CPU Comparison
Core i7-3910K vs Core i7-3930K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3910K is a 6-core, 12-thread high-end desktop processor built on the Sandy Bridge-E architecture. Released in mid-2013 as a budget entry to the LGA 2011 platform, it features a base clock of 3.0 GHz and a turbo boost of 3.6 GHz. Manufactured on a 32nm process, it packs 2.27 billion transistors into a large 435mm² die. It supports quad-channel DDR3 memory and 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, making it highly capable for multi-GPU and storage configurations. The chip lacks integrated graphics and comes with a 130W TDP. As an unlocked 'K' series processor, it allows for overclocking. Though long discontinued, the i7-3910K provides a cost-effective way to access 6-core performance and massive I/O on the legacy X79 platform for budget workstation builds.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
6 cores and 12 threads provide solid performance for rendering.
6 cores and 12 threads hold up well for content creation.
Gaming
Decent for gaming, but lower clocks limit modern CPU-heavy games.
Still decent for modern gaming, though single-core is slower than new CPUs.
Virtualization
Excellent for VMs thanks to 12 threads and quad-channel memory.
Excellent for VMs with 12 threads and quad-channel memory.
Efficiency
130W TDP is high, and 32nm is inefficient.
130W TDP and 32nm process mean it runs hot and uses power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- PCIe 3.0 is okay for older accelerators
- No AI hardware
- PCIe 3.0 is okay for basic inference cards
Content Creation
Gaming
- 6 cores help with modern games
- Lower base clock limits single-core performance
- Needs discrete GPU
- 6 cores help with modern titles
- Overclocks well to improve single-core
- PCIe 3.0 supports modern GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
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
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.
Core i7-3930K
- AMD FX-8150Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-3960XRival
HEDT
- Intel Core i7-3910KRival
HEDT
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2700KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-4930KAlt
Ivy Bridge-E successor with slightly better performance.
Haswell-E successor with DDR4 support.
Compare head-to-headHaswell-E with 40 PCIe lanes and DDR4.
Compare head-to-headBroadwell-E successor with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA 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 reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3910K 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 is faster for gaming, Core i7-3910K or Core i7-3930K?
For gaming, the Core i7-3930K leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Core i7-3910K and Core i7-3930K.
Do Core i7-3910K and Core i7-3930K use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 2011 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-3930K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3910K (12,000), Core i7-3930K (13,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.