i7-3960X Extreme Edition vs Apple M3 Max 16-Core

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Aggregate performance score

Apple M3 Max 16-Core
2023
16 cores / 16 threads, 78 Watt
25.65
+365%
Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
2011
6 cores / 12 threads, 130 Watt
5.52

Apple M3 Max 16-Core outperforms Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition by a whopping 365% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking2451304
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Market segmentLaptopDesktop processor
SeriesApple M3Intel Core i7EE
Power efficiency12.721.64
DesignerAppleIntel
Architecture codenameno dataSandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Release date30 October 2023 (1 year ago)14 November 2011 (13 years ago)

Detailed specifications

M3 Max 16-Core and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition 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 cores16 (Hexadeca-Core)6 (Hexa-Core)
Threads1612
Base clock speed2.748 GHzno data
Boost clock speed4.06 GHz3.3 GHz
Bus typeno dataDMI 2.0
Bus rateno data5 GT/s
Multiplierno data33
L2 cacheno data1,536 KB
L3 cacheno data15 MB
Chip lithography3 nm32 nm
Die sizeno data434.72 mm2
Number of transistors92000 Million2270 Million
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibilityno data-

Compatibility

Information on M3 Max 16-Core and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition 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 configurationno data1 (Uniprocessor)
Power consumption (TDP)78 Watt130 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by M3 Max 16-Core and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

AES-NI-+
AVX-+
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)no data+

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by M3 Max 16-Core and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Maximum memory sizeno data64 GB

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics cardApple M3 Max 40-Core GPUno data

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by M3 Max 16-Core and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition.

PCIe versionno data2.00
PCI Express lanesno data40

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 25.65 5.52
Recency 30 October 2023 14 November 2011
Physical cores 16 6
Threads 16 12
Chip lithography 3 nm 32 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 78 Watt 130 Watt

Apple M3 Max 16-Core has a 364.7% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 11 years, 166.7% more physical cores and 33.3% more threads, a 966.7% more advanced lithography process, and 66.7% lower power consumption.

The Apple M3 Max 16-Core is our recommended choice as it beats the Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition in performance tests.

Be aware that Apple M3 Max 16-Core is a notebook processor while Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition is a desktop one.

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Apple M3 Max 16-Core
M3 Max 16-Core
Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition

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Community ratings

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3 308 votes

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3.8 40 votes

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