i7-3960X Extreme Edition vs i7-3970X Extreme Edition

VS

Aggregate performance score

Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
2012
6 cores / 12 threads, 150 Watt
5.81
+3.9%
Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
2011
6 cores / 12 threads, 130 Watt
5.59

Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition outperforms Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition by a minimal 4% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking11291153
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Market segmentDesktop processorDesktop processor
SeriesIntel Core i7EEIntel Core i7EE
Power efficiency3.674.07
Architecture codenameSandy Bridge (2011−2013)Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Release date12 November 2012 (12 years ago)14 November 2011 (13 years ago)

Detailed specifications

Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition 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 cores6 (Hexa-Core)6 (Hexa-Core)
Threads1212
Boost clock speed3.5 GHz3.3 GHz
Bus typeDMI 2.0DMI 2.0
Bus rate5 GT/s5 GT/s
Multiplier3533
L2 cache1,536 KB1,536 KB
L3 cache15 MB15 MB
Chip lithography32 nm32 nm
Die sizeno data434.72 mm2
Number of transistorsno data2270 Million
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility--

Compatibility

Information on Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition 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 configuration1 (Uniprocessor)1 (Uniprocessor)
Power consumption (TDP)150 Watt130 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

AES-NI++
AVX++
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)++

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Maximum memory size64 GB64 GB

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition.

PCIe version2.002.00
PCI Express lanes4040

Synthetic benchmark performance

Various benchmark results of the processors in comparison. Overall score is measured in points in 0-100 range, higher is better.


Combined synthetic benchmark score

This is our combined benchmark performance rating. We are regularly improving our combining algorithms, but if you find some perceived inconsistencies, feel free to speak up in comments section, we usually fix problems quickly.

i7-3970X Extreme Edition 5.81
+3.9%
i7-3960X Extreme Edition 5.59

3DMark Fire Strike Physics

i7-3970X Extreme Edition 12900
+3.5%
i7-3960X Extreme Edition 12460

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 5.81 5.59
Recency 12 November 2012 14 November 2011
Power consumption (TDP) 150 Watt 130 Watt

i7-3970X Extreme Edition has a 3.9% higher aggregate performance score, and an age advantage of 11 months.

i7-3960X Extreme Edition, on the other hand, has 15.4% lower power consumption.

Given the minimal performance differences, no clear winner can be declared between Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

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Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition

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Community ratings

Here you can see how users rate the processors, as well as rate them yourself.


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3.8 39 votes

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Questions & comments

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