CPU Comparison
Core i7-3930K vs Core i7-4930K
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 Though superseded by newer architectures, the i7-3930K remains a legendary CPU, offering robust multi-threaded performance that can still handle modern workloads reasonably well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.
6 cores still handle modern productivity apps well.
Gaming
Still decent for modern gaming, though single-core is slower than new CPUs.
Good for gaming, but single-core speed lags behind modern CPUs.
Virtualization
Excellent for VMs with 12 threads and quad-channel memory.
Excellent for home labs and multiple VMs.
Efficiency
130W TDP and 32nm process mean it runs hot and uses power.
130W TDP is high, and overclocking makes it worse.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- PCIe 3.0 is okay for basic inference cards
- Can run AI via GPUs
- No native AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- 6 cores help with modern titles
- Overclocks well to improve single-core
- PCIe 3.0 supports modern GPUs
- Handles modern games fine if overclocked
- Requires discrete GPU
- May struggle with single-core bound games
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
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- Unlocked multiplier
- 40 PCIe lanes
- Quad-channel memory support
- 12MB L3 cache
Cons
- High 130W TDP
- No integrated graphics
- Lacks AVX2
- Outdated X79 platform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 i7-4930K
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-3930KRival
HEDT
- Intel Core i7-4960XAlt
The Extreme Edition variant with 15MB cache.
Newer Haswell-E 6-core with DDR4.
Compare head-to-head
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 legendary HEDT CPU that brought 6 cores to a more accessible price point, offering immense multi-threaded performance and overclocking headroom.
Best for: Upgrading an existing X79 workstation.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3930K or Core i7-4930K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-4930K comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 i7-3930K or Core i7-4930K?
For gaming, the Core i7-4930K leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Core i7-3930K and Core i7-4930K.
Do Core i7-3930K and Core i7-4930K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3930K: LGA 2011, Core i7-4930K: Intel Socket 2011), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-4930K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3930K (13,000), Core i7-4930K (20,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.