CPU Comparison
Core i7-3930K vs Intel Core i7-5820K
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 Though superseded by newer architectures, the i7-3930K remains a legendary CPU, offering robust multi-threaded performance that can still handle modern workloads reasonably well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.
Solid performance for older software and moderate rendering tasks, but falls behind modern 6-core CPUs in IPC and clock speed.
Gaming
Still decent for modern gaming, though single-core is slower than new CPUs.
Playable in modern esports and AAA titles when paired with a strong GPU, but likely to bottleneck top-tier cards in CPU-intensive scenarios.
Virtualization
Excellent for VMs with 12 threads and quad-channel memory.
Excellent value for home labs due to high core count, VT-d support, and PCIe lane availability for multiple NICs or storage controllers.
Efficiency
130W TDP and 32nm process mean it runs hot and uses power.
High power consumption (140W TDP) and heat output compared to 14nm, 10nm, or 7nm counterparts.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- PCIe 3.0 is okay for basic inference cards
- No dedicated AI or matrix acceleration hardware.
- AVX2 support offers some vector compute capability.
Content Creation
Gaming
- 6 cores help with modern titles
- Overclocks well to improve single-core
- PCIe 3.0 supports modern GPUs
- Requires discrete graphics; no integrated GPU.
- PCIe 3.0 lanes limit full potential of modern RTX 40-series GPUs.
- Boost clocks are modest by modern standards.
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
- Relatively low entry cost for a used HEDT platform
- Quad-channel DDR4 memory support
- 28 PCIe lanes allow for multiple expansion cards
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Strong multi-core performance for its era
Cons
- High power draw and heat output
- No integrated graphics
- Limited to 28 PCIe lanes (fewer than 5930K/5960X)
- Requires expensive X99 motherboards and DDR4 RAM
- Older architecture lacks modern instruction sets like AVX-512
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
Intel Core i7-5820K
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Mainstream
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Creator
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790KRival
Gaming
- AMD FX-9590Rival
Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6800KRival
Workstation
If you need the full 40 PCIe lanes for tri-SI or heavy storage arrays.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
A modern, significantly faster and more efficient gaming CPU.
Modern platform with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
Massive multi-core performance jump for content creation.
More cores and higher frequency on a still-recent mainstream platform.
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 reviewThe i7-5820K was a groundbreaking value proposition in 2014, bringing DDR4 and quad-channel memory to a lower price point. Today, it remains viable only for budget builds, handicapped by high power consumption and limited PCIe lanes compared to modern standards.
Best for: Building a budget-friendly used workstation for virtualization or light content creation.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3930K or Intel Core i7-5820K?
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 i7-3930K or Intel Core i7-5820K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-5820K leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Core i7-3930K and Intel Core i7-5820K.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-3930K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-3930K (130 W), Intel Core i7-5820K (140 W).
Do Core i7-3930K and Intel Core i7-5820K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3930K: LGA 2011, Intel Core i7-5820K: FCLGA2011-3 (LGA2011-v3)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-3930K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3930K (13,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.