Intel · Core

Core i7-5960X

Released August 2014

An unlocked 8-core Haswell-E desktop processor with Hyper-Threading and four-channel DDR4 memory for LGA2011-v3 enthusiast systems.

Model history · 3 models, 2012–2014

2012Core i7-3970X Compare
2013Core i7-4960X Compare
2014Core i7-5960X

Cores: 8/16
Boost: 3.5 GHz
L3: 20 MB
Power: 140 W
Socket: LGA2011-v3

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviews praised its exceptional threaded performance and overclocking potential, making it attractive for demanding video, music and rendering work. They found weaker single-threaded value and little gaming benefit beside much cheaper mainstream CPUs, with a costly new X99 motherboard and DDR4 memory adding to the upgrade bill.

From pcgamer.com and expertreviews.co.uk

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 8
Threads: 16
Base clock: 3 GHz
Boost clock: 3.5 GHz
L3 cache: 20 MB
Cores: Haswell-E; 8 cores with Hyper-Threading. The unlocked multiplier is confirmed by the exact-model reviews.
Clocks: Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.50 GHz. August release month follows PCWorld’s 29 August report that Intel was shipping the models and TechSpot’s same-day expected retail availability. Intel’s 29 August notice instead says the three SKUs will be available next week; an exact maker first-sale day is unresolved.

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-v3
Base power: 140 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: No
Memory support: Up to 64 GB; four channels of DDR4-1600/1866/2133; maximum bandwidth 68 GB/s; no ECC.
PCIe: 40 CPU lanes; PCIe 3.0
Chipsets: X99 and LGA2011-v3, distinguished by Intel’s exact-model comparison chart and the reviews. Current ARK abbreviates the socket as FCLGA2011; this is not compatible with the older X79 LGA2011 platform.
Process: 22 nm; Haswell-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

8 cores and 16 threads
Four-channel memory controller
40 PCIe lanes

Cons

No integrated graphics
No boxed cooler
Requires a LGA2011-v3 motherboard

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
IntelCore i7-5820K	6/12	3.6 GHz	15 MB	140 W	LGA2011-v3	Aug 2014
IntelCore i7-6900K	8/16	4 GHz	20 MB	140 W	LGA2011-v3	May 2016
AMDRyzen Threadripper 1900X	8/16	4 GHz	16 MB	180 W	sTR4	Aug 2017

Previous model: Core i7-4960X. Newer model: Core i7-6900K.

Sources

Photo: PC Gamer exact Core i7-5960X review artwork showing a generic Core i7 processor; no specific model engraving is visible.

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