Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition vs Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
Aggregated performance score
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition outperforms Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition by 4% based on our aggregated benchmark results.
General info
Comparing Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.
| Place in performance ranking | 1006 | 1034 |
| Place by popularity | not in top-100 | not in top-100 |
| Value for money | 0.72 | 1.67 |
| Market segment | Desktop processor | Desktop processor |
| Series | Intel Core i7EE | Intel Core i7EE |
| Architecture codename | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| Release date | 12 November 2012 (11 years ago) | 14 November 2011 (12 years ago) |
| Current price | $690 | $275 |
Value for money
Performance per price, higher is better.
i7-3960X Extreme Edition has 132% better value for money than i7-3970X Extreme Edition.
Technical specs
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition 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 | 6 (Hexa-Core) | 6 (Hexa-Core) |
| Threads | 12 | 12 |
| Boost clock speed | 3.5 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| Bus support | 5 GT/s | 5 GT/s |
| L2 cache | 1,536 KB | 1,536 KB |
| L3 cache | 15 MB | 15 MB |
| Chip lithography | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Die size | no data | 434.72 mm220.9 mm × 20.8 mm |
| Number of transistors | no data | 2270 Million |
| 64 bit support | + | + |
| Windows 11 compatibility | - | - |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | No |
Compatibility
Information on Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition 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 | 1 (Uniprocessor) | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 150 Watt | 130 Watt |
Technologies and extensions
Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.
| AES-NI | + | + |
| AVX | + | + |
| Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST) | + | + |
Memory specs
Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.
| Maximum memory size | 64 GB | 64 GB |
Peripherals
Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition.
| PCIe version | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| PCI Express lanes | 40 | 40 |
Synthetic benchmark performance
Various benchmark results of the processors in comparison. Overall score is measured in points in 0-100 range, higher is better.
Combined synthetic benchmark score
This is our combined benchmark performance rating. We are regularly improving our combining algorithms, but if you find some perceived inconsistencies, feel free to speak up in comments section, we usually fix problems quickly.
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition outperforms Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition by 4% based on our aggregated benchmark results.
3DMark Fire Strike Physics
Benchmark coverage: 4%
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition outperforms Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition by 4% in 3DMark Fire Strike Physics.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Performance score | 5.97 | 5.75 |
| Recency | 12 November 2012 | 14 November 2011 |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 150 Watt | 130 Watt |
We couldn't decide between Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition. The differences in performance seem too small.
Should you still have questions on choice between Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.
Similar processor comparisons
We picked several similar comparisons of processors in the same market segment and performance relatively close to those reviewed on this page.
