Intel Core i7-930
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
At a Glance
IntelIntel Core i7-930 Specifications
Core i7-930 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i7-930 features 4 physical cores and 8 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i7-930 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i7-930 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i7-930 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i7-930 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i7-930 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i7-930's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Nehalem Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i7-930 is built on Intel's 45 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i7-930 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Nehalem Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i7-930 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i7-930 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel Socket 1366 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i7-930 uses the Intel Socket 1366 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel Socket 1366 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i7-930 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i7-930 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i7-930 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i7-930 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
About Intel Core i7-930
The Intel Core i7-930 is a desktop processor from the Bloomfield generation, released in 2010. It packs 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 2.80 GHz and a boost clock of 3.07 GHz. Built on Intel's 45 nm process, it integrates 731 million transistors on a 263 mm² die. In the benchmark database, it holds an average score of 871, placing it in the 22nd percentile of all CPUs. This positions it in a tight performance cluster with several other older processors, as reflected by its nearest rivals.
Benchmark Performance
In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7-930 scores 255 points. Its Cinebench R20 multi-core result is 1063, and single-core is 149. Moving to R23, it reaches 2533 multi-core and 357 single-core. These numbers illustrate a processor that is clearly oriented toward the lower end of modern performance expectations. The average benchmark score of 871 puts it at the 22nd percentile, meaning roughly three-quarters of all CPUs in the database outperform it. However, the gap to its immediate rivals is minimal. The AMD Athlon PRO 3045B averages 872, just 0.1% higher. The Intel Xeon X3460 and Intel Core i7-3540M both average 869, which the i7-930 leads by 0.2%. The Intel Pentium Silver N6000 averages 875, putting the i7-930 0.5% behind. In practical terms, these deltas are within run-to-run variance; the i7-930 is effectively tied with all four rivals in overall benchmark performance.
The single-core scores deserve particular attention. The R20 single-core result of 149 and the R23 single-core result of 357 suggest that lightly threaded tasks will see reasonable responsiveness. The multi-core scores, while low in absolute terms, still benefit from the 4-core/8-thread configuration. The R23 multi-core score of 2533 is roughly seven times the single-core score, indicating decent scaling across cores. Yet the absolute numbers are modest compared to what modern CPUs achieve, and the 22nd percentile confirms that this processor sits in the lower quartile of the database. The benchmark data does not include any gaming or real-world application tests, but the synthetic results point to a part that is best suited for basic productivity rather than demanding workloads.
Who Should Consider It
Given its low percentile and modest scores, the i7-930 is not a candidate for modern multi-threaded workloads such as video rendering, 3D simulation, or heavy compilation. However, its 4 cores and 8 threads still allow basic multitasking. The single-core Cinebench R20 score of 149 suggests it can handle everyday office applications, web browsing, and legacy software without issue. The lack of integrated graphics means a discrete GPU is mandatory. For retro builds or testing older operating systems, the i7-930 offers a familiar platform. Its end-of-life status means no new support, but for users with existing Socket 1366 motherboards, it remains a functional choice for light duties. The 22nd percentile ranking also implies that it will struggle with any task that relies on high single-thread performance, such as modern emulation or browser-heavy workflows. If the workload is predominantly single-threaded and not time-sensitive, the i7-930 can still deliver acceptable results.
How It Compares
The AMD Athlon PRO 3045B averages 872, a 0.1% advantage over the i7-930. This is a negligible difference, and both processors would feel identical in most applications. The Athlon PRO is a much newer part, but the performance parity shows that the i7-930's older architecture still holds its own in synthetic tests.
The Intel Xeon X3460 averages 869, which the i7-930 edges out by 0.2%. Both are from the same era, and the difference is trivial. The Xeon's server-oriented design does not translate into a meaningful advantage here, as the i7-930 matches it within noise.
The Intel Core i7-3540M also averages 869, and the i7-930 leads by 0.2%. The i7-3540M is a mobile processor, yet its average score is nearly identical to the desktop i7-930. This underscores how the i7-930's performance has aged; a laptop chip from a few years later can keep pace.
The Intel Pentium Silver N6000 averages 875, placing the i7-930 0.5% behind. This is still a very close margin, but it is the largest delta among the rivals. The Pentium Silver is a low-power part, yet it slightly outperforms the i7-930 in the aggregate. The i7-930's 130W TDP does not translate into a performance advantage over this efficient competitor.
FAQ
Q: What is the TDP of the Core i7-930?
A: The TDP is 130W.
Q: Does it support ECC memory?
A: No, ECC memory is not supported.
Q: What socket does it use?
A: It uses Intel Socket 1366.
Q: What is the memory configuration?
A: It supports DDR3 memory in triple-channel mode.
Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?
A: No, the multiplier is locked.
Q: Does it have integrated graphics?
A: No, it has no integrated graphics.
Power and Thermals
The i7-930 has a TDP of 130W. This is a high figure by modern standards, and it implies the need for a robust cooling solution. A capable air cooler or a liquid cooler would be appropriate, though the exact cooler size is not specified in the data. The 45 nm process and 731 million transistors contribute to this power draw. For a system that will be used for light tasks, the cooler can be modest, but for sustained loads, adequate airflow is necessary. The end-of-life status means that compatible coolers are no longer produced, but existing Socket 1366 coolers are widely available in the used market. The 130W TDP also means that the i7-930 is not suitable for small form factor builds or low-power configurations. The triple-channel memory controller and PCIe Gen 2 support add to the platform's power requirements, but the CPU itself is the primary thermal load.
Platform and Compatibility
The i7-930 uses Intel Socket 1366, which is a legacy platform. It supports triple-channel DDR3 memory, but ECC is not available. PCIe support is Gen 2, which is older but still functional for many GPUs. There is no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required. The production status is end-of-life, meaning no new units are produced and motherboard availability is limited to used or existing stock. For upgrade paths, users are confined to other Socket 1366 processors, but the i7-930's performance level is already close to that of the Xeon X3460, as indicated by the 0.2% delta. The platform is not suitable for modern high-bandwidth devices, but it can still run legacy software and basic tasks. The cache hierarchy includes 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. This configuration was competitive in 2010, but the 45 nm process and 731 million transistors are outdated by today's standards. The lack of ECC support and integrated graphics further limit its appeal in server or media-center scenarios. For a user with an existing Socket 1366 motherboard, the i7-930 remains a viable, if unremarkable, processor for everyday use.
Detailed benchmark scores and charts for the Intel Core i7-930 are below.
Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i7-930 performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. The R15 version remains useful for comparing against older hardware benchmarks. Higher scores directly correlate with faster render times in Cinema 4D and similar 3D applications.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i7-930. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i7-930. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i7-930 after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i7-930 maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
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