Core i3-1210U vs Core i7-4930K

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.

Core i3-1210U vs Core i7-4930K 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.

Core i3-1210U vs Core i7-4930K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-1210U

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 9W instead of 130W, a 121W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1781 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2011 and older memory support.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (14 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics for 12th Gen (64 EU), while Core i7-4930K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (10 MB vs 12 MB).

Core i7-4930K

2013

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 10 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-1210U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (9,379 vs 9,438).
❌Launch MSRP is still $670 MSRP, while Core i3-1210U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1344.4% higher power demand at 130W vs 9W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2011, while Core i3-1210U moves to FCBGA1781 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1210U better than Core i7-4930K?

Yes. Core i3-1210U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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, Core i3-1210U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.5% 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, Core i3-1210U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-1210U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-1210U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $670 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-4930K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (14.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2011.

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

Core i3-1210U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2013), a healthier platform with FCBGA1781 and DDR5 instead of LGA2011, and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-1210U vs Core i7-4930K Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-1210U

The Core i3-1210U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1781. Thermal design power (TDP): 9 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 9,438 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-4930K

The Core i7-4930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,379 points. Launch price was $670.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-1210U packs 6 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i7-4930K's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-1210U versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4930K — a 12% clock advantage for the Core i3-1210U (base: 1 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-1210U uses the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-4930K uses Ivy Bridge-E (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1210U scores 9,438 against the Core i7-4930K's 9,379 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-1210U. L3 cache: 10 MB (total) on the Core i3-1210U vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-4930K.

Feature	Core i3-1210U	Core i7-4930K
Cores / Threads	6 / 8	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+13%	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	1 GHz	3.4 GHz+240%
L3 Cache	10 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-68%	22 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-U (2022)	Ivy Bridge-E (2013)
PassMark	9,438	9,379
Geekbench 6 Single	2,040	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1210U uses the FCBGA1781 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-4930K uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-1210U	Core i7-4930K
Socket	FCBGA1781	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR5-5200	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	14	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-1210U) / not specified (Core i7-4930K). The Core i3-1210U includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics for 12th Gen (64 EU)), while the Core i7-4930K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1210U targets Thin & Light Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-1210U rivals Ryzen 3 5425U.

Feature	Core i3-1210U	Core i7-4930K
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics for 12th Gen (64 EU)	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Thin & Light Laptop	—