CPU Comparison
Core i7-4820K vs Intel Core i7-5820K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4820K is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor based on the Ivy Bridge-E architecture, released in September 2013. Featuring 4 cores and 8 threads, it operates at a high base clock of 3.7 GHz and boosts up to 3.9 GHz. What sets this CPU apart is its unlocked multiplier, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. Built on a 22nm process, it utilizes the LGA 2011 socket and supports quad-channel DDR3 memory. Unlike mainstream Intel CPUs, the 4820K lacks integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU. It features 10MB of L3 cache and a 130W TDP. This processor was designed for users who wanted the platform benefits of the X79 chipset, such as more PCIe lanes and quad-channel memory, without paying for the 6-core or 8-core variants. It offered excellent overclocking potential and strong single-threaded performance for gaming and high-performance computing.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Quad-channel memory helps with heavy multitasking.
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 1080p gaming if overclocked, but lacks modern single-core speed.
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 due to VT-d and 40 PCIe lanes.
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 for a quad-core is highly inefficient by modern standards.
High power consumption (140W TDP) and heat output compared to 14nm, 10nm, or 7nm counterparts.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Can run basic AI models via PCIe GPUs
- No native AI acceleration
- No dedicated AI or matrix acceleration hardware.
- AVX2 support offers some vector compute capability.
Content Creation
Gaming
- High base clock helps older games
- Requires discrete GPU
- Can bottleneck modern high-end GPUs at 1080p
- 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
- 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
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 i7-4820K
- 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.
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 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 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 i7-4820K or Intel Core i7-5820K?
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 i7-4820K or Intel Core i7-5820K?
For gaming, the Core i7-4820K leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Core i7-4820K and Intel Core i7-5820K.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-4820K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-4820K (130 W), Intel Core i7-5820K (140 W).
Do Core i7-4820K and Intel Core i7-5820K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-4820K: Intel Socket 2011, Intel Core i7-5820K: FCLGA2011-3 (LGA2011-v3)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-5820K has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-4820K (4 cores), Intel Core i7-5820K (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-4820K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-4820K (14,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.