Intel Core i7-5960X Extreme CPU Performance Review

By David Ramsey

Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Product Name: Core i7-5960X Desktop Processor
Model Number: BX80648I75960X
Price: $1049.99 (Newegg | Amazon | B&H)

Full Disclosure: Intel provided the product sample used in this article.

Benchmark Reviews has now completed performance testing of our Intel Core i7-5960X Haswell-E processor. As this is Intel’s first 8-core consumer processor, we have high expectations for this top-end iteration of the new Haswell-E architecture. Equipped with Intel’s 22nm, “3D” transistors, 20 megabytes of on-chip cache, and a new DDR4 memory controller, the 5960X is unlike anything Intel’s ever done before.

If you haven’t read our Intel Core i7-5960X Extreme Processor Preview article, please do, as it will give you the background you need to get the most from this performance review. However, here’s a quick look at the Haswell-E features and Intel’s family of unlocked desktop-class CPUs to get you started.

Haswell-E Features

Features and specifications courtesy of Intel

• 8 Cores, 16 Threads
• Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
• Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
• Supports LGA2011-V3 socket Intel X99 Express Chipset-based motherboards
• Up to 20 MB Intel Smart Cache
• Integrated Quad-Channel Memory Controller (also supports dual and triple channel)
• 4 channels of DDR4 2133 MHz
• Up to 40 PCI Express Gen 3 Lanes

Unlocked Intel 2014 Core i5/i7 Processor Family Specifications

Processor	Base Clock	Max Turbo Clock	Cores/ Threads	Cache	PCI-E lanes	Memory	TDP	Socket	Price
i7-5960X	3.0gHz	3.5gHz	8/16	20MB	40	4 channels DDR4-2133	140W	2011-V3	$999
i7-5930K	3.5gHz	3.7gHz	6/12	15MB	40	4 channels DDR4-2133	140W	2011-V3	$583
i7-5820K	3.3gHz	3.6gHz	6/12	15MB	28	4 channels DDR4-2133	140W	2011-V3	$389
i7-4790K	4.0gHz	4.4gHz	4/8	8MB	16	2 channels DDR3-1600	88W	1150	$339
i5-4690K	3.5gHz	3.9gHz	4/4	6MB	16	2 channels DDR3-1600	88W	1150	$242

Prices are for trays of 1,000 CPUs; individual retail prices will vary.

All of these CPUs use Intel’s latest “Haswell” architecture, with 22nm, 3D transistors. The new LGA2011-V3 CPUs all have DDR4 memory controllers, while the other two get by with DDR3. The one to keep your eye on, though, is the Core i7-4790K. Note that its base frequency is more than 30% higher than that of the 5960X, and its price is about a third of its big brothers’. Will the extra cost of the Haswell-E CPU be justified by its performance?