Core i7-960 vs Core i7-980
Aggregate performance score
i7-980 outperforms i7-960 by a whopping 107% based on our aggregate benchmark results.
Primary details
Comparing Core i7-980 and Core i7-960 processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.
| Place in performance ranking | 1293 | 1810 |
| Place by popularity | not in top-100 | not in top-100 |
| Cost-effectiveness evaluation | 1.11 | 0.38 |
| Market segment | Desktop processor | Desktop processor |
| Series | no data | Core i7 (Desktop) |
| Architecture codename | Gulftown (2010−2011) | Bloomfield (2008−2010) |
| Release date | 26 June 2011 (13 years ago) | 20 October 2009 (14 years ago) |
| Launch price (MSRP) | $1,109 | $316 |
Cost-effectiveness evaluation
Performance per price, higher is better.
i7-980 has 192% better value for money than i7-960.
Detailed specifications
Core i7-980 and Core i7-960 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) | 4 (Quad-Core) |
| Threads | 12 | 8 |
| Base clock speed | 3.333 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock speed | 3.6 GHz | 3.46 GHz |
| Bus support | no data | 1333 MHz |
| L1 cache | 64 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |
| L2 cache | 256 KB (per core) | 256 KB (per core) |
| L3 cache | 12 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |
| Chip lithography | 32 nm | 45 nm |
| Die size | 239 mm2 | 263 mm2 |
| Maximum core temperature | 69 °C | 68 °C |
| Number of transistors | 1,170 million | 731 million |
| 64 bit support | + | + |
| Windows 11 compatibility | - | - |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | No |
Compatibility
Information on Core i7-980 and Core i7-960 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 | 1 |
| Socket | 1366 | 1366 |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 130 Watt | 130 Watt |
Technologies and extensions
Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i7-980 and Core i7-960. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.
| Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST) | no data | + |
Security technologies
Core i7-980 and Core i7-960 technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.
| TXT | no data | + |
Virtualization technologies
Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i7-980 and Core i7-960 are enumerated here.
| VT-x | no data | + |
Memory specs
Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i7-980 and Core i7-960. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.
| Supported memory types | DDR3 | DDR3 |
| Maximum memory bandwidth | no data | 25.6 GB/s |
| ECC memory support | no data | - |
Graphics specifications
General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.
| Integrated graphics card | no data | N/A |
Peripherals
Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i7-980 and Core i7-960.
| PCIe version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
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.
Core i7-980 outperforms Core i7-960 by 107% based on our aggregate benchmark results.
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.
Benchmark coverage: 65%
Core i7-980 outperforms Core i7-960 by 107% in Passmark.
3DMark Fire Strike Physics
Benchmark coverage: 4%
Core i7-980 outperforms Core i7-960 by 52% in 3DMark Fire Strike Physics.
Pros & cons summary
| Performance score | 4.48 | 2.16 |
| Recency | 26 June 2011 | 20 October 2009 |
| Physical cores | 6 | 4 |
| Threads | 12 | 8 |
| Chip lithography | 32 nm | 45 nm |
i7-980 has a 107.4% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 1 year, 50% more physical cores and 50% more threads, and a 40.6% more advanced lithography process.
The Core i7-980 is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i7-960 in performance tests.
Should you still have questions on choice between Core i7-980 and Core i7-960, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.
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