i7-3960X Extreme Edition vs Ryzen 5 1600X

VS

Aggregate performance score

Ryzen 5 1600X
2017
6 cores / 12 threads, 95 Watt
8.22
+47%
Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
2011
6 cores / 12 threads, 130 Watt
5.59

Ryzen 5 1600X outperforms Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition by a considerable 47% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Ryzen 5 1600X and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking9251153
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluation4.49no data
Market segmentDesktop processorDesktop processor
SeriesAMD Ryzen 5Intel Core i7EE
Power efficiency8.194.07
Architecture codenameZen (2017−2020)Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Release date16 March 2017 (7 years ago)14 November 2011 (13 years ago)
Launch price (MSRP)$249no data

Cost-effectiveness evaluation

Performance per price, higher is better.

no data

Detailed specifications

Ryzen 5 1600X 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 cores6 (Hexa-Core)6 (Hexa-Core)
Threads1212
Base clock speed3.6 GHzno data
Boost clock speed3.6 GHz3.3 GHz
Bus typeno dataDMI 2.0
Bus rate4 × 8 GT/s5 GT/s
Multiplier3633
L1 cache576 KBno data
L2 cache3 MB1,536 KB
L3 cache16 MB (shared)15 MB
Chip lithography14 nm32 nm
Die size213 mm2434.72 mm2
Number of transistors4800 Million2270 Million
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility--
Unlocked multiplier+-

Compatibility

Information on Ryzen 5 1600X 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 configuration1 (Uniprocessor)1 (Uniprocessor)
SocketAM4no data
Power consumption (TDP)95 Watt130 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Ryzen 5 1600X 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+

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Ryzen 5 1600X and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition are enumerated here.

AMD-V+-

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Ryzen 5 1600X and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR4no data
Maximum memory size64 GB64 GB
Max memory channels2no data
Maximum memory bandwidth42.671 GB/sno data
ECC memory support+-

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Ryzen 5 1600X and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition.

PCIe version3.02.00
PCI Express lanes2440

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 8.22 5.59
Recency 16 March 2017 14 November 2011
Chip lithography 14 nm 32 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 95 Watt 130 Watt

Ryzen 5 1600X has a 47% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 5 years, a 128.6% more advanced lithography process, and 36.8% lower power consumption.

The Ryzen 5 1600X is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition in performance tests.


Should you still have questions on choice between Ryzen 5 1600X and Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

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AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
Ryzen 5 1600X
Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition
Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition

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Community ratings

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Questions & comments

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