Quick Verdict
A legendary HEDT CPU that brought 6 cores to a more accessible price point, offering immense multi-threaded performance and overclocking headroom.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Generation (Ivy Bridge-E)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i7-4930K is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor based on the Ivy Bridge-E architecture, launched in September 2013. It features 6 cores and 12 threads, operating at a base clock of 3.4 GHz and boosting up to 3.9 GHz. Built on a 22nm process, it uses the LGA 2011 socket and supports quad-channel DDR3 memory. The processor comes with a massive 12MB L3 cache and a 130W TDP. As a 'K' series chip, it features an unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking. It lacks integrated graphics, relying entirely on discrete GPUs. The 4930K was a favorite among content creators and enthusiasts, offering a significant core count increase over mainstream quad-cores of the era. With 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, it excels in multi-GPU configurations and heavy workload scenarios, making it a workhorse for 3D rendering, video editing, and virtualization.
The Core i7-4930K delivers 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 3.4 GHz base clock. With 40 PCIe lanes, quad-channel memory, and a 12MB L3 cache, it provides workstation-class performance for rendering and virtualization, easily overclocking to 4.
5 GHz+ on air cooling.
Specifications
Performance
6 cores still handle modern productivity apps well.
Excellent for home labs and multiple VMs.
Good for gaming, but single-core speed lags behind modern CPUs.
130W TDP is high, and overclocking makes it worse.
- •Handles modern games fine if overclocked
- •Requires discrete GPU
- •May struggle with single-core bound games
- •Can run AI via GPUs
- •No native AI hardware
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge-E
Codename
6C / 12T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
130 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4930K is built on the Ivy Bridge-E architecture, utilizing a 22nm manufacturing process. It features a massive 257 mm² die with 1.86 billion transistors. The architecture employs a ring bus design connecting 6 cores to a shared 12MB L3 cache. This layout ensures low latency and high throughput for multi-threaded applications. The CPU supports quad-channel DDR3 memory, providing up to 59.2 GB/s of bandwidth, a significant advantage over dual-channel mainstream platforms. With 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, it can support multiple high-end GPUs or NVMe storage arrays without bottlenecking. The unlocked multiplier allows enthusiasts to push the 3.4 GHz base clock well beyond 4.5 GHz. Lacking integrated graphics, all PCIe lanes and silicon are dedicated to CPU performance. The 130W TDP reflects the robust power delivery needed for 6 high-performance cores.
CPU Design
6 physical cores, 12 threads, unlocked.
Memory Subsystem
Quad-channel DDR3-1866.
PCIe & I/O
40 lanes of PCIe 3.0.
Overclocking
Fully unlocked multiplier.
- 22nm process (from 32nm)
- PCIe 3.0 support
- Better power efficiency
Key Highlights
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- Unlocked multiplier
- 40 PCIe lanes
- Quad-channel memory support
- 12MB L3 cache
- High 130W TDP
- No integrated graphics
- Lacks AVX2
- Outdated X79 platform
History
The Core i7-4930K launched in September 2013 as the direct successor to the popular i7-3930K. It brought the Ivy Bridge-E 22nm process to the LGA 2011 platform, offering better efficiency and higher clock speeds. At the time, 6 cores were a luxury reserved for high-end workstations, making the 4930K a highly coveted chip among content creators and enthusiasts.
It provided a significant performance uplift in multi-threaded workloads over mainstream quad-cores. The 4930K was known for its excellent overclocking capabilities, often reaching 4.5 GHz on all cores with relative ease.
It remained a popular choice on the used market long after its discontinuation, as the X79 platform offered great value for budget workstations. The 4930K stands as one of Intel's most successful HEDT processors, bridging the gap between Sandy Bridge-E and the DDR4 era of Haswell-E.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 22nm process (from 32nm)
- PCIe 3.0 support
- Better power efficiency
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading an existing X79 workstation.
Avoid if…
- Building a new PC
- Need DDR4/DDR5
- Care about power efficiency
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Built on 22nm Ivy Bridge-E architecture.
Features 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Has a massive 12MB L3 cache.
Supports quad-channel DDR3 memory.
Die size is 257 mm².
Unlocked for overclocking.
TDP is 130W.
Uses LGA 2011 socket.
Base clock is 3.4 GHz.
Max turbo is 3.9 GHz.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-4930K unlocked?
Yes, it features an unlocked multiplier.
What socket does the i7-4930K use?
It uses LGA 2011.
How many cores does the i7-4930K have?
It has 6 cores and 12 threads.
Does the i7-4930K have integrated graphics?
No, it requires a discrete GPU.
What is the TDP of the i7-4930K?
The TDP is 130 Watts.
Does the i7-4930K support quad-channel memory?
Yes, it supports quad-channel DDR3.
How many PCIe lanes does it have?
It has 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
What is the base clock of the i7-4930K?
The base clock is 3.4 GHz.
What generation is the i7-4930K?
It is an Ivy Bridge-E processor.
Can I overclock the i7-4930K?
Yes, it is fully unlocked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the i7-4930K still good for gaming?
It's okay, but single-core speed will bottleneck high-refresh gaming.
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 AVX2?
No, it supports AVX but not AVX2.
What is the L3 cache size?
It has 12MB of L3 cache.
What chipset does it use?
It uses the X79 chipset.
Does it support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
Is it good for video editing?
Yes, 6 cores make it decent for 1080p and light 4K editing.
How many transistors does it have?
It has 1.86 billion transistors.
What is the die size?
The die size is 257 mm².