OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Intel Core i7 3930K Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£70
PassMark benchmark result: 8196
N. of physical cores: 6
CPU boost clock speed: 3.8 GHz

Intel Core i7 3930K review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.5

Poor

4.1

Poor

7.7

Very good

2.6
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
2.4
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
1.6
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
4.0
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
2.7
L3 cache
8.0%
2.6
N. of physical cores
2.6
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
2.0
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
2.6
N. of physical cores
20.0%
4.0
CPU threads
15.0%
2.7
L3 cache

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-3930K is a high-end Sandy Bridge-E desktop processor featuring 6 physical cores and 12 threads with a 3.2 GHz base clock and a 3.8 GHz turbo frequency. Built on a 32nm process, it includes 12 MB of L3 Smart Cache, a substantial 130W TDP, and supports quad-channel DDR3-1600 memory with up to 40 PCIe 2.0 lanes. Its primary strengths are its exceptional multi-core performance for workstation tasks, an unlocked multiplier that offers excellent overclocking potential, and its position as a more cost-effective alternative to the flagship i7-3960X. However, it lacks integrated graphics, requires a more expensive X79 (LGA 2011) motherboard and dedicated cooling, and its high power consumption and aging architecture can lead to significant heat generation.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 3930K

Overall score

4.5

Show more

Hide

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

7.2

Show more

Hide

Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

?

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

Show more

Performance

3.9

Show more

Hide

N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Show more

Cache & Architecture

3.8

Show more

Hide

Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

Show more

Memory & PCIe

5.6

Show more

Hide

DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?

Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

Show more

Integrated Graphics

2.8

Show more

Hide

Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

N/A

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

N/A

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Show more

Power & Thermal

2.6

Show more

Hide

TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Intel Core i7 3930K vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 3930K better than the average processor?

Show more

Hide

24 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core i7 3930K has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=20
Intel Core i7 3930K has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.40 vs 16
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i7 3930K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i7 3930K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i7 3930K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i7 3930K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
4 more CPU threads
Intel Core i7 3930K has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 16+
Intel Core i7 3930K has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.12 vs 8
63.3% faster classroom rendering
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,292.8 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
What it is: A Blender render result based on the Classroom scene, used to show how quickly the processor can complete a demanding rendering workload.
When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >1500
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,292.8 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.1,292.8 vs 791,745
8.27x more popular
Intel Core i7 3930K is more popular than the average processor (8.27 vs 1,000).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Intel Core i7 3930K is more popular than the average processor (8.27 vs 1,000).8.27 vs 1
26.5% faster Blender rendering
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (419.8 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >290
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (419.8 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.419.8 vs 331.88
16.7% more L3 per core
Intel Core i7 3930K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=2 MB/core
Intel Core i7 3930K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i7 3930K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
4 more CPU threads
Intel Core i7 3930K has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
63.3% faster classroom rendering
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,292.8 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
26.5% faster Blender rendering
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (419.8 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
50% larger L3 cache
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
16.7% more L3 per core
Intel Core i7 3930K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
24 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core i7 3930K has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i7 3930K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.

Cache & Architecture

Why is Intel Core i7 3930K worse than the average processor?

Show more

Hide

Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i7 3930K supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
9 year/s older release date
Intel Core i7 3930K has an older release date than the average processor (2011 vs 2020).
November 2,011
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i7 3930K does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
58.1% lower single-core score
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (616 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
30% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,738 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
11.6% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
37.8% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,983 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
37.5% lower bus speed
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
22.2% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (8,196 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
2.67x larger process node
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher process node than the average processor (32 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
2.44x larger die size
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher die size than the average processor (435 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
Less advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i7 3930K uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Sandy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i7 3930K has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
40% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
Less advanced foundry
Intel Core i7 3930K uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 32 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
54.1% fewer transistors
Intel Core i7 3930K has fewer transistors than the average processor (2.3 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
Older DDR support
Intel Core i7 3930K supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
45.4% lower memory speed
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
Older PCIe version
Intel Core i7 3930K supports an older PCIe version than the average processor (2 vs 3.0).
2 fewer memory channels
Intel Core i7 3930K has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
No integrated graphics
Intel Core i7 3930K does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
2.89x higher base power
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (130 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
2.03x higher boost power
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (130 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
2.89x higher TDP
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher TDP than the average processor (130 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
9 °C lower TJ Max
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (91 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i7 3930K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
27 seconds shorter turbo duration
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (1 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
58.1% lower single-core score
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (616 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2000
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (616 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.616 vs 1,471
30% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,738 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >3200
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,738 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,738 vs 2,483
2.67x larger process node
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher process node than the average processor (32 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <10 nm
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher process node than the average processor (32 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.32 nm vs 12 nm
2.89x higher base power
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (130 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (130 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.130 W vs 45 W
11.6% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >4.7 GHz
Intel Core i7 3930K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
2.03x higher boost power
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (130 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <50 W
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (130 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.130 W vs 64 W
2.44x larger die size
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher die size than the average processor (435 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <150 mm²
Intel Core i7 3930K has a higher die size than the average processor (435 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².435 mm² vs 178 mm²
Older DDR support
Intel Core i7 3930K supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: DDR5
Intel Core i7 3930K supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).DDR3 vs DDR4

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 3930K and other processors

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i7 3930K?

Excellent value compared to the flagship Core i7-3960X, offering near-identical performance for roughly half the original launch price
Outstanding multi-core performance for its time due to the 6-core/12-thread architecture, excelling in multi-threaded tasks like video rendering and scientific computing
High overclocking headroom; many users report stable speeds between 4.6 GHz and 4.8 GHz with adequate cooling
Features an unlocked multiplier, making the overclocking process straightforward for enthusiasts
Durable long-term performance, with some users reporting it remains capable of handling modern AAA games when paired with a strong GPU like the GTX 1080 Ti

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 3930K?

High power consumption and thermal output with a 130W TDP, often requiring high-end cooling solutions and running warm under load
Lacks integrated graphics and Intel QuickSync technology, which were removed in the Sandy Bridge-E architecture
High platform entry cost; it requires the expensive X79 Express (LGA 2011) motherboard and often lacks modern features like native USB 3.1 or M.2 boot support
Showing its age in modern single-threaded performance and can bottleneck high-end modern GPUs in demanding titles
The physical chip is actually an 8-core die with two cores intentionally disabled by Intel for product segmentation

Expert reviews

uk.pcmag.com

23/03/2012

Intel Core i7-3930K - Review 2012

PCMag UK describes the Intel Core i7-3930K as a "gorgeously balanced" six-core processor, offering near-flagship performance without the extreme price tag of the i7-3960X. The 32nm Sandy Bridge-E chip, featuring 12 threads and 12MB of L3 cache, is designed for high-end workstations, providing exceptional power for multi-threaded tasks like video encoding. Key advantages, or pros,...Read more

hexus.net

16/11/2011

Review: Intel Core i7 3930K Sandy Bridge-E CPU

The Intel Core i7-3930K (Sandy Bridge-E) is identified by HEXUS as a high-value, high-performance processor, offering near-identical performance to the flagship Core i7-3960X for a lower price. Featuring six cores, 12 threads, and a 3.2GHz base clock (3.8GHz Turbo), the chip delivers exceptional multi-threaded performance suitable for workstation tasks. While the i7-3930K shines in...Read more

tweaktown.com

23/11/2011

Intel Core i7 3930K (LGA 2011) CPU Review

The Intel Core i7-3930K offers near-flagship performance for nearly half the price of the 3960X Extreme Edition, making it a highly practical choice within the LGA 2011 lineup, characterized by its six-core/twelve-thread architecture and 12MB of L3 cache. Benchmarks show marginal performance differences in intensive tasks like AIDA64, while excellent overclocking headroom allowed...Read more

tomshardware.com

08/12/2011

Intel Core i7-3930K And Core i7-3820: Sandy Bridge-E, Cheaper

Tom's Hardware reviews the Intel Core i7-3930K and i7-3820, presenting them as high-value, cheaper alternatives to the flagship Sandy Bridge-E processors. The 6-core i7-3930K is highlighted as an ideal enthusiast choice for multi-threaded workloads, while the quad-core i7-3820 offers an accessible entry point to the X79 platform's PCIe 3.0 and quad-channel memory. While the 3930K...Read more

techradar.com

02/12/2011

Intel Core i7 3930K review

The TechRadar review identifies the Intel Core i7-3930K as a high-performance, six-core LGA 2011 processor offering exceptional value compared to the flagship Core i7-3960X, delivering nearly identical performance for a lower price. Featuring an unlocked 3.2 GHz clock speed and quad-channel memory, it provides massive overclocking potential for video encoding and 3D rendering tasks....Read more

pcper.com

15/12/2011

Intel Core i7-3930K Sandy Bridge-E Processor Review

The PC Perspective review identifies the Intel Core i7-3930K as a superior "enthusiast's choice" for the LGA 2011 platform, delivering nearly identical performance to the flagship i7-3960X for roughly half the price. This $555 six-core processor is a performance powerhouse for multi-threaded applications, offering high overclocking potential, though it faces stiffer value...Read more

bit-tech.net

14/11/2011

Intel Sandy Bridge E Review

The bit-tech.net review of Intel’s Sandy Bridge-E platform (Core i7-3960X/3930K) highlights a powerful, six-core architecture featuring a quad-channel memory controller and 40 PCI Express lanes, ideal for high-end workstations. However, the analysis notes negligible performance gains in general applications compared to cheaper LGA1155 options, with the i7-3930K only 2% faster in...Read more

hardwareluxx.de

02/12/2011

Intel Core i7-3930K Review

The Hardwareluxx review identifies the Intel Core i7-3930K as a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to the flagship i7-3960X, offering six cores and 12 threads for enthusiast workloads. While featuring a slightly lower 3.2 GHz base clock and 12 MB L3 cache, the 3930K delivers near-identical performance to the Extreme Edition model with exceptional overclocking potential via...Read more

hartware.de

27/02/2012

Intel Core i7-3930K – Hardware

The Hartware review from February 2012 identifies the Intel Core i7-3930K as a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to the flagship i7-3960X, offering six cores, twelve threads, and a 3.2 GHz base clock for around 500 Euros. Praised for its excellent performance-to-price ratio on the LGA 2011 platform, the chip excels in multi-threaded tasks and content creation while...Read more

hardware.fr

24/01/2012

Core i7-3930K and Core i7-3820: LGA 2011 for less

The Hardware.fr review examines the Intel Core i7-3930K and i7-3820, analyzing Intel's efforts to make the LGA 2011 platform more accessible. The six-core i7-3930K provides high-end productivity performance, while the four-core i7-3820 acts as an entry-level option, both utilizing the Sandy Bridge-E architecture. The Core i7-3930K is lauded for its massive multi-threaded capacity...Read more

cowcotland.com

16/02/2012

Intel Core i7-3930K Review: Another HEXA core

The Cowcotland review highlights the Intel Core i7-3930K as a high-performance, six-core Sandy Bridge-E processor, offering near-flagship performance at a lower price point than the 3960X. Operating at 3.2 GHz, it delivers impressive multi-threaded results and supports 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes and quad-channel memory, making it a strong, future-proof, and highly overclockable option for...Read more

profesionalreview.com

21/07/2012

Testing the Antec Kühler H2O 620 with i7 3930k and i7 3770k

The Antec Kuhler H2O 620 is a versatile, entry-level liquid cooler effective for high-end processors like the Intel Core i7-3930K and i7-3770K, offering a, low-profile design ideal for compact cases. It provides significant temperature improvements over stock coolers—often over 20°C—and remains competitive with larger 240mm units while being easier to install due to flexible tubing....Read more

profesionalreview.com

29/12/2012

Review: Intel i7 3930K + Asus Rampage IV Formula

The review from Profesional Review highlights the Intel i7-3930K and ASUS Rampage IV Formula as a high-performance LGA 2011 pairing, offering 6 cores, 12 threads, and robust multi-GPU support for workstations and gaming. The motherboard excels with Extreme Engine DIGI+ II power delivery, SupremeFX III audio, and X-Socket compatibility for older coolers, facilitating easy...Read more

tomshw.it

19/12/2011

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K. Would you like to see technical benchmarks comparing this model against newer Ryzen or Core i9 processors?

The Intel Core i7-3930K (Sandy Bridge-E, LGA 2011) was recognized in late 2011 as a high-performance alternative to the flagship i7-3960X, offering six cores and twelve threads at a better price-to-performance ratio for enthusiast workloads. Key advantages included its unlocked multiplier, allowing for easy overclocking past the 3.8 GHz Turbo limit to roughly 4.5 GHz, and native...Read more

tomshw.it

17/01/2012

Core i7-3930K vs. 2600K: A Tough Choice

The Tom's Hardware Italy review identifies the Intel Core i7-3930K as the optimal "smart choice" for high-end enthusiasts, offering a 6-core/12-thread Sandy Bridge-E configuration that bridges the gap between the premium i7-3960X and the mainstream i7-2600K. It provides roughly 50% better multi-core performance than the i7-2600K in heavy workloads, supported by an X79 platform...Read more

xtremehardware.com

28/02/2012

Intel Core i7-3930K C2: Just a bug fix?

The XtremeHardware review highlights the Intel Core i7-3930K C2 stepping as a crucial update, enabling VT-d for hardware-level virtualization that was broken in the C1 revision. As an enthusiast platform, this 6-core/12-thread chip delivers exceptional multi-threaded performance and massive bandwidth via quad-channel memory, often providing better overclocking potential and thermal...Read more

tomshw.it

17/01/2012

Intel Core i7 3930K: The Smart Choice for Enthusiasts

The Intel Core i7-3930K, reviewed as a Sandy Bridge-E processor on the X79 platform, is identified as a "smart choice" for enthusiasts, offering nearly the same performance as the flagship i7-3960X for roughly $400 less. It boasts six cores and twelve threads, providing roughly 50% more raw multi-core power than standard quad-core chips, making it ideal for rendering and video...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

AMD Ryzen 5 5500

Processors

AMD Ryzen 5 3500X

Processors

Intel Core i7 6700K

Processors

Intel Core i3 9320

Processors

AMD Ryzen 5 3600

Processors

Intel Pentium Gold G5500t

Processors

Intel Pentium Gold G5420

Processors

Intel Core i3 9300

Processors

AMD Ryzen 5 8400F

Processors

Intel Pentium Gold G6405

Processors

Intel Celeron G4900t

Processors

Intel Celeron G3920

Processors

Compare Intel Core i7 3930K with other processors

Compare