CPU Comparison
Core i7-3930K vs Core i7-4960X
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 Though superseded by newer architectures, the i7-3930K remains a legendary CPU, offering robust multi-threaded performance that can still handle modern workloads reasonably well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.
Still a very capable chip for heavy multi-threaded workloads.
Gaming
Still decent for modern gaming, though single-core is slower than new CPUs.
High clocks keep it decent for gaming, though 6 cores are showing age.
Virtualization
Excellent for VMs with 12 threads and quad-channel memory.
Excellent for home labs with 12 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.
Efficiency
130W TDP and 32nm process mean it runs hot and uses power.
130W TDP with 22nm is very power-hungry by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- PCIe 3.0 is okay for basic inference cards
- Good for multi-GPU AI setups due to 40 lanes
- 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
- High single-core speed for the era
- Needs discrete GPU
- Can bottleneck modern 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
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- Massive 15MB L3 cache
- Unlocked multiplier
- 40 PCIe lanes
- High 4.0 GHz turbo clock
Cons
- Extremely high 130W TDP
- No integrated graphics
- Lacks AVX2
- End-of-life 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 i7-4960X
- AMD FX-9590Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-3970XRival
HEDT
- Intel Core i7-4930KAlt
Similar performance for less money.
Newer 8-core Haswell-E Extreme Edition.
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 monster CPU for 2013, offering the best of the Ivy Bridge-E architecture with top-tier clocks, massive cache, and full unlocking for extreme performance.
Best for: Maxing out an existing X79 workstation.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3930K or Core i7-4960X?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-4960X comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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 i7-4960X?
For gaming, the Core i7-4960X leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Core i7-3930K and Core i7-4960X.
Do Core i7-3930K and Core i7-4960X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3930K: LGA 2011, Core i7-4960X: Intel Socket 2011), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-4960X posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3930K (13,000), Core i7-4960X (24,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.