Intel Core i7-2960XM vs AMD PRO A12-9800B

VS
Performance
Core i7-2960XM256% better
8,09822% of 36,991
PRO A12-9800B
2,2756% of 36,991

The Core i7-2960XM has 256% better performance than the PRO A12-9800B for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i7-2960XM
7.396% of 121.53
PRO A12-9800B
No data available

The Core i7-2960XM has 6% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.

Shop Core i7-2960XM
Shop PRO A12-9800B
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Summary

#

About the Intel Core i7-2960XM CPU

The Intel Core i7-2960XM is an end-of-life 4-core (8-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q3 2011 with a suggested retail price of $1,096. It is part of Intel's Core i7 Extreme lineup, which is based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. The i7-2960XM is compatible with Intel Socket G2 (988B) motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 32 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i7-2960XM supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-2960XM has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 8 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i7-2960XM features 4 total cores which can process 8 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.7 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.7 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i7-2960XM includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD 3000. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i7-2960XM has the 306th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 21.89% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 8,098 score and $1,096 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 7.39. This is the 208th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

About the AMD PRO A12-9800B CPU

The AMD PRO A12-9800B is a 4-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. The PRO A12-9800B is compatible with BGA (FP4) motherboards and is fabricated on a 28 nm manufacturing process. It features the Radeon R7 Series integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

In terms of cache, the PRO A12-9800B has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 512 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 2 MB, is larger but slower than the L1.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The PRO A12-9800B features 4 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2700.0 MHz, and it can boost up to 3600.0 MHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture.

Integrated Graphics

The PRO A12-9800B includes an integrated graphics solution called Radeon R7 Series. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance

The PRO A12-9800B has the 588th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 6.15% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

General Info

General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.

InfoCore i7-2960XMPRO A12-9800B
ManufacturerIntelAMD
SeriesCore i7 Extreme--
Market SegmentMobileMobile
Release DateQ3 2011--
Launch Price (MSRP)$1,096--
Production StatusEnd-of-life--
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i7-2960XM256% better
8,09822% of 36,991
PRO A12-9800B
2,2756% of 36,991

The Core i7-2960XM has 256% better performance than the PRO A12-9800B for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i7-2960XM is ranked 306th with a score of 8,098, and the PRO A12-9800B is ranked 588th with a score of 2,275.

Performance per dollar
Core i7-2960XM
7.396% of 121.53
PRO A12-9800B
No data available

The Core i7-2960XM has 14% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

Core i7-2960XM's 7.39 performance per dollar ranks it 208th among the other benchmarked CPUs in our database.

Relative Performance

The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i7-2960XM or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Core i5-8259U8,528.5+5%
Core i7-4900MQ8,490+5%
Core i7-2960XM8,098
Core i7-4810MQ8,012-1%
Core i7-4710MQ7,979-1%
Core i5-3339Y2,313-71%
Core M-5Y10c2,311-71%
PRO A12-9800B2,275-72%
Celeron 2970M2,272.5-72%
A8-3500M2,247-72%

Relative Value For Money

The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i7-2960XM orPRO A12-9800B
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Core i7-5650U8.92+21%
Core i7-4940MX8.58+16%
Core i7-840QM8.25+12%
Core i7-5550U8.15+10%
Core i7-4930MX7.96+8%
Core i7-2960XM7.39
Core i7-820QM7.33-1%
Core i7-2920XM7.22-2%
Core m7-6Y756.82-8%

Benchmark Scores

This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

  • Popular
BenchmarkCore i7-2960XMPRO A12-9800B
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
8,098
(+255.96%)
2,275
3DMark Time Spy CPU
--
439
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
--
225
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
--
75
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
1,963
(+63.58%)
1,200
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
603
(+10.85%)
544
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
4,754
(+76.66%)
2,691
CPU Mark Single-Thread
1,598
(+14.8%)
1,392
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

#

Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecCore i7-2960XMPRO A12-9800B
ManufacturerIntelAMD
FoundryIntel--
Process Size32 nm28 nm
Transistors1,160 million3,100 million

Architecture

CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.

SpecCore i7-2960XMPRO A12-9800B
SeriesCore i7 Extreme--
MicroarchitectureSandy Bridge--
CodenameSandy BridgeBristol Ridge PRO
Memory SupportDDR3--
Memory ChannelsDual-channel--
ECC MemoryNo--

Cores & Clock Speeds

Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.

SpecCore i7-2960XMPRO A12-9800B
Cores44
Threads84
Clock Speed2.7 GHz2700.0 MHz
Turbo Clock3.7 GHz3600.0 MHz
Base Clock100 MHz--
Multiplier27.0x--
Multiplier UnlockedYes--

Cache

CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.

SpecCore i7-2960XMPRO A12-9800B
L1 Cache64 KB512 KB
L2 Cache256 KB2 MB
L3 Cache8 MB--

Compatibility & Power Consumption

Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.

SpecCore i7-2960XMPRO A12-9800B
SocketIntel Socket G2 (988B)BGA (FP4)
PCI ExpressPCIe 2.0 x16--
Thermal Design Power (TDP)55 W15 W
TJ Max100 °C90 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecCore i7-2960XMPRO A12-9800B
Integrated GraphicsIntel HD 3000Radeon R7 Series
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, TXT, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NI--

Check out these comparisons for similar CPUs:

Looking for alternatives? Check out these similar CPUs:

* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.