across its 8 cores, making it particularly strong in workloads that benefit from parallel processing. Built on a 22 nm process, the processor features a substantial 20 MB of L3 cache and operates at a TDP of 140 W, requiring effective cooling solutions. It uses the LGA2011-v3 socket and supports quad-channel DDR4 memory up to 2133 MT/s, with a maximum capacity of 64 GB. The i7-5960X lacks integrated graphics, necessitating a discrete GPU for visual output.

In benchmark testing, the Core i7-5960X achieves an overall score of 5453, placing it at rank #517 among 2060 processors. Its single-core performance scores 5470, ranking #576, while its multicore score reaches 5427, positioning it at #421. These results highlight that while the i7-5960X holds strong in single-threaded tasks—competing closely with modern high-end mobile processors like the Core i7-9850H—it truly excels in multi-threaded environments, where it outperforms many contemporary desktop CPUs. Notably, it ranks just below the Ryzen 7 PRO 4750GE and Xeon E5-2686 v4 in multicore performance, yet trails behind the top-tier CPUs in the Passmark rankings.

The processor supports a wide array of modern technologies, including AVX, AVX2, AES-NI, and Intel's virtualization features such as VT-x and VT-d. With an unlocked multiplier, the i7-5960X offers excellent overclocking potential, allowing users to push performance beyond its stock frequencies. However, its 140 W TDP and 22 nm manufacturing process place it in a less efficient category compared to newer 10 nm and 7 nm processors. Despite its age, the Core i7-5960X continues to be relevant in niche markets such as content creation, scientific computing, and high-end gaming when paired with a capable GPU.

As of March 2026, the Core i7-5960X remains a compelling choice for users who prioritize raw multicore throughput over energy efficiency or modern features like AVX-512. While it has been eclipsed by newer architectures from both Intel and AMD, its performance in multi-threaded workloads still positions it as a capable performer in legacy builds or budget-conscious high-performance systems. For those seeking a balance between cost and power, the i7-5960X offers a proven platform for demanding applications without the premium price of current-generation chips.
Frequently Compared

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 5 views

Intel Xeon E5-2667 v4 4 views

AMD Ryzen 7 2700E 4 views

AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200GE 1 view

AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 1 view

AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3500U 1 view

Intel Xeon Silver 4210 1 view

Intel Xeon Silver 4208 1 view

Intel Xeon Silver 4116 1 view

Intel Xeon Silver 4112 1 view

Intel Core i7-5960X

Main Specifications

Designer: Intel
Name: Core i7-5960X
Model Number: i7-5960X
Cores: 8
Threads: 16
Base Frequency: 3000 MHz
Clock Multiplier: 30x (locked)
Core Name: Haswell-E
Socket: LGA2011-v3
Package:
Target Segment: Desktop
Max CPUs: 1
TDP: 140 W

Cache Specifications

L1 Cache: 62.464 KiB
L2 Cache: 0.244 MiB
L3 Cache: 19.073 MiB

Memory Specifications

Supported Memory Type: DDR4 1333/1600/2133
Memory Channels: 4
Maximum Memory: 0 GB
Maximum Bandwidth: 68 GB/s
ECC Support: No

PCI-Express Specifications

PCIe Revision: 3.0
PCIe Lanes: 40
PCIe Configuration: Up to 1x16, 2x8, 1x8+2x4

Integrated Graphics

GPU: None
GPU Designer: Intel
GPU Max Frequency: 1150 MHz

Physical Specifications

Process: 22 nm
Die Area: 356 mm²
Manufacturer: Intel
Word Size: 64-bit

CPU Features

MMX SSE SSE2 SSE3 SSSE3 SSE4.1 SSE4.2 AVX AVX2 BMI1 BMI2 FMA3 AES CLMUL F16C x86-64 HT EIST TXT VT-x VT-d EPT Secure Key SMEP IPT TSX
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