Intel Core i7-4960X vs Intel Core i5-6400
The Core i7-4960X has 91% better performance than the Core i5-6400 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
The Core i5-6400 has 28% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.
Summary
About the Intel Core i7-4960X CPU
The Intel Core i7-4960X is a 6-core (12-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q3 2013. It is part of Intel's Core i7 Extreme lineup, which is based on the Ivy Bridge-E microarchitecture. The i7-4960X is compatible with Intel Socket 2011 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 22 nm manufacturing process.
Memory and Cache
The Core i7-4960X supports DDR3 memory and features a quad-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 4 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-4960X 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 15 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Core i7-4960X features 6 total cores which can process 12 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.6 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.0 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 i7-4960X does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.
Benchmark Performance
The Core i7-4960X has the 201st best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 714 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 31.34% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X.
About the Intel Core i5-6400 CPU
The Intel Core i5-6400 is an end-of-life 4-core (4-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q3 2015 with a suggested retail price of $182. It is part of Intel's Core i5 lineup, which is based on the Skylake microarchitecture. The i5-6400 is compatible with Intel Socket 1151 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process. It features the HD Graphics 530 integrated graphics solution.
Memory and Cache
The Core i5-6400 supports DDR4 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i5-6400 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 6 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Core i5-6400 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 2.7 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.3 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.
Integrated Graphics
The Core i5-6400 includes an integrated graphics solution called HD Graphics 530. 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 i5-6400 has the 375th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 714 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 16.42% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X. Its 6,283 score and $182 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 34.52. This is the 100th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.
General Info
General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.
| Info | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Series | Core i7 Extreme | Core i5 |
| Market Segment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Release Date | Q3 2013 | Q3 2015 |
| Launch Price (MSRP) | -- | $182 |
| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |
| Shop | Check Price | Check Price |
Benchmark Performance
The Core i7-4960X has 91% better performance than the Core i5-6400 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
The Core i7-4960X is ranked 201st with a score of 11,992, and the Core i5-6400 is ranked 375th with a score of 6,283.
The Core i5-6400 has 59% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X.
Core i5-6400's 34.52 performance per dollar ranks it 0th 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.
| CPU | Benchmark Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i7-7740X | 12,296 | +3% |
| Ryzen 5 2600X | 12,074 | +1% |
| Core i7-4960X | 11,992 | |
| Core i7-7700K | 11,813 | -1% |
| Core i7-8086K | 11,554 | -4% |
| Core i5-2500K | 6,571 | -45% |
| Core i5-4460 | 6,499 | -46% |
| Core i5-6400 | 6,283 | -48% |
| Ryzen 3 1200 | 5,975 | -50% |
| Core i5-3470 | 5,575 | -54% |
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.
| CPU | Performance Per Dollar | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i5-8500 | 41.36 | +20% |
| Core i5-11400T | 40.21 | +16% |
| Ryzen 7 1700 | 38.67 | +12% |
| FX-8350 | 36.33 | +5% |
| Core i5-4460 | 34.75 | +1% |
| Core i5-6400 | 34.52 | |
| Core i7-3770 | 34.18 | -1% |
| Core i5-3550 | 33.98 | -2% |
| Core i7-6700K | 33.12 | -4% |
| Core i7-6700 | 32.45 | -6% |
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
| Benchmark | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| 3DMark 11 Performance Physics | 11,992 (+90.86%) | 6,283 |
| Cinebench R15 Multi-Core | 1,076 (+110.98%) | 510 |
| Cinebench R15 Single-Core | 144 (+7.46%) | 134 |
| Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core | 3,495 (+14.22%) | 3,060 |
| Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core | 703 | 1,124 (+59.89%) |
| CPU Mark Multi-Thread | 10,092 (+95.24%) | 5,169 |
| CPU Mark Single-Thread | 2,082 (+6.33%) | 1,958 |
Technical Specs
Manufacturing Details
Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.
| Spec | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Foundry | Intel | Intel |
| Process Size | 22 nm | 14 nm |
| Transistors | 1,860 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.
| Spec | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Core i7 Extreme | Core i5 |
| Microarchitecture | Ivy Bridge-E | Skylake |
| Codename | Ivy Bridge-E | Skylake |
| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |
| ECC Memory | No | No |
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.
| Spec | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 4 |
| Threads | 12 | 4 |
| Clock Speed | 3.6 GHz | 2.7 GHz |
| Turbo Clock | 4.0 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Multiplier | 36.0x | 27.0x |
| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |
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.
| Spec | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| L1 Cache | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB | 6 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.
| Spec | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | Intel Socket 2011 | Intel Socket 1151 |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 130 W | 65 W |
| Tcase Max | -- | 71 °C |
| TJ Max | 66.8 °C | -- |
Graphics, Features, & Extensions
Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.
| Spec | Core i7-4960X | Core i5-6400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Graphics | -- | HD Graphics 530 |
| Extensions / Technologies | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NI | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, FMA3, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, vPro, Boost 2.0 |
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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.