Intel Core i7 5930K Review | 78 Data compared

The Tom's Hardware review highlights the Intel Core i7-5960X as the first consumer-grade eight-core processor, built on the 22nm Haswell-E architecture with 16 threads, 20MB of L3 cache, and 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes. A significant advantage is the introduction of quad-channel DDR4 memory support for increased bandwidth, though it requires a new LGA 2011-3 socket and X99 chipset. Performance-wise, it dominates in multi-threaded applications like video editing and rendering, though its lower base clock speeds (3.0 GHz) can be a limitation for single-threaded tasks compared to quad-core alternatives. Despite having a high 140W TDP, the chip runs efficiently at stock speeds, offering robust overclocking potential up to 4.3 GHz, albeit with significant power and thermal spikes beyond that point. The $999 price tag serves as the main disadvantage, making it ideal for professionals and enthusiasts but overkill for gaming, where the six-core i7-5820K is recommended for better value.

The Tom's Hardware review of the Nvidia GeForce GTX Titan X (Maxwell) highlights the GM200 GPU as a major silicon achievement, featuring 3,072 CUDA cores and 12GB of GDDR5 to target 4K gaming. The card's primary advantages included unmatched single-GPU performance for 3840x2160 resolutions and efficient power consumption relative to its performance. However, the review noted drawbacks such as the high $999 price point and reduced double-precision (FP64) performance compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the reference cooler could struggle under extreme loads, leading to thermal throttling, and the card was deemed unnecessary for lower resolutions. For more details, visit Tom's Hardware.

The TechPowerUp comparison of Intel’s Haswell-E lineup (i7-5960X, 5930K, 5820K) details a shift toward high-core-count computing, introducing the X99 platform and DDR4 memory, with the 8-core 5960X dominating in heavily threaded tasks. The 5820K is highlighted for offering high-end, 6-core performance at a value price point with high overclocking headroom (up to 4.6 GHz), while the 5930K provides a middle ground with 40 PCIe lanes for multi-GPU setups. However, the series suffers from high 140W TDPs requiring substantial cooling, and they offer only marginal gaming improvements over cheaper quad-core alternatives, with the 5820K limited to 28 PCIe lanes.

The Intel Core i7-5930K is a six-core, 12-thread 22nm Haswell-E high-end desktop (HEDT) processor, serving as a versatile option that supports 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, ideal for multi-GPU configurations. While delivering excellent performance, it is often seen as a mid-ground choice between the cheaper 28-lane i7-5820K and the more powerful eight-core i7-5960X. Key advantages include its high clock speeds and full PCIe lane count, though this comes with high platform costs, including the requirement for X99 motherboards, DDR4 memory, and a separate cooling solution. Performance tests highlight the chip’s strengths in both single and multi-threaded tasks, with strong overclocking potential on air cooling, often reaching 4.5GHz. However, the review highlights that its high-performance position is somewhat undermined by the cost-effective nature of the cheaper i7-5820K. For more details, visit HEXUS.

The bit-tech review of the Intel Core i7-5930K and i7-5820K highlights significant multi-threaded performance gains, with the 5930K offering 40 PCIe lanes for multi-GPU setups and the 5820K providing 28 lanes as a more budget-friendly, high-performance option. Pros include exceptional rendering capabilities, with the 5930K being 26% faster in Cinebench than predecessors, alongside impressive overclocking potential (4.55GHz/4.3GHz). Cons focus on high platform costs due to required X99 motherboards and DDR4 memory, increased power consumption when overclocked, and limited gaming benefits over the cheaper i7-4790K.

The Intel Core i7-5960X Extreme Edition is hailed by PCMag as a "beast" and a major milestone as Intel's first eight-core desktop CPU, delivering exceptional performance in heavily multithreaded tasks like 4K video editing and 3D rendering. Based on the "Haswell-E" architecture, the processor features 16 threads and 20MB of L3 cache, which established it as the fastest consumer CPU tested by the publication at the time. The platform, built on the X99 chipset, introduces support for quad-channel DDR4 memory and 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, enabling robust multi-GPU configurations. Despite a 3GHz base clock, the chip demonstrates strong overclocking capability, with tests showing stability at 4.2GHz on all cores, bridging the performance gap in single-threaded applications. However, the $999 price tag and the necessity of a new LGA 2011-v3 motherboard and DDR4 RAM represent a high-cost platform upgrade. Additionally, its lower base clock can result in slower performance compared to previous-generation, higher-clocked chips in lightly threaded, everyday tasks. For more details, visit PCMag. Copy

The Modders-Inc review of the Intel Core i7-5820K and i7-5930K highlights these 6-core/12-thread processors as accessible, high-performance entries into the X99 Haswell-E platform. While the i7-5930K offers 40 PCIe lanes for multi-GPU setups at 3.5GHz, the i7-5820K provides 28 lanes at 3.3GHz, both utilizing DDR4 memory and featuring unlocked multipliers for significant overclocking potential. Key advantages include superior multi-threaded rendering performance compared to previous generations, though drawbacks involve high total platform costs, limited PCIe bandwidth on the 5820K for quad-SLI, and a 140W TDP requiring robust cooling. Copy

The bit-tech review highlights the Intel Core i7-5930K and i7-5820K as powerful 6-core/12-thread Haswell-E processors, with the 5930K offering 40 PCIe lanes and the 5820K offering 28 lanes. Performance testing shows both chips excel in multi-threaded tasks with strong overclocking potential, though gaming performance is largely GPU-bottlenecked. While the i7-5820K is recommended for its value, key drawbacks include high platform costs (X99/DDR4) and high power consumption, despite delivering exceptional rendering performance. Copy