CPU Comparison
Core i7-3910K vs Core i7-4820K
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.
Quad-channel memory helps with heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Decent for gaming, but lower clocks limit modern CPU-heavy games.
Still decent for 1080p gaming if overclocked, but lacks modern single-core speed.
Virtualization
Excellent for VMs thanks to 12 threads and quad-channel memory.
Excellent due to VT-d and 40 PCIe lanes.
Efficiency
130W TDP is high, and 32nm is inefficient.
130W TDP for a quad-core is highly inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- PCIe 3.0 is okay for older accelerators
- Can run basic AI models via PCIe GPUs
- No native AI acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- 6 cores help with modern games
- Lower base clock limits single-core performance
- Needs discrete GPU
- High base clock helps older games
- Requires discrete GPU
- Can bottleneck modern high-end GPUs at 1080p
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
- 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- Outdated LGA 2011 platform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
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 i7-4820K
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-4930KAlt
6-core alternative on the same platform.
Newer Haswell-E 6-core alternative.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-3820Alt
Cheaper, older alternative for LGA 2011.
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 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 reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3910K 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, Core i7-3910K or Core i7-4820K?
For gaming, the Core i7-4820K leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Core i7-3910K and Core i7-4820K.
Do Core i7-3910K and Core i7-4820K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3910K: LGA 2011, Core i7-4820K: Intel Socket 2011), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-3910K has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-3910K (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: Core i7-3910K (12,000), Core i7-4820K (14,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.