Intel · Core

Core i7-4960X

Released September 2013

An unlocked 6-core Ivy Bridge-E desktop processor with Hyper-Threading and four-channel DDR3 memory for LGA2011 enthusiast systems.

Model history · 2 models, 2012–2013

2012Core i7-3970X Compare
2013Core i7-4960X

Cores: 6/12
Boost: 4 GHz
L3: 15 MB
Power: 130 W
Socket: LGA2011

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviews praised its multitasking performance and overclocking headroom, but found only modest gains over Sandy Bridge-E and poor value beside cheaper Haswell processors. Its six cores made more sense for demanding parallel workstation tasks than gaming or an upgrade from an existing X79 six-core system.

From technic3d.com and expertreviews.co.uk

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 6
Threads: 12
Base clock: 3.6 GHz
Boost clock: 4 GHz
L3 cache: 15 MB
Cores: Ivy Bridge-E; 6 cores with Hyper-Threading. The unlocked multiplier is confirmed by the exact-model reviews.
Clocks: Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 4.00 GHz. September availability follows contemporary Ivy Bridge-E store availability coverage and Expert Reviews’ 10 September exact-model review with a retail supplier and price. Intel gives Q3 2013; an exact maker first-sale day was not established.

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: No
Graphics: No processor graphics, confirmed by Intel’s exact-model comparison-chart row; a separate graphics solution is required.

Platform

Socket: LGA2011
Base power: 130 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: No
Memory support: Up to 64 GB; four channels of DDR3-1333/1600/1866; maximum bandwidth 59.7 GB/s; no ECC.
PCIe: 40 CPU lanes; PCIe 3.0
Chipsets: X79 and LGA2011, confirmed by the exact-model reviews.
Process: 22 nm; Ivy Bridge-E. Package size 52.5 × 45.0 mm.
Cooler: Intel explicitly excludes a fan and heatsink from the boxed product; a separate compatible cooler is required.

Pros and cons

Pros

6 cores and 12 threads
Four-channel memory controller
40 PCIe lanes

Cons

No integrated graphics
No boxed cooler
Requires a LGA2011 motherboard

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
IntelCore i7-4930K	6/12	3.9 GHz	12 MB	130 W	LGA2011	Sept 2013
IntelCore i7-5820K	6/12	3.6 GHz	15 MB	140 W	LGA2011-v3	Aug 2014
IntelCore i7-3970X	6/12	4 GHz	15 MB	150 W	LGA2011	Nov 2012

Previous model: Core i7-3970X. Newer model: Core i7-5960X.

Sources

Photo: Expert Reviews exact Core i7-4960X review artwork showing a generic Core i7 LGA2011 processor; no specific model engraving is visible.

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