Intel Core i7-4790 vs Intel Core i7-5960X
27.2Single-core20.5
25.9Multi-core34.1
24.4Gaming43.4
5 spec wins — Intel Core i7-479012 spec wins — Intel Core i7-5960X
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-5960X wins this desktop processor face-off, 32.3 to 25.9, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+19) and Multi-core (+8). Intel Core i7-4790 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 i7-4790
- Stronger Single-core score: 27 vs 21
- 40% lower Base TDP: 84 W vs 140 W
- 20% higher Base clock: 3.6 GHz vs 3 GHz
- 19% higher Geekbench 6 (single): 1,230 vs 1,030
- 14% higher Boost clock: 4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz
- Lower launch price: $303 vs $999
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-5960X
- Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 26
- Stronger gaming score: 43 vs 24
- 150% higher L3 cache: 20 MB vs 8 MB
- 150% higher CPU PCIe lanes: 40 vs 16
- 100% higher cores: 8 vs 4
General
| Spec | Intel Core i7-4790 | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2014 | 2014 |
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA2011-v3 |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Base TDP | 84 W+40% | 140 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-4790 | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 8 | 16+100% |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz+20% | 3 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4 GHz+14% | 3.5 GHz |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 2 MB+100% |
| L3 cache | 8 MB | 20 MB+150% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i7-4790 | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 4600 | — |
| iGPU clock | 1,200 MHz | — |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i7-4790 | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-2133 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 4+100% |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i7-4790 | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 40+150% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-4790 | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,230+19%Top 82% | 1,030Top 96% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 4,050Top 84% | 6,100+51%Top 69% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 870Top 97% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 4,600Top 85% | 8,300+80%Top 70% |
| PassMark | 8,300Top 84% | 15,800+90%Top 60% |
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