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Intel Core I9 9960X (9th Gen) processor
Intel

9th Gen Intel Core i9 9960X

View on NeweggView on intel.com
Boost/Base Clock:
4.5 GHz / 3.1 GHz
Core/Thread Count:
16 Core / 32 Thread
Cache:
22MB L3 + 16MB L2 + 1MB L1
TDP:
165 Watts
CPU Process Node:
14 Nanometers
CPU Socket:
FCLGA2066
CPU Series:
Skylake-X, 9th Gen Intel Core
Memory Support:
DDR4-2666, non-ECC (ECC not supported)
Form Factor:
Server & Enthusiast

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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026

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9th Gen Intel Core i9 9960X Review

The 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9960X is a 16-core, 32-thread HEDT processor built on Skylake-X, running a 3.1 GHz base clock that boosts to 4.5 GHz within a 165 Watt TDP on the LGA2066 socket.

Sitting in the upper tier of Intel's 9th Gen X-series HEDT stack, this chip offered a genuine step up in core count over the entry-level 9900X for workstation buyers needing more parallel throughput.

Platform

This HEDT chip requires an X299-series motherboard on the LGA2066 socket, typically paired with quad-channel memory for genuine workstation-scale bandwidth.

How Is the Core i9 9960X in Terms of Performance

With 16 cores and 32 threads, this chip targets demanding workstation workloads: professional rendering, video production, and scientific computing, offering a genuine step up in parallel throughput over the entry-level 9900X.

Benchmarks

As a genuine 16-core Skylake-X HEDT chip with a strong 4.5 GHz boost ceiling, this processor delivers considerably more multi-threaded throughput than the entry-level 9900X, positioned for professionals needing genuine workstation-scale parallelism.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Best for

  • Professional workstation workloads needing genuine 16-core, 32-thread throughput on Intel's HEDT platform

Not for

  • Buyers with more modest core-count needs, the entry-level i9-9900X offers HEDT platform features at a lower price

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

BrandIntel
Model Number9960X
Product FamilyCore i9
Release Year2018
SegmentHEDT

Cores and threads

Core Count16 cores
Thread Count32 threads
SMT SupportYes

Clocks

Base Clock3.1 GHz
Boost Clock4.4 GHz

Cache

L2 Cache16 MB
L3 Cache22 MB
3D V-CacheNo

Platform

SocketFCLGA2066
Multi-Socket SupportSingle Socket Only

Memory

Memory Channels4 channels
Max Memory Speed2666 MT/s
Max Memory Capacity0.125 TB
ECC SupportNo

PCIe and IO

PCIe Lanes44 lanes
PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
CXL SupportNone

Power and thermals

TDP165 W

Accelerators and security

Integrated GraphicsNo
AVX-512 SupportYes
AMX SupportNo

Manufacturing

Process Node14 nm
CPU SocketFCLGA2066

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9960X?

The 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9960X has a 3.1 GHz base and 4.4 GHz boost clock, 22 MB of L3 cache and a 165 W TDP. It has no integrated graphics, so it needs a graphics card. Socket: FCLGA2066.

Will the 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9960X work with my current setup?

The 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9960X lists CPU Socket is FCLGA2066. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.

Who is the 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9960X best suited to?

Best suited to: Professional workstation workloads needing genuine 16-core, 32-thread throughput on Intel's HEDT platform.

What are the drawbacks of the 9th Gen Intel Core i9 9960X?

Not the best fit for: Buyers with more modest core-count needs, the entry-level i9-9900X offers HEDT platform features at a lower price.

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