Ryzen Threadripper 7970X vs i7-5960X

Aggregate performance score

Core i7-5960X
2014
8 cores / 16 threads, 140 Watt
8.02
Ryzen Threadripper 7970X
2023
32 cores / 64 threads, 350 Watt
62.08
+674%

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X outperforms Core i7-5960X by a whopping 674% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core i7-5960X and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking92914
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluation0.7520.72
Market segmentDesktop processorDesktop processor
SeriesCore i7 (Desktop)no data
Power efficiency5.4216.79
Architecture codenameHaswell-E (2014)Storm Peak (2023)
Release date1 September 2014 (10 years ago)19 October 2023 (1 year ago)
Launch price (MSRP)$999$2,499

Cost-effectiveness evaluation

Performance per price, higher is better.

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X has 2663% better value for money than i7-5960X.

Detailed specifications

Core i7-5960X and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X 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 cores8 (Octa-Core)32 (Dotriaconta-Core)
Threads1664
Base clock speed3 GHz4 GHz
Boost clock speed3.5 GHz5.3 GHz
Bus rate0 GT/sno data
L1 cache64K (per core)64 KB (per core)
L2 cache256K (per core)1 MB (per core)
L3 cache20 MB (shared)128 MB (shared)
Chip lithography22 nm5 nm
Die size356 mm24x 71 mm2
Maximum core temperature67 °Cno data
Number of transistors2,600 million26,280 million
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility-no data
Unlocked multiplier++

Compatibility

Information on Core i7-5960X and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X 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 configuration11
SocketFCLGA2011sTR5
Power consumption (TDP)140 Watt350 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i7-5960X and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsIntel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVX2no data
AES-NI++
AVX++
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)+no data
Turbo Boost Technology2.0no data
Hyper-Threading Technology+no data
TSX+-
Idle States+no data
Thermal Monitoring+-
Smart Response+no data
Demand Based Switching-no data
Precision Boost 2no data+

Security technologies

Core i7-5960X and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

TXT+no data
EDB+no data
Identity Protection+-

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i7-5960X and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X are enumerated here.

AMD-V-+
VT-d+no data
VT-x+no data
EPT+no data

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i7-5960X and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR4DDR5
Maximum memory size64 GBno data
Max memory channels4no data
Maximum memory bandwidth68 GB/sno data

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics cardno dataN/A

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i7-5960X and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X.

PCIe version3.05.0
PCI Express lanes4048

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.

i7-5960X 8.02
Ryzen Threadripper 7970X 62.08
+674%

Passmark

Passmark CPU Mark is a widespread benchmark, consisting of 8 different types of workload, including integer and floating point math, extended instructions, compression, encryption and physics calculation. There is also one separate single-threaded scenario measuring single-core performance.

i7-5960X 12744
Ryzen Threadripper 7970X 98617
+674%

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 8.02 62.08
Recency 1 September 2014 19 October 2023
Physical cores 8 32
Threads 16 64
Chip lithography 22 nm 5 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 140 Watt 350 Watt

i7-5960X has 150% lower power consumption.

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X, on the other hand, has a 674.1% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 9 years, 300% more physical cores and 300% more threads, and a 340% more advanced lithography process.

The Ryzen Threadripper 7970X is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i7-5960X in performance tests.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core i7-5960X and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

Vote for your favorite

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Intel Core i7-5960X
Core i7-5960X
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X
Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

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Community ratings

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Questions & comments

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