CPU Comparison
Core i7-3930K vs Core i7-4820K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3930K is a flagship high-end desktop (HEDT) processor from the Sandy Bridge-E generation. Released in late 2011, it features 6 cores and 12 threads, operating at a base clock of 3.2 GHz and boosting up to 3.8 GHz. Built on a 32nm process, it boasts a massive 12MB L3 cache and a 130W TDP. As an unlocked 'K' series processor, it is highly prized by overclockers. It uses the LGA 2011 socket and supports quad-channel DDR3 memory along with 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, making it ideal for multi-GPU setups and high-bandwidth applications. The chip lacks integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU. Though superseded by newer architectures, the i7-3930K remains a legendary CPU, offering robust multi-threaded performance that can still handle modern workloads reasonably well on the X79 platform.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
6 cores and 12 threads hold up well for content creation.
Quad-channel memory helps with heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Still decent for modern gaming, though single-core is slower than new CPUs.
Still decent for 1080p gaming if overclocked, but lacks modern single-core speed.
Virtualization
Excellent for VMs with 12 threads and quad-channel memory.
Excellent due to VT-d and 40 PCIe lanes.
Efficiency
130W TDP and 32nm process mean it runs hot and uses power.
130W TDP for a quad-core is highly inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- PCIe 3.0 is okay for basic inference cards
- Can run basic AI models via PCIe GPUs
- No native AI acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- 6 cores help with modern titles
- Overclocks well to improve single-core
- PCIe 3.0 supports modern GPUs
- 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
- Massive 12MB L3 cache
- Excellent overclocker
Cons
- High 130W TDP
- 32nm process is inefficient
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete X79 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- Outdated LGA 2011 platform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 i7-3930K
- 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
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 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 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 i7-3930K 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 i7-3930K or Core i7-4820K?
For gaming, the Core i7-4820K leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Core i7-3930K and Core i7-4820K.
Do Core i7-3930K and Core i7-4820K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3930K: LGA 2011, Core i7-4820K: Intel Socket 2011), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-3930K has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-3930K (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 i7-3930K (13,000), Core i7-4820K (14,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.