CPU Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i7-930 has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Pentium G4560T has 2 cores and 4 threads. The i7-930 doubles both counts.

Q: How do the two chips compare in average benchmark score?

A: The Pentium G4560T posts an average benchmark score of 887, while the Core i7-930 scores 882. That places the Pentium 0.6% higher overall, despite having half the cores.

Q: Which CPU wins in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Core i7-930 edges out the Pentium G4560T with a score of 2563 versus 2544, a 0.7% difference. The i7-930 wins all five head-to-head benchmark tests.

Q: What is the single-core performance gap in Cinebench R20?

A: The Core i7-930 scores 151 in Cinebench R20 single-core, while the Pentium G4560T scores 150. The i7-930 leads by 0.7%.

Q: Which processor has a lower TDP?

A: The Pentium G4560T has a 35W TDP, compared to the Core i7-930's 130W TDP. That is a 73% reduction in power draw for the Pentium.

Q: Do these CPUs support the same memory type?

A: No. The Pentium G4560T uses DDR4 with dual-channel memory, while the Core i7-930 uses DDR3 with triple-channel memory. The Pentium has a rated memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s; the i7-930 has no listed bandwidth figure.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from radically different eras of Intel design. The Pentium G4560T is built on Kaby Lake architecture using a 14 nm process node, while the Core i7-930 uses the older Nehalem architecture on a 45 nm node. That three-generation process gap explains much of the efficiency difference: the Pentium draws 35W TDP against the i7-930's 130W TDP. The i7-930 does list its transistor count at 731 million and die size at 263 mm², whereas the Pentium's transistor count and die size are not provided in the data.

Core configuration is the most obvious architectural split. The Pentium G4560T offers 2 cores and 4 threads, while the Core i7-930 provides 4 cores and 8 threads. Cache hierarchies also diverge: both share 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, but the Pentium has 3 MB of shared L3 cache versus the i7-930's 8 MB of shared L3. That larger cache likely helps the older chip compensate for its slower architecture in multi-threaded workloads.

Memory support differs fundamentally. The Pentium G4560T uses DDR4 with dual-channel configuration and a rated bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The Core i7-930 uses DDR3 with triple-channel configuration, though no bandwidth figure is listed. The Pentium also features PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i7-930 is limited to PCIe Gen 2 without lane specifications.

Integrated graphics are another differentiator. The Pentium G4560T includes Intel HD 610 graphics; the Core i7-930 has no integrated graphics at all. This makes the Pentium a more self-contained solution for systems without a discrete GPU.

Production status also separates them. The Pentium G4560T remains active, while the Core i7-930 is end-of-life. Release dates confirm the gap: the Pentium launched in January 2017, the i7-930 in February 2010. Neither chip has an unlocked multiplier, and both target the desktop market segment.

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a surprisingly close contest. The Core i7-930 wins every single head-to-head benchmark, but by margins so slim they border on statistical noise. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i7-930 scores 258 against the Pentium's 256, a 0.8% difference. Cinebench R20 multicore shows 1076 versus 1068, a 0.7% gap. Cinebench R23 multicore follows the same pattern: 2563 versus 2544, again 0.7%. Single-core tests are equally tight, with the i7-930 leading by 0.7% in R20 and 0.6% in R23.

Yet the average benchmark scores tell a slightly different story. The Pentium G4560T averages 887 across its benchmark suite, while the i7-930 averages 882. That means the Pentium holds a 0.6% advantage in overall average performance, despite losing every head-to-head test. The explanation lies in the Geekbench results: the Pentium scores 1237 in multicore and 594 in single-core, while the i7-930 has no Geekbench scores listed in the data.

For users prioritizing raw multi-threaded performance, the Core i7-930 technically wins, but the margins are negligible. For users prioritizing power efficiency, the Pentium G4560T is the clear choice with its 35W TDP versus 130W. The Pentium also offers modern memory support (DDR4), integrated graphics, and remains in active production. The i7-930's triple-channel DDR3 and larger L3 cache are its only architectural advantages, yet they translate to less than 1% real-world benchmark gains.

The data suggests the Pentium G4560T is the more practical purchase for new builds, given its active status, lower power draw, and comparable performance. The Core i7-930 makes sense only for those specifically needing its 8 threads and 8 MB cache, and even then the benchmark results show no meaningful performance benefit.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Pentium G4560T | Intel Core i7-930 |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 2 | 4 |

| Threads | 4 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 2.90 GHz | 2.80 GHz |

| Boost Clock | None | 3.07 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 130 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | Intel Socket 1366 |

| Architecture | Kaby Lake | Nehalem |

| Codename | Kaby Lake | Bloomfield |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 45 nm |

| Transistors | Not listed | 731 million |

| Die Size | Not listed | 263 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 3 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3 |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Triple-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | Not listed |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 2 |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 610 | None |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2017-01-02 | 2010-02-27 |

| Part Number | SR35T | SLBKP |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results are remarkably consistent: the Core i7-930 wins all five tests, but never by more than 0.8%. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i7-930 scores 258 against the Pentium's 256. That 2-point difference represents the largest margin of any test, yet it amounts to just 0.8% performance advantage.

Cinebench R20 multicore shows the i7-930 at 1076 versus 1068 for the Pentium, a 0.7% gap. Single-core R20 results are nearly identical: 151 for the i7-930, 150 for the Pentium, again 0.7%. Cinebench R23 multicore gives the i7-930 a 2563 score against 2544, maintaining that 0.7% lead. The smallest margin appears in R23 single-core, where the i7-930 scores 361 versus 359, a 0.6% difference.

The pattern is clear: the i7-930's additional cores, threads, and cache do not translate into substantial benchmark wins. The architecture gap between 14 nm Kaby Lake and 45 nm Nehalem appears to neutralize the core-count advantage. The Pentium's newer design compensates for its halved core count with better per-clock efficiency.

However, the average benchmark scores complicate the narrative. The Pentium's average of 887 exceeds the i7-930's 882, giving the Pentium a 0.6% edge in aggregate performance. This happens because the Pentium has Geekbench scores (1237 multicore, 594 single-core) that the i7-930 lacks, and those scores boost its average. The i7-930 has no Geekbench results in the data pack.

In terms of percentile ranking, the Pentium sits at the 24th percentile of all CPUs, while the i7-930 sits at the 23rd percentile. That 1-percentile difference aligns with the average score gap. Both processors land in the same performance tier, surrounded by similar rivals: the Pentium's nearest rival is the AMD PRO A8-8650B (both at 887), while the i7-930's nearest rival is the AMD Athlon Silver 7120U (881, 0.1% behind).

Where Each One Wins

Intel Pentium G4560T advantages:

• Power efficiency: The 35W TDP versus 130W represents a massive 73% reduction in power draw, making the Pentium far better suited for compact or energy-conscious builds.
• Modern platform: DDR4 memory support and PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes provide a more current foundation for system components.
• Integrated graphics: The inclusion of Intel HD 610 eliminates the need for a discrete GPU in basic systems.
• Production status: The Pentium remains active, while the i7-930 is end-of-life, meaning ongoing availability and support.
• Average benchmark score: The Pentium's 887 average edges out the i7-930's 882, giving it a slight overall performance edge in aggregate metrics.
• Geekbench coverage: The Pentium has Geekbench multicore (1237) and single-core (594) results; the i7-930 has no Geekbench data.

Intel Core i7-930 advantages:

• Multi-threaded workload wins: The i7-930 wins all five head-to-head Cinebench tests, albeit by margins under 1%.
• Higher core and thread count: With 4 cores and 8 threads, the i7-930 has double the parallel processing capacity of the Pentium.
• Larger L3 cache: The 8 MB shared L3 cache versus 3 MB could benefit workloads with large working sets.
• Triple-channel memory: The triple-channel DDR3 configuration offers a different memory bandwidth profile than the Pentium's dual-channel DDR4.
• Boost clock: The i7-930 has a 3.07 GHz boost clock, while the Pentium has no boost capability, keeping it at a fixed 2.90 GHz.

The data suggests the Pentium G4560T wins for users building new systems where power consumption, modern features, and integrated graphics matter. The Core i7-930 wins only for those who specifically need its 8 threads and larger cache, and even then the benchmark evidence shows no meaningful performance advantage, the largest win is 0.8%. Both processors occupy the same performance percentile range (23-24), making the choice more about platform and power than raw speed.