CPU Comparison
Core i7-3930K vs Intel Core i7-5930K
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 Though superseded by newer architectures, the i7-3930K remains a legendary CPU, offering robust multi-threaded performance that can still handle modern workloads reasonably well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.
Respectable multi-threaded throughput in legacy workloads, but modern chips finish faster while using less power.
Gaming
Still decent for modern gaming, though single-core is slower than new CPUs.
Playable in older games; struggles with CPU-heavy modern titles at high refresh due to lower IPC and clocks compared to newer CPUs.
Virtualization
Excellent for VMs with 12 threads and quad-channel memory.
Adequate for lab use with its PCIe and memory bandwidth, though limited core count and efficiency by today’s standards.
Efficiency
130W TDP and 32nm process mean it runs hot and uses power.
High 140 W TDP for 6/12; modern platforms deliver far better performance-per-watt.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- PCIe 3.0 is okay for basic inference cards
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware.
- Suitable only for light CPU-based inference workloads.
Content Creation
Gaming
- 6 cores help with modern titles
- Overclocks well to improve single-core
- PCIe 3.0 supports modern GPUs
- Multi-GPU support was a highlight in its time, but multi-GPU gaming has declined.
- Capable of 1080p/1440p with a strong GPU, though new titles may bottleneck.
- Boost to 3.7 GHz is modest compared with today’s high-clocked desktop CPUs.
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
- 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU
- Quad-channel DDR4 memory support
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Solid multi-threaded performance for its era
- Proven X99 platform with broad motherboard options
Cons
- No integrated graphics; a discrete GPU is required
- High 140 W TDP with older 22 nm process
- Lower single-thread performance than modern CPUs
- Platform has no upgrade path beyond Broadwell-E
- Memory support capped at DDR4-2133 officially
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 i7-5930K
- AMD Ryzen 9 3950XRival
HEDT/High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- RivalCompare head-to-head
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950XRival
HEDT/Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6850KRival
HEDT (same platform successor)
Cheaper entry to X99 with 6 cores but fewer PCIe lanes.
Compare head-to-head8-core option on the same platform if you need more cores and lanes.
Compare head-to-headMuch faster gaming and general performance on a more modern mainstream platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5950XAlt
16 cores, far superior performance and efficiency on AM4.
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700XAlt
Strong single-thread performance and modern platform features on AM5.
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 i7-5930K was a sensible mid-tier HEDT pick in 2014, offering nearly the same multi-GPU and multi-threaded capabilities as the higher-priced model while costing less. Today, it remains viable for specific workloads that need many PCIe lanes and memory bandwidth, but efficiency and single-thread speeds lag far behind modern chips.
Best for: A very low-cost used HEDT build that needs 40 PCIe lanes and quad-channel DDR4, especially for multi-GPU or many NVMe drives.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3930K or Intel Core i7-5930K?
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 uses less power?
The Core i7-3930K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-3930K (130 W), Intel Core i7-5930K (140 W).
Do Core i7-3930K and Intel Core i7-5930K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3930K: LGA 2011, Intel Core i7-5930K: LGA2011-v3 (FCLGA2011)), 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.