Quick Verdict
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.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Generation (Ivy Bridge-E)
Market
Desktop
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 Core i7-4820K delivers 4 cores, 8 threads, and a 3.7 GHz base clock within a 130W TDP. It brings HEDT features like quad-channel DDR3 memory and 40 PCIe lanes to a more affordable price point, making it a strong choice for enthusiasts and multi-GPU gamers.
Specifications
Performance
Quad-channel memory helps with heavy multitasking.
Excellent due to VT-d and 40 PCIe lanes.
Still decent for 1080p gaming if overclocked, but lacks modern single-core speed.
130W TDP for a quad-core is highly inefficient by modern standards.
- •High base clock helps older games
- •Requires discrete GPU
- •Can bottleneck modern high-end GPUs at 1080p
- •Can run basic AI models via PCIe GPUs
- •No native AI acceleration
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge-E
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
10 MB
L3 Cache
130 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4820K utilizes the Ivy Bridge-E architecture, a scaled-up version of Ivy Bridge designed for the LGA 2011 platform. Built on a 22nm process, this die features 1.86 billion transistors and a massive 257 mm² die size. Unlike mainstream Ivy Bridge, the E variant features a ring bus architecture designed to support more cores and a larger cache, here totaling 10MB of L3. The 4820K essentially disables two cores from the 6-core die. It supports quad-channel DDR3 memory, providing immense memory bandwidth. A key feature is the 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, allowing for full-speed multi-GPU setups or multiple NVMe SSDs. The CPU is fully unlocked, allowing enthusiasts to push the 3.7 GHz base clock well beyond 4.5 GHz with adequate cooling. The 130W TDP reflects the robust power delivery required for the LGA 2011 platform.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads, unlocked.
Memory Subsystem
Quad-channel DDR3.
PCIe & I/O
40 lanes of PCIe 3.0.
Overclocking
Fully unlocked multiplier.
- Higher base and turbo clocks
- Better overclocking headroom
Key Highlights
- Unlocked multiplier
- 40 PCIe lanes
- Quad-channel memory support
- Large 10MB L3 cache
- Only 4 cores
- High 130W TDP
- No integrated graphics
- Outdated LGA 2011 platform
History
The Core i7-4820K was launched in September 2013 as part of the Ivy Bridge-E refresh. Intel offered this 4-core CPU as an entry point into their high-end desktop (HEDT) platform. It was essentially a die-harvested version of the 6-core 4930K, aimed at users who wanted the X79 platform's features like quad-channel memory and 40 PCIe lanes but didn't need the extra cores.
At the time, it competed directly with the mainstream i7-4770K, offering similar core counts but a much more robust platform. The 4820K was popular among enthusiasts who ran multi-GPU setups or needed massive memory bandwidth for rendering. However, it was soon overshadowed by the Haswell-E 5820K, which offered 6 cores for a similar price.
The 4820K remains a unique piece of hardware, representing a time when Intel offered HEDT features on quad-core chips.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher base and turbo clocks
- Better overclocking headroom
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading an existing LGA 2011 system.
Avoid if…
- Building a new PC
- Want power efficiency
- Need modern features
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It is a 4-core CPU on a 6-core die.
Features 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Has a massive 257 mm² die size.
Supports quad-channel DDR3 memory.
Lacks integrated graphics.
Unlocked for overclocking.
Uses the LGA 2011 socket.
TDP is 130W.
Base clock is 3.7 GHz.
Part of the Ivy Bridge-E family.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-4820K unlocked?
Yes, it has an unlocked multiplier.
What socket does the i7-4820K use?
It uses LGA 2011.
Does the i7-4820K have integrated graphics?
No, it requires a discrete GPU.
How many PCIe lanes does the i7-4820K have?
It has 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
What is the TDP of the i7-4820K?
The TDP is 130 Watts.
Does the i7-4820K support quad-channel memory?
Yes, it supports quad-channel DDR3.
What is the base clock of the i7-4820K?
The base clock is 3.7 GHz.
How many cores does the i7-4820K have?
It has 4 cores and 8 threads.
What generation is the i7-4820K?
It is an Ivy Bridge-E processor.
Can I overclock the i7-4820K?
Yes, the multiplier is fully unlocked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the i7-4820K good for gaming?
It can still game, but 4 cores will bottleneck modern titles.
Does it support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory.
What is the max turbo boost?
The max turbo boost is 3.9 GHz.
Does it support AVX?
Yes, it supports AVX instructions.
What is the die size?
The die size is 257 mm².
How many transistors does it have?
It has 1.86 billion transistors.
Does it support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
What chipset does it use?
It uses the X79 chipset.
Is it good for video editing?
Okay for basic 1080p, but slow for 4K.
What is the L3 cache size?
It has 10MB of L3 cache.