Intel Core i7-5960X vs Intel Core i7-9700K
20.5Single-core39
34.1Multi-core35.5
43.4Gamingspec-based39.8
5 spec wins — Intel Core i7-5960X10 spec wins — Intel Core i7-9700K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-9700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 37.6 to 32.3, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+19) 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
- 150% higher CPU PCIe lanes: 40 vs 16
- 100% higher threads: 16 vs 8
- 100% higher Memory channels: 4 vs 2
- 67% higher L3 cache: 20 MB vs 12 MB
- 10% higher PassMark: 15,800 vs 14,300
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-9700K
- Stronger single-core score: 39 vs 21
- 100% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 64 GB
- 63% higher Geekbench 6 (single): 1,680 vs 1,030
- 44% higher Cinebench R23 (single): 1,250 vs 870
- 40% higher Boost clock: 4.9 GHz vs 3.5 GHz
- Lower launch price: $374 vs $999
General
| Spec | Intel Core i7-5960X | Intel Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2014 | 2018 |
| Socket | LGA2011-v3 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm+36% |
| Base TDP | 140 W | 95 W+32% |
| Max turbo power | — | 119 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-5960X | Intel Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 8 | 8 |
| Performance cores | 8 | 8 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 16+100% | 8 |
| Base clock | 3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+20% |
| Boost clock | 3.5 GHz | 4.9 GHz+40% |
| L2 cache | 2 MB | 2 MB |
| L3 cache | 20 MB+67% | 12 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i7-5960X | Intel Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | — | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | — | 1,200 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i7-5960X | Intel Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 4+100% | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i7-5960X | Intel Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 40+150% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-5960X | Intel Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,030Bottom 5% | 1,680+63%Bottom 39% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 6,100Bottom 28% | 7,000+15%Bottom 37% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 870Bottom 4% | 1,250+44%Bottom 27% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 8,300Bottom 27% | 9,700+17%Bottom 34% |
| PassMark | 15,800+10%Bottom 28% | 14,300Bottom 25% |
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