CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-5820K vs Core i7-4820K

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 i7-4820K
4C / 8T3.9 GHz130 W
8.5
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)
4th Generation (Ivy Bridge-E)
Launched
2014
2013
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Haswell-E
Ivy Bridge-E
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
5th Generation
Ivy Bridge-E
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-4930K
Intel Core i7-3820
Successor
Intel Core i7-6800K
Intel Core i7-5820K

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
4
Threads
12
8
Base Clock
3.3 GHz
3.7 GHz
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
3.9 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
15 MB
10 MB
TDP
140 W
130 W
Architecture
Architecture
Haswell-E
Ivy Bridge-E
Process Node
22nm
22nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR3
Memory Speed
2133 MT/s
DDR3-1866
Memory Channels
Quad (4)
Quad (4)
Max Memory
128 GB
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 2011-3
Intel Socket 2011
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
28
40
Integrated GPU
None
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-5820KBest72

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

Core i7-4820K70

Quad-channel memory helps with heavy multitasking.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-5820K60

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

Core i7-4820KBest75

Still decent for 1080p gaming if overclocked, but lacks modern single-core speed.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-5820K78

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

Core i7-4820KBest80

Excellent due to VT-d and 40 PCIe lanes.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-5820K35

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

Core i7-4820KBest40

130W TDP for a quad-core is highly inefficient by modern standards.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-5820KLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • CPU inference is moderate due to core count
Core i7-4820KLimited
  • Can run basic AI models via PCIe GPUs
  • No native AI acceleration

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-5820KVery Good
Premiere ProBlenderAutoCADDaVinci Resolve
Core i7-4820KGood
Video Editing3D RenderingStreaming

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 i7-4820KGood
  • High base clock helps older games
  • Requires discrete GPU
  • Can bottleneck modern high-end GPUs at 1080p

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

4K Video Editing
Very Good
3D Rendering
Very Good
Virtual Machines
Excellent
1440p Gaming
Good
Compilation
Excellent
Gaming
Excellent
Overclocking
Excellent
Multi-GPU Rendering
Very Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
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 i7-4820K

Pros

  • Unlocked multiplier
  • 40 PCIe lanes
  • Quad-channel memory support
  • Large 10MB L3 cache

Cons

  • Only 4 cores
  • High 130W TDP
  • No integrated graphics
  • Outdated LGA 2011 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 i7-4820K

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 i7-4820KSituational

A unique entry-point into Intel's HEDT platform, offering excellent overclocking and quad-channel memory, though its 4-core limit shows its age today.

Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 2011 system.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-5820K or Core i7-4820K?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-4820K comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.

Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-5820K or Core i7-4820K?

For gaming, the Core i7-4820K leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i7-5820K and Core i7-4820K.

Which uses less power?

The Core i7-4820K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-5820K (140 W), Core i7-4820K (130 W).

Do Intel Core i7-5820K and Core i7-4820K use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-5820K: Intel Socket 2011-3, Core i7-4820K: Intel Socket 2011), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which has more cores?

The Intel Core i7-5820K has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-5820K (6 cores), Core i7-4820K (4 cores).

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Core i7-4820K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-5820K (11,000), Core i7-4820K (14,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.