A8-6600K vs Core i7-930

A8-6600K vs Core i7-930 Performance Spectrum

A8-6600K

4 / 4

3,002

+0.3%

Ryzen Threadripper 1920

Ryzen AI Max 390

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-930

4 / 8

2,993

0.0%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A8-6600K vs Core i7-930 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A8-6600K vs Core i7-930: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A8-6600K

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 100W instead of 130W, a 30W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 8570D, while Core i7-930 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i7-930.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-930

2010

Why buy it

✅125% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,993 vs 3,002).
❌Launch MSRP is still $294 MSRP, while A8-6600K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌30% higher power demand at 130W vs 100W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A8-6600K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-6600K.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-6600K better than Core i7-930?

Yes. A8-6600K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A8-6600K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A8-6600K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A8-6600K is still the much better call for a fresh build. A8-6600K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-930 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (10.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1366.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A8-6600K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A8-6600K vs Core i7-930 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A8-6600K

The A8-6600K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,002 points. Launch price was $142.

Core i7-930

The Core i7-930 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 February 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,993 points. Launch price was $80.

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Processing Power

The A8-6600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-930's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the A8-6600K versus 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-930 — a 31.4% clock advantage for the A8-6600K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The A8-6600K uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-930 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A8-6600K scores 3,002 against the Core i7-930's 2,993 — a 0.3% lead for the A8-6600K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-6600K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-930.

Feature	A8-6600K	Core i7-930
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+37%	3.06 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+39%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4096 kB+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Richland (2013−2014)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	3,002	2,993

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Memory & Platform

The A8-6600K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-930 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-6600K versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-930 — the A8-6600K supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-6600K supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 24 GB — 166.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (A8-6600K) vs 3 (Core i7-930). PCIe lanes: 16 (A8-6600K) vs 36 (Core i7-930) — the Core i7-930 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A8-6600K	Core i7-930
Socket	FM2	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1866+75%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+167%	24 GB
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	36+125%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the A8-6600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A8-6600K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-930). The A8-6600K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8570D), while the Core i7-930 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-930 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-6600K rivals Core i3-4130.