Apple M1 Pro 8-Core vs i7-3960X Extreme Edition
Aggregate performance score
Apple M1 Pro 8-Core outperforms Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition by an impressive 94% based on our aggregate benchmark results.
Primary details
Comparing Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition and Apple M1 Pro 8-Core processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.
| Place in the ranking | 1142 | 712 |
| Place by popularity | not in top-100 | not in top-100 |
| Market segment | Desktop processor | Laptop |
| Series | Intel Core i7EE | Apple M-Series |
| Power efficiency | 4.07 | no data |
| Architecture codename | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | no data |
| Release date | 14 November 2011 (13 years ago) | 18 October 2021 (3 years ago) |
Detailed specifications
Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition and Apple M1 Pro 8-Core basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.
| Physical cores | 6 (Hexa-Core) | 8 (Octa-Core) |
| Threads | 12 | 8 |
| Base clock speed | no data | 2.06 GHz |
| Boost clock speed | 3.3 GHz | 3.22 GHz |
| Bus type | DMI 2.0 | no data |
| Bus rate | 5 GT/s | no data |
| Multiplier | 33 | no data |
| L1 cache | no data | 2.3 MB |
| L2 cache | 1,536 KB | 28 MB |
| L3 cache | 15 MB | 16 MB |
| Chip lithography | 32 nm | 5 nm |
| Die size | 434.72 mm2 | no data |
| Number of transistors | 2270 Million | 33700 Million |
| 64 bit support | + | + |
| Windows 11 compatibility | - | no data |
Compatibility
Information on Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition and Apple M1 Pro 8-Core compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.
| Number of CPUs in a configuration | 1 (Uniprocessor) | no data |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 130 Watt | 2060 ‑ 3220 Watt |
Technologies and extensions
Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition and Apple M1 Pro 8-Core. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.
| AES-NI | + | - |
| AVX | + | - |
| Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST) | + | no data |
Memory specs
Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition and Apple M1 Pro 8-Core. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.
| Maximum memory size | 64 GB | no data |
Graphics specifications
General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.
| Integrated graphics card | no data | Apple M1 Pro 14-Core GPU |
Peripherals
Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition and Apple M1 Pro 8-Core.
| PCIe version | 2.00 | no data |
| PCI Express lanes | 40 | no data |
Pros & cons summary
| Performance score | 5.70 | 11.03 |
| Recency | 14 November 2011 | 18 October 2021 |
| Physical cores | 6 | 8 |
| Threads | 12 | 8 |
| Chip lithography | 32 nm | 5 nm |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 130 Watt | 2060 Watt |
i7-3960X Extreme Edition has 50% more threads, and 1484.6% lower power consumption.
Apple M1 Pro 8-Core, on the other hand, has a 93.5% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 9 years, 33.3% more physical cores, and a 540% more advanced lithography process.
The Apple M1 Pro 8-Core is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition in performance tests.
Note that Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition is a desktop processor while Apple M1 Pro 8-Core is a notebook one.
Should you still have questions on choice between Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition and Apple M1 Pro 8-Core, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.
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