CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-5820K vs Core i7-3930K

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-5820K is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor built on the Haswell-E architecture. Designed for enthusiasts and professionals, it features six cores and twelve threads, offering a significant multi-threaded performance leap over mainstream quad-core CPUs of its era. Operating at a base frequency of 3.3 GHz and boosting up to 3.6 GHz, it delivers robust computing power for demanding applications. Unlike mainstream chips, it utilizes the LGA 2011-v3 socket and the X99 chipset, supporting quad-channel DDR4 memory for massive memory bandwidth. With 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes, it provides extensive expansion capabilities for multi-GPU setups and high-speed storage arrays. The 140-watt TDP reflects its workstation-class design. While it lacks integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU, the 5820K excels in parallel processing tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and virtualization, making it a powerhouse for creators who need more than standard desktop platforms offer.

Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-5820K
6C / 12T3.6 GHz140 W
8
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-3930K
6C / 12T3.8 GHz130 W
8.2
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
High-End Desktop
High-End Desktop
Generation
Core i7 (Haswell-E)
2nd Gen (Sandy Bridge-E)
Launched
2014
2011
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Haswell-E
Sandy Bridge-E
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
5th Generation
Sandy Bridge-E
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-4930K
Intel Core i7-990X
Successor
Intel Core i7-6800K
Intel Core i7-4930K

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
6
Threads
12
12
Base Clock
3.3 GHz
3.2 GHz
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
3.8 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
15 MB
12 MB
TDP
140 W
130 W
Architecture
Architecture
Haswell-E
Sandy Bridge-E
Process Node
22nm
32nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR3
Memory Speed
2133 MT/s
DDR3-1600
Memory Channels
Quad (4)
Quad (4)
Max Memory
128 GB
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 2011-3
LGA 2011
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
28
40
Integrated GPU
None
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-5820K72

6 cores handle rendering well, but lack the speed of modern architectures.

Core i7-3930KBest78

6 cores and 12 threads hold up well for content creation.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-5820K60

Good for gaming, but single-core speed lags behind modern CPUs.

Core i7-3930K60

Still decent for modern gaming, though single-core is slower than new CPUs.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-5820K78

Quad-channel memory and 12 threads make it great for VMs.

Core i7-3930KBest85

Excellent for VMs with 12 threads and quad-channel memory.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-5820KBest35

140W TDP on 22nm is power-hungry by modern standards.

Core i7-3930K28

130W TDP and 32nm process mean it runs hot and uses power.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-5820KLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • CPU inference is moderate due to core count
Core i7-3930KLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • PCIe 3.0 is okay for basic inference cards

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-5820KVery Good
Premiere ProBlenderAutoCADDaVinci Resolve
Core i7-3930KVery Good
Adobe Premiere ProBlenderCinema 4DAfter Effects

Gaming

Intel Core i7-5820KGood
  • Can handle modern games with a discrete GPU
  • Lower single-core speed limits high-refresh gaming
  • Great for multi-tasking while gaming
Core i7-3930KGood
  • 6 cores help with modern titles
  • Overclocks well to improve single-core
  • PCIe 3.0 supports modern GPUs

Industry Impact

Gaming
Moderate
High
Workstations
High
High
Content Creation
High
High
Virtualization
High
High

Best CPU by Use Case

4K Video Editing
Very Good
3D Rendering
Very Good
Excellent
Virtual Machines
Excellent
1440p Gaming
Good
Compilation
Excellent
Video Editing
Excellent
Virtualization
Excellent
Modern Gaming
Good
Streaming
Very Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Targeted
Streamers
Targeted
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Students

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-5820K

Pros

  • 6 cores / 12 threads
  • 28 PCIe lanes
  • Quad-channel DDR4 memory
  • Unlocked for overclocking

Cons

  • High 140W TDP
  • Older 22nm process
  • Only 28 PCIe lanes
  • Lacks integrated graphics
Core i7-3930K

Pros

  • 6 cores and 12 threads
  • 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes
  • Massive 12MB L3 cache
  • Excellent overclocker

Cons

  • High 130W TDP
  • 32nm process is inefficient
  • No integrated graphics
  • Obsolete X79 platform

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-5820K

  • AMD Ryzen 7 1700X

    High-End Desktop

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-4930K

    High-End Desktop

    Rival
  • AMD FX-8350

    Desktop

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-6800K

    High-End Desktop

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Core i7-5930K

    High-End Desktop

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
    Alt

    Vastly superior single-core speed and efficiency.

  • Intel Core i5-12400F
    Alt

    Modern alternative that beats it in almost everything.

  • AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
    Alt

    8 cores, better IPC, lower power.

Core i7-3930K

Our Verdict on Each

A solid entry point into the HEDT market, offering 6 cores and DDR4 support, though aging rapidly compared to modern alternatives.

Best for: Upgrading an existing X99 system for more cores.

Read the full review
Core i7-3930KSituational

A legendary HEDT CPU that brought 6 cores to the masses. Still capable for budget workstations today.

Best for: Budget 6-core workstation build

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-5820K or Core i7-3930K?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-3930K comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.

Which uses less power?

The Core i7-3930K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-5820K (140 W), Core i7-3930K (130 W).

Do Intel Core i7-5820K and Core i7-3930K use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-5820K: Intel Socket 2011-3, Core i7-3930K: LGA 2011), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Core i7-3930K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-5820K (11,000), Core i7-3930K (13,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.