CPU comparison with benchmarks |
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CPU lineage |
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Intel Core i7-3960X or Intel Core i7-3960X – which processor offers superior performance? In this comparison, we examine disparities and assess which of these two CPUs outperforms the other. We delve into technical specifications and benchmark outcomes.
The Intel Core i7-3960X features 6 processor cores and has the capability to manage 12 threads concurrently. It was released in Q4/2011 and belongs to the 3 generation of the Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition series. To use the Intel Core i7-3960X, you'll need a motherboard with a LGA 2011 socket. The Intel Xeon E7-2870 v2 features 15 processor cores and has the capability to manage 30 threads concurrently. It was released in Q1/2014 and belongs to the 4 generation of the Intel Xeon E7 series. To use the Intel Xeon E7-2870 v2, you'll need a motherboard with a LGA 2011 socket. |
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| Desktop / Server | Segment | Desktop / Server |
| Intel Core i7-3960X | Name | Intel Xeon E7-2870 v2 |
| Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition | Family | Intel Xeon E7 |
| 3 | Generation | 4 |
| Intel Core i 3000X | Group | Intel Xeon E7 v2 |
CPU Cores and Base Frequency |
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The Intel Core i7-3960X has 6 CPU cores and can calculate 12 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core i7-3960X is 3.3 GHz and turbo frequency for one core is 3.9 GHz. The number of CPU cores greatly affects the speed of the processor and is an important performance indicator. The Intel Xeon E7-2870 v2 has 15 CPU cores and can calculate 30 threads in parallel. The clock frequency of the Intel Xeon E7-2870 v2 is 2.3 GHz and turbo frequency for one core is 2.9 GHz. |
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| 3.9 GHz | Turbo Frequency (1 core) | 2.9 GHz |
| Yes | Overclocking | No |
| normal | Core architecture | normal |
| 3.3 GHz | Frequency | 2.3 GHz |
| 12 | Threads | 30 |
| 3.9 GHz | Turbo Frequency (all cores) | None |
| Yes | Hyperthreading | Yes |
| 6 | CPU Cores | 15 |
| 6x | Cores | 15x |
Internal Graphics |
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The Intel Core i7-3960X does not have integrated graphics.
The Intel Xeon E7-2870 v2 does not have integrated graphics. |
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| -- | GPU frequency | -- |
| -- | Release date | -- |
| -- | Direct X | -- |
| GPU name | ||
| -- | Technology | -- |
| -- | Max. displays | -- |
| -- | Shaders | -- |
| 0 bytes | Max. GPU Memory | 0 bytes |
| -- | Execution units | -- |
| -- | Generation | -- |
| -- | GPU (Turbo) | -- |
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning |
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| -- | AI specifications | -- |
| -- | AI hardware | -- |
Hardware codec support |
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A photo or video codec that is accelerated in hardware can greatly accelerate the working speed of a processor and extend the battery life of notebooks or smartphones when playing videos.
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| -- | AVC | -- |
| -- | VC-1 | -- |
| -- | VP9 | -- |
| -- | h265 / HEVC (10 bit) | -- |
| -- | h264 | -- |
| -- | VP8 | -- |
| -- | h265 / HEVC (8 bit) | -- |
| -- | JPEG | -- |
| -- | AV1 | -- |
Memory & PCIe |
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The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 64.0 GB distributed across 4 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.
The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 1.5 TB distributed across 4 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance. |
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| 4 | Memory channels | 4 |
| 64.0 GB | Max. Memory | 1.5 TB |
| pci | PCIe | pci |
| Yes | AES-NI | Yes |
| No | ECC | Yes |
| 51.2 GB/s | Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s |
| DDR3-1600 | Memory type | DDR3-1600 |
Thermal Management |
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The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 130 W watts.
TDP indicates the cooling solution needed to effectively manage the processor's heat. It generally provides an approximate indication of the actual power consumption of the CPU itself. |
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| -- | Tjunction max | -- |
| 130 W | TDP (PL1 / PBP) | 130 W |
Technical details |
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The Intel Core i7-3960X is manufactured using a 32 nm process.
A smaller manufacturing process indicates a more contemporary and energy-efficient CPU. In total, this processor boasts a generous 15.0 MB cache. A substantial cache can significantly enhance the processor's performance, particularly in scenarios like gaming. The Intel Xeon E7-2870 v2 is manufactured using a 22 nm process. In total, this processor boasts a generous 30.0 MB cache. |
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| Q4/2011 | Release date | Q1/2014 |
| -- | Part Number | -- |
| 0 bytes | L2-Cache | 0 bytes |
| VT-x, VT-x EPT, VT-d (C2 Stepping) | Virtualization | VT-x, VT-x EPT, VT-d |
| SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX | ISA extensions | SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX |
| Monolithic | Chip design | Monolithic |
| Sandy Bridge E | Architecture | Ivy Bridge EX |
| 32 nm | Technology | 22 nm |
| LGA 2011 | Socket | LGA 2011 |
| Windows 10, Linux | Operating systems | Windows 10, Linux |
| 970 $ | Release price | 3100 $ |
| Technical data sheet | Documents | Technical data sheet |
| x86-64 (64 bit) | Instruction set (ISA) | x86-64 (64 bit) |
| 15.0 MB | L3-Cache | 30.0 MB |