IntelEntry-level / agingDesktop

Intel Core i7-5960X @ 3.50GHz

Explore Intel Core i7-5960X @ 3.50GHz technical reviews, specifications and benchmark results, with practical context for performance, compatibility and upgrade comparisons.

Last updated: 2026-10-20
4.4/ 10
Technical rating

Entry-level / aging

[Dual CPU] Intel Core i7-5960X @ 3.50GHz is a Desktop processor with 8 cores and 16 threads. It runs at 3 GHz and boosts up to 3.5 GHz. It records a PassMark CPU Mark of 20781 and a single-thread rating of 1663. Its stated TDP is 140 W.

CPU Mark20,781
1 samples
Single Thread1,663
Overall rank#0
Reference price—

Technical assessment

A summary based on specifications and results.

Entry-level / aging
4.4Entry-level / aging

[Dual CPU] Intel Core i7-5960X @ 3.50GHz is a Desktop processor with 8 cores and 16 threads. It runs at 3 GHz and boosts up to 3.5 GHz. It records a PassMark CPU Mark of 20781 and a single-thread rating of 1663. Its stated TDP is 140 W.

Specification context

What do these specifications mean in practice?

The Intel Core i7-5960X @ 3.50GHz is a Desktop released in 2025. Recorded specifications include 8 cores and 16 threads, up to 3.50 GHz turbo, a 140 W reference TDP, a 20,781 CPU Mark. Use these figures to understand its position, then compare the results with your software and the complete platform.

Reading guide

Read the performance results

The 20,781 CPU Mark is a broad overall-performance measure, while the 1,663 single-thread result adds context for less-parallel work. Compare the nearby alternatives on this page and do not treat one score as a verdict for every application.

Platform and compatibility

It uses socket LGA2011. A matching socket is only the first check; confirm the official motherboard CPU-support list, BIOS revision and board power limits.

Memory and power

Recorded memory support: DDR4-1600. The 140 W TDP helps size the cooling class, but it is not the same as peak wall-power consumption.

FAQ

Common processor questions

What are the key Intel Core i7-5960X @ 3.50GHz specifications?

The main recorded details are 8 cores and 16 threads, up to 3.50 GHz turbo, a 140 W reference TDP, a 20,781 CPU Mark. The tables on this page show socket, memory, cache and graphics data when available.

Is the Intel Core i7-5960X @ 3.50GHz good for gaming?

The product name or CPU Mark alone cannot answer that. Check single-thread performance, core count, the target graphics card, gaming resolution and results from the games you play.

Which motherboards support the Intel Core i7-5960X @ 3.50GHz?

Start with LGA2011 motherboards, then confirm the official CPU-support list and required BIOS revision for the exact board before buying.

How much power does the Intel Core i7-5960X @ 3.50GHz use?

The recorded reference TDP is 140 W. Real consumption can be lower or higher depending on power limits, motherboard, workload and cooling.

This guidance interprets recorded specifications and results; it does not claim hands-on device testing. Results can vary with motherboard, power, memory and cooling.

Multi-axis comparison

How does this processor compare?

A direct comparison with nearby processors from the same brand and a similar core count.

5 CPU

Overall and multi-core performance

A higher CPU Mark indicates stronger overall performance.

01AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5755GEAMD20,870 points
02Intel Core i7-5960X @ 3.50GHzThis CPU20,781 points
03Intel Core i9-7900X @ 3.30GHzIntel20,771 points
04Intel Core i7-11700F @ 2.50GHzIntel20,752 points
05Apple M4 8 CoreApple20,702 points

Single-thread performance

Measures speed in tasks that depend on one CPU thread.

01Apple M4 8 CoreApple4,485 points
02AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5755GEAMD3,353 points
05Intel Core i7-5960X @ 3.50GHzThis CPU1,663 points

Performance per watt

Estimated as CPU Mark divided by TDP.

01Apple M4 8 CoreApple941.0 Mark/W
02AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5755GEAMD596.3 Mark/W
04Intel Core i7-5960X @ 3.50GHzThis CPU148.4 Mark/W

Bars are relative to the processors shown here, not a global ranking of every CPU.

Detailed benchmark results

Snapshot from 2026-10-20

Data CompressionKBytes/Sec
375,770.00
Data EncryptionMBytes/Sec
6,382.00
Extended InstructionsMillion Matrices/Sec
25,650.00
Find Prime NumbersMillion Primes/Sec
93.00
Floating Point MathMOps/Sec
59,762.00
Integer MathMOps/Sec
81,587.00
PhysicsFrames/Sec
1,108.00
Random String SortingThousand Strings/Sec
46,331.00

Core specifications

BrandIntel
CategoryDesktop
Release year2025
SocketLGA2011
Cores / threads8 / 16
Base clock3.00 GHz
Max turbo3.50 GHz
TDP140 W
Integrated graphics—

Memory support

DDR4
Memory typeDDR4
Official speedDDR4-1600
Maximum capacity64 GB

Cache hierarchy

L1I8 x 32 KB
L1D8 x 32 KB
L28 x 4096 KB
L316 MB