CPU Comparison
Core i7-880 vs Intel Core i7-930
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-880 is a high-end desktop processor launched in May 2010, based on the 45nm Lynnfield architecture. It represents the highest bin of the Lynnfield silicon, operating at a base frequency of 3.066 GHz and boosting up to 3.733 GHz via Turbo Boost. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, supported by an 8 MB L3 cache. Utilizing the LGA 1156 socket, it brought the Nehalem microarchitecture to its peak performance on the mainstream platform. It integrates a dual-channel DDR3 memory controller and 16 PCIe 2.0 lanes directly on the CPU. Like other Lynnfield chips, it lacks an integrated GPU. With a 95W TDP, it was relatively easy to cool for its clock speed. The i7-880 was a quiet release, often overshadowed by the unlocked i7-875K, but it remains the fastest stock-clocked Lynnfield CPU, offering excellent performance for its era, though obsolete today.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Fastest Lynnfield at stock, but obsolete now.
8 threads help, but low IPC limits modern productivity.
Gaming
Handles old games well but bottlenecks modern titles.
Bottlenecks modern GPUs but handles 2010-era games perfectly.
Virtualization
Good for legacy VMs.
Good for basic VMs and legacy server setups.
Efficiency
95W TDP is acceptable for 45nm at these clocks.
130W TDP is highly inefficient for a quad-core.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern inference
- Incompatible with modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- PCIe 2.0 only
- No AVX support
- Requires discrete GPU
- Low IPC
- No AVX2
- Bottlenecks modern titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Highest stock Lynnfield clocks
- 8MB L3 cache
- Quad-core with HT
- Good 2010 performance
Cons
- Obsolete platform
- No integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- Rare and expensive
Pros
- Good overclocking headroom (D0 stepping)
- Affordable at launch
- Hyper-Threading for 8 threads
- Triple-channel memory support
- Reliable workhorse for its era
Cons
- High 130W TDP
- Locked CPU multiplier
- Obsolete platform
- Lacks modern instruction sets
- Poor single-core performance today
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-880
- AMD Phenom II X4 965Rival
Desktop High-End
- Intel Core i7-875KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-930Rival
Desktop High-End
- AMD Phenom II X6 1090TRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Intel Core i7-870Rival
Desktop High-End
- Intel Core i7-2600Alt
The direct Sandy Bridge successor.
Intel Core i7-930
- AMD Phenom II X4 965Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-920Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750Rival
Desktop
- AMD Phenom II X6 1055TRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-860Rival
Desktop
- Intel Xeon W3530Alt
Server equivalent often available for less.
Slightly higher stock clocks for similar used prices.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
A modern budget CPU that vastly outperforms it.
A modern quad-core that obliterates it.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The ultimate Lynnfield chip with the highest stock clocks, though overshadowed by the 875K and obsolete today.
Best for: Maintaining a legacy retro gaming rig.
Read the full reviewA solid incremental update to the 920. It offered great value for LGA 1366 builders but is obsolete today.
Best for: Retro build or cheap replacement for a dead LGA 1366 CPU.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-880 or Intel Core i7-930?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-930 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, Core i7-880 or Intel Core i7-930?
For gaming, the Core i7-880 leads with a gaming performance score of 38/100 among Core i7-880 and Intel Core i7-930.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-880 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-880 (95 W), Intel Core i7-930 (130 W).
Do Core i7-880 and Intel Core i7-930 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-880: Intel Socket 1156, Intel Core i7-930: LGA 1366), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-930 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-930 (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.