Intel Core i7-3930k Pro Reviews

For all but the most rabid enthusiasts, Intel’s Core i7-3930K processor represents an unparalleled combination of price and performance for use on the X79 Express platform.

The Core i7 3930K is very much a niche product whose appeal is limited to the true power user. For everyone else, consider a mainstream Sandy Bridge chip instead.

Throughout the entire test session we had a hard time getting rid of the feeling that we are getting acquainted not with a new enthusiast platform, but with a new server and workstation solution. The server roots of the LGA 2011 platform show themselves way too obviously. The server origin is noticeable in the design of the semiconductor die with eight computational cores, in the processor characteristics including enormous l3 cache, in the support of quad-channel but relatively slow memory controller. The results of the performance tests can also be interpreted accordingly. LGA 2011 processors have more computational cores than their LGA 1155 counterparts, but they work at lower clock speeds. Therefore the ideal application for the Sandy Bridge-E based newcomers will be multi-threaded tasks, such as digital content creation and processing, for example. In other words, these are the tasks typical of high-performance workstations in the first place. As for the role of a general-purpose platform, LGA 2011 doesn’t fit in too seamlessly. Mainboards and processors that are part of the platform are very expensive, but in reality they don’t deliver too many advantages. Moreover, the flagship platform doesn’t really do better than LGA 1155 in a number of usage models that could be of interest to regular users, such as gaming, for example. Also the new platform doesn’t support Quick Sync technology. Moreover, its power consumption is through the roof and overclocking poses additional challenges and requires super-efficient cooling. In other words, there are not so many real advantages that could make the new LGA 2011 platform a dream come true for advanced users. In fact, there can be only two significant arguments in favor of this platform. They are unprecedented multi-threaded performance and support of the fastest implementation of multi-GPU configurations. However, these arguments will be convincing enough only for a small number of enthusiasts, while the majority of users will still prefer LGA 1155 processors and mainboards. Especially since Core i7 family in LGA 1155 form-factor has recently been refreshed again and its performance rose to a higher level.

Even with pricing considerations to take into account, the Core i7-3930K will likely become the processor of choice for high-end PC enthusiasts simply because it currently offers the best platform (Sandy Bridge-E + X79) for the lowest price (compared to the $990 Core i7-3960X). Will this processor sell in droves like the Core i7-920 did upon its release and long lifespan? I doubt it, but maybe the forthcoming Core i7-3820 will take that crown with a sub-$300 price tag. If you are thinking about building a new multi-GPU gaming rig or just one of the fastest PCs on the planet without completely breaking the bank, then I think the Core i7-3930K is the best option for you today!

Much better value than the 3960X. The obvious choice if you're thinking of the LGA 2011 platform.