Intel Core i7-5960X vs Intel Core i7-8700K
20.5Single-core37.3
34.1Multi-core34.7
43.4Gaming38.5
8 spec wins — Intel Core i7-5960X9 spec wins — Intel Core i7-8700K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-8700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 36.4 to 32.3, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+17) and Multi-core (+1). Intel Core i7-5960X 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 i7-5960X
- Stronger gaming score: 43 vs 39
- 150% higher CPU PCIe lanes: 40 vs 16
- 100% higher Memory channels: 4 vs 2
- 67% higher L3 cache: 20 MB vs 12 MB
- 33% higher cores: 8 vs 6
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-8700K
- Stronger Single-core score: 37 vs 21
- 51% higher Geekbench 6 (single): 1,560 vs 1,030
- 46% higher Cinebench R23 (single): 1,270 vs 870
- 36% lower process: 14 nm vs 22 nm
- 34% higher Boost clock: 4.7 GHz vs 3.5 GHz
- Lower launch price: $359 vs $999
General
| Spec | Intel Core i7-5960X | Intel Core i7-8700K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2014 | 2017 |
| Socket | LGA2011-v3 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm+36% |
| Base TDP | 140 W | 95 W+32% |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-5960X | Intel Core i7-8700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 8+33% | 6 |
| Performance cores | 8+33% | 6 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 16+33% | 12 |
| Base clock | 3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+23% |
| Boost clock | 3.5 GHz | 4.7 GHz+34% |
| L2 cache | 2 MB+33% | 2 MB |
| L3 cache | 20 MB+67% | 12 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i7-5960X | Intel Core i7-8700K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | — | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | — | 1,200 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i7-5960X | Intel Core i7-8700K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Memory channels | 4+100% | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i7-5960X | Intel Core i7-8700K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 40+150% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-5960X | Intel Core i7-8700K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,030Top 96% | 1,560+51%Top 58% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 6,100Top 69% | 6,800+11%Top 59% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 870Top 97% | 1,270+46%Top 63% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 8,300Top 70% | 9,200+11%Top 61% |
| PassMark | 15,800+14%Top 60% | 13,900Top 68% |
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