i7-3960X Extreme Edition vs Apple M3 Max 16-Core
Aggregate performance score
Apple M3 Max 16-Core outperforms Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition by a whopping 365% based on our aggregate benchmark results.
Contents
Primary details
Comparing processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.
| Place in the ranking | 253 | 1319 |
| Place by popularity | not in top-100 | not in top-100 |
| Market segment | Laptop | Desktop processor |
| Series | Apple M3 | Intel Core i7EE |
| Power efficiency | 12.71 | 1.64 |
| Designer | Apple | Intel |
| Architecture codename | no data | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| Release date | 30 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 cores | 16 (Hexadeca-Core) | 6 (Hexa-Core) |
| Threads | 16 | 12 |
| Base clock speed | 2.748 GHz | no data |
| Boost clock speed | 4.06 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| Bus type | no data | DMI 2.0 |
| Bus rate | no data | 5 GT/s |
| Multiplier | no data | 33 |
| L2 cache | no data | 1,536 KB |
| L3 cache | no data | 15 MB |
| Chip lithography | 3 nm | 32 nm |
| Die size | no data | 434.72 mm2 |
| Number of transistors | 92000 Million | 2270 Million |
| 64 bit support | + | + |
| Windows 11 compatibility | no 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 configuration | no data | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 78 Watt | 130 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 size | no data | 64 GB |
Graphics specifications
General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.
| Integrated graphics card | Apple M3 Max 40-Core GPU | no data |
Peripherals
Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by M3 Max 16-Core and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition.
| PCIe version | no data | 2.00 |
| PCI Express lanes | no data | 40 |
Pros & cons summary
| Performance score | 23.58 | 5.07 |
| 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 365.1% 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.
Other comparisons
We've compiled a selection of CPU comparisons, ranging from closely matched processors to other comparisons that may be of interest.
