CPU Comparison
Core i7-3820 vs Core i7-3910K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3820 is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor based on the Sandy Bridge-E architecture. Released in early 2012, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a turbo boost of 3.8 GHz. Built on a 32nm process, it is part of the LGA 2011 platform, offering quad-channel DDR3 memory support and 40 PCIe 2.0 lanes. Unlike the smaller Sandy Bridge chips, the i7-3820 lacks integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU. It features a massive 10MB L3 cache and a 130W TDP. The processor is partially unlocked, allowing multiplier adjustments up to 45x. Though superseded by Ivy Bridge-E, the i7-3820 remains a capable chip for older workstation builds, providing excellent memory bandwidth and PCIe expansion options.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clocks and quad-channel memory help with heavy workloads.
6 cores and 12 threads provide solid performance for rendering.
Gaming
Decent for gaming, but limited by 4 cores compared to modern CPUs.
Decent for gaming, but lower clocks limit modern CPU-heavy games.
Virtualization
Good for VMs, but limited thread count.
Excellent for VMs thanks to 12 threads and quad-channel memory.
Efficiency
130W TDP is high for a 4-core chip.
130W TDP is high, and 32nm is inefficient.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- PCIe 2.0 limits modern AI accelerators
- No AI acceleration
- PCIe 3.0 is okay for older accelerators
Content Creation
Gaming
- High clocks help
- Lacks modern instruction sets
- PCIe 2.0 limits modern GPUs
- 6 cores help with modern games
- Lower base clock limits single-core performance
- Needs discrete GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 40 PCIe 2.0 lanes
- Quad-channel memory
- 10MB L3 cache
- Partially unlocked
Cons
- High 130W TDP
- Only 4 cores
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete platform
Pros
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes
- Quad-channel memory
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- High 130W TDP
- Low base clock (3.0 GHz)
- 32nm process is inefficient
- Obsolete platform
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-3820
- AMD FX-8150Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-2600KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-3930KRival
HEDT
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2700KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-4820KAlt
Ivy Bridge-E successor with better overclocking.
- Intel Core i7-4930KAlt
Newer Ivy Bridge-E 6-core alternative.
Core i7-3910K
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-3930KRival
HEDT
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770KRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8320Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-3820Rival
HEDT
- Intel Core i7-4930KAlt
Ivy Bridge-E successor with slightly better performance.
Haswell-E successor with DDR4 support.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-4820KAlt
Cheaper 4-core alternative on the same platform.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid HEDT processor with great PCIe expansion and memory bandwidth, though limited by its 4 cores.
Best for: Upgrading an old X79 workstation
Read the full reviewA great entry point to the LGA 2011 platform, offering 6 cores and full PCIe 3.0 lanes at a lower price point.
Best for: Budget X79 workstation build
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3820 or Core i7-3910K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-3910K comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. 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 i7-3820 or Core i7-3910K?
For gaming, the Core i7-3910K leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Core i7-3820 and Core i7-3910K.
Do Core i7-3820 and Core i7-3910K use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 2011 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-3910K has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-3820 (4 cores), Core i7-3910K (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-3910K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3820 (8,500), Core i7-3910K (12,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.