Intel Core i7-4960X vs Intel Core i7-6700K

VS
Performance
Core i7-4960X7% better
11,99232% of 36,991
Core i7-6700K
11,22830% of 36,991

The Core i7-4960X has 7% better performance than the Core i7-6700K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i7-4960X
No data available
Core i7-6700K
33.1227% of 121.53

The Core i7-6700K has 27% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.

Shop Core i7-4960X
Shop Core i7-6700K
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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 198th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 32.42% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

About the Intel Core i7-6700K CPU

The Intel Core i7-6700K is an end-of-life 4-core (8-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q3 2015 with a suggested retail price of $339. It is part of Intel's Core i7 lineup, which is based on the Skylake microarchitecture. The i7-6700K 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 i7-6700K supports DDR3, DDR4 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-6700K 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 i7-6700K 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 4.0 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.2 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 i7-6700K 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 i7-6700K has the 217th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 30.35% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 11,228 score and $339 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 33.12. This is the 109th 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.

InfoCore i7-4960XCore i7-6700K
ManufacturerIntelIntel
SeriesCore i7 ExtremeCore i7
Market SegmentDesktopDesktop
Release DateQ3 2013Q3 2015
Launch Price (MSRP)--$339
Production StatusActiveEnd-of-life
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i7-4960X7% better
11,99232% of 36,991
Core i7-6700K
11,22830% of 36,991

The Core i7-4960X has 7% better performance than the Core i7-6700K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i7-4960X is ranked 198th with a score of 11,992, and the Core i7-6700K is ranked 217th with a score of 11,228.

Performance per dollar
Core i7-4960X
No data available
Core i7-6700K
33.1227% of 121.53

The Core i7-6700K has 63% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

Core i7-6700K's 33.12 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.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i7-4960X or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Ryzen 5 260012,405+3%
Core i7-7740X12,296+3%
Ryzen 5 2600X12,074+1%
Core i7-4960X11,992
Core i7-7700K11,813-1%
Core i7-8086K11,554-4%
Core i7-6700K11,228-6%
Core i5-9400F11,185-7%
Ryzen 5 160011,164-7%
Core i7-4790K10,886-9%

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 i7-4960X orCore i7-6700K
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Core i7-8700K41.13+24%
Core i5-11400T40.21+21%
Ryzen 7 170038.67+17%
Core i7-9700K38.07+15%
Core i7-377034.18+3%
Core i7-6700K33.12
Core i7-670032.45-2%
Core i7-4790K31.1-6%
Core i7-3770K29.45-11%
Core i7-479029.27-12%

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 i7-4960XCore i7-6700K
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
11,992
(+6.8%)
11,228
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
1,076
(+22.27%)
880
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
144
177.5
(+23.26%)
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
3,495
4,946
(+41.52%)
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
703
1,507
(+114.37%)
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
10,092
(+13.02%)
8,929
CPU Mark Single-Thread
2,082
2,505
(+20.32%)
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

#

Manufacturing Details

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

SpecCore i7-4960XCore i7-6700K
ManufacturerIntelIntel
FoundryIntelIntel
Process Size22 nm14 nm
Transistors1,860 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.

SpecCore i7-4960XCore i7-6700K
SeriesCore i7 ExtremeCore i7
MicroarchitectureIvy Bridge-ESkylake
CodenameIvy Bridge-ESkylake
Memory SupportDDR3DDR3, DDR4
Memory ChannelsQuad-channelDual-channel
ECC MemoryNoNo

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 i7-4960XCore i7-6700K
Cores64
Threads128
Clock Speed3.6 GHz4.0 GHz
Turbo Clock4.0 GHz4.2 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz100 MHz
Multiplier36.0x40.0x
Multiplier UnlockedYesYes

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 i7-4960XCore i7-6700K
L1 Cache64 KB64 KB
L2 Cache256 KB256 KB
L3 Cache15 MB8 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 i7-4960XCore i7-6700K
SocketIntel Socket 2011Intel Socket 1151
PCI ExpressPCIe 3.0PCIe 3.0 x16
Thermal Design Power (TDP)130 W91 W
Tcase Max--64 °C
TJ Max66.8 °C--

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

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

SpecCore i7-4960XCore i7-6700K
Integrated Graphics--HD Graphics 530
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NIMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, ABM, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, EPT, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, MPX, SGX, CLMUL, FMA3, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, SMEP, TBT 2.0

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.