How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-3220 scores 20.2/100 overall; Intel Core i7-5960X scores 32.3/100. Intel Core i3-3220 wins 3 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-5960X wins 17.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-3220 and the Intel Core i7-5960X?

Intel Core i3-3220 advantages: 61% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 140 W; 10% higher Base clock: 3.3 GHz vs 3 GHz; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $117 vs $999. Intel Core i7-5960X advantages: Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 20; Stronger gaming score: 43 vs 20; 567% higher L3 cache: 20 MB vs 3 MB; 485% higher PassMark: 15,800 vs 2,700; 337% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 8,300 vs 1,900.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-3220 or Intel Core i7-5960X?

Intel Core i3-3220 launched cheaper at $117, versus $999 for the Intel Core i7-5960X.

Intel Core i3-3220 vs Intel Core i7-5960X

Intel

Intel Core i3-3220

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-5960X

$999

20Single-core20.5

20.4Multi-core34.1

20Gaming43.4

3 spec wins — Intel Core i3-322017 spec wins — Intel Core i7-5960X

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-5960X wins this desktop processor face-off, 32.3 to 20.2, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+23) and Multi-core (+14). Intel Core i3-3220 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-3220

61% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 140 W
10% higher Base clock: 3.3 GHz vs 3 GHz
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $117 vs $999

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-5960X

Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 20
Stronger gaming score: 43 vs 20
567% higher L3 cache: 20 MB vs 3 MB
485% higher PassMark: 15,800 vs 2,700
337% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 8,300 vs 1,900

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-5960X
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-5960X
Announced	2012	2014
Socket	LGA1155	LGA2011-v3
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Base TDP	55 W+61%	140 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-5960X
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-5960X
Cores	2	8+300%
Performance cores	2	8+300%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	16+300%
Base clock	3.3 GHz+10%	3 GHz
Boost clock	3.3 GHz	3.5 GHz+6%
L2 cache	1 MB	2 MB+300%
L3 cache	3 MB	20 MB+567%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-5960X
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-5960X
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 2500	—
iGPU clock	1,050 MHz	—

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-5960X
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-5960X
Memory support	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2133
Max memory	32 GB	64 GB+100%
Memory channels	2	4+100%

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-5960X
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-5960X
PCIe version	2	3+50%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	40+150%

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-5960X
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-5960X
Geekbench 6 (single)	790Top 99%	1,030+30%Top 96%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,720Top 99%	6,100+255%Top 69%
Cinebench R23 (single)	765Top 100%	870+14%Top 97%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	1,900Top 100%	8,300+337%Top 70%
PassMark	2,700Top 99%	15,800+485%Top 60%

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