Intel Core i7-5930K

The Intel Core i7-5930K is a desktop processor based on the Haswell-E architecture, built on Intel's 22 nm process. It features 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz. The processor has a TDP of 140 W and uses the Intel Socket 2011-3. It supports DDR4 memory in a quad-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s. The CPU provides 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only) and does not include integrated graphics. The multiplier is unlocked. Production status is end-of-life, with a release date of 2014-08-31. In benchmark databases, its average benchmark score is 2776, placing it in the 53rd percentile of all CPUs.

How It Compares

The Intel Core i7-9700T is the closest rival, posting an average score of 2776, exactly matching the i7-5930K. The delta is 0%, meaning the two processors deliver identical aggregate performance in the benchmark suite. Users choosing between them would see no difference in average throughput, though the i7-5930K offers 12 threads compared to the 9700T's 8, a fact that may influence multi-threaded workloads even if the average scores align.

The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4350G averages 2774, a delta of 0.1% relative to the i7-5930K. This places the i7-5930K marginally ahead, but the difference is negligible in real-world terms. The Ryzen part is a 4-core/8-thread design, while the i7-5930K has 6 cores and 12 threads; the benchmark averages suggest that the higher core count does not translate into a measurable aggregate advantage, likely due to the i7-5930K's lower clock speeds.

The Intel Xeon E-2176M averages 2772, also a 0.1% delta. The i7-5930K is slightly faster on average, but again the gap is within noise. The Xeon E-2176M is a mobile workstation chip, and its 6-core/12-thread configuration mirrors the i7-5930K, yet the desktop part holds a tiny edge in these benchmarks.

The Intel Xeon E5-2618L v3 reaches an average score of 2780, a delta of -0.1% from the i7-5930K. This makes the Xeon the only rival that edges out the i7-5930K in aggregate, though the margin is less than one tenth of a percent. The Xeon is also a Haswell-based part, but with a lower TDP and different memory support, so the performance parity is notable.

Who Should Consider It

The i7-5930K's benchmark results show a strong multicore capability. In Cinebench R23, it scores 8800 multicore and 1242 single-core. The multicore score is substantially higher than the single-core score, indicating effective scaling across its 12 threads. This suggests the processor is well-suited for multi-threaded productivity tasks such as video rendering, 3D modeling, or scientific computation, where the additional cores and threads can be fully utilized. The Geekbench multicore score of 5715 compared to a single-core score of 1225 further supports this pattern.

For single-threaded applications, the scores are lower, the R23 single-core score of 1242 and Geekbench single-core score of 1225 place it in a modest range. Users whose primary workloads are lightly threaded, such as basic office productivity or web browsing, will find the performance adequate but not exceptional. The quad-channel DDR4 memory support, with a bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s, is beneficial for memory-intensive tasks like large dataset manipulation or in-memory analytics, which can exploit the higher bandwidth.

The unlocked multiplier allows users to adjust clock speeds for additional performance, though the stock benchmarks do not reflect any overclocking. Given the end-of-life status, this processor is best considered for legacy builds or for users who already have a 2011-3 motherboard and wish to upgrade from a lower-tier CPU without changing the platform. It is also a reasonable choice for a dedicated workstation where multi-threaded throughput is the priority, provided the user is comfortable with the 140 W TDP and its cooling requirements.

Power and Thermals

With a TDP of 140 W, the i7-5930K falls into a high-power class. This demands a robust cooling solution to maintain stable operation under sustained load. The 22 nm process node and a die size of 356 mm² with 2,600 million transistors contribute to its thermal profile. The processor does not include integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required for display output. The 140 W TDP is a key consideration for case airflow and cooler selection; a capable air cooler or a liquid cooler is typically necessary to keep temperatures in check during multi-threaded workloads. The base clock of 3.50 GHz and boost clock of 3.70 GHz indicate that the power draw remains consistent across the frequency range, meaning the thermal load does not spike dramatically under boost. Users should ensure their power supply can handle the sustained load, though no specific wattage figures are provided here.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the Intel Core i7-5930K use?

A: It uses the Intel Socket 2011-3.

Q: Does it support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What is the memory configuration?

A: It supports DDR4 memory in a quad-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does it provide?

A: It provides 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only).

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked.

Q: When was it released, and is it still in production?

A: It was released on 2014-08-31, and its production status is end-of-life.

Benchmark Performance

In Cinebench R15, the multicore score is 887 and single-core is 125. In R20, multicore is 3696 and single-core is 521. In R23, multicore is 8800 and single-core is 1242. In Geekbench, multicore is 5715 and single-core is 1225. The average benchmark score across all tests is 2776, placing the processor in the 53rd percentile of all CPUs. This means it outperforms 53% of the processors in the database. The nearest rival, the Intel Core i7-9700T, has an identical average score of 2776, while the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4350G and Intel Xeon E-2176M are 0.1% lower, and the Intel Xeon E5-2618L v3 is 0.1% higher. These differences are within measurement noise, indicating that the i7-5930K sits in a tightly packed performance band.

The multicore scores are significantly higher than single-core scores across all Cinebench versions, confirming that the processor scales well with thread count. For example, the R23 multicore score of 8800 is more than seven times the single-core score of 1242, though the exact ratio is not a specified metric. The Geekbench single-core score of 1225 is lower than the multicore score of 5715, consistent with a 6-core/12-thread design. The Cinebench R15 multicore score of 887 is a legacy metric, while the R23 score of 8800 reflects modern workload demands. The single-core scores remain relatively flat across versions, suggesting that the architecture's per-thread performance is the limiting factor in lightly threaded tasks.

Platform and Compatibility

The i7-5930K uses the Intel Socket 2011-3, a platform designed for high-end desktop processors. It supports DDR4 memory in a quad-channel configuration, offering a memory bandwidth of 68.3 GB/s. The CPU provides 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, which can be allocated to multiple graphics cards or NVMe storage devices. ECC memory is not supported, so users requiring error-correcting memory must look elsewhere. The multiplier is unlocked, allowing users to adjust clock speeds, though this is not reflected in the stock benchmark scores. The processor does not include integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is mandatory for any display output. As an end-of-life product, the upgrade path on this socket is limited; users should check motherboard compatibility for any future processor replacements. The architecture is Haswell, codename Haswell-E, on a 22 nm process with 2,600 million transistors and a die size of 356 mm². The part number is SR20R. The processor supports a quad-channel memory bus, which is a distinguishing feature compared to mainstream platforms. The 40 PCIe lanes are particularly useful for multi-GPU configurations or high-speed storage arrays, making the platform attractive for workstation builds despite its age.