Core i5-1145GRE vs Core i7-3930K

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 i5-1145GRE vs Core i7-3930K 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 i5-1145GRE vs Core i7-3930K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-1145GRE

2020

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $221 less on MSRP ($362 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Delivers 61.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.7 vs 14.1 PassMark/$ ($362 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Draws 28W instead of 130W, a 102W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3930K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).

Core i7-3930K

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,204 vs 8,207).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.1 vs 22.7 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $362 MSRP).
❌364.3% higher power demand at 130W vs 28W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-1145GRE better than Core i7-3930K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3930K is ahead with a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-1145GRE pulls ahead with 0% better PassMark. Core i7-3930K also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-1145GRE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i5-1145GRE is the better buy right now. Core i5-1145GRE comes in $221 cheaper on MSRP at $362 MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you 0% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-3930K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 61.1% better value on MSRP (22.7 vs 14.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-1145GRE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-1145GRE vs Core i7-3930K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-1145GRE

The Core i5-1145GRE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, LPDDR4X. Passmark benchmark score: 8,207 points. Launch price was $362.

Core i7-3930K

The Core i7-3930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,204 points. Launch price was $611.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-1145GRE packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-3930K offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-3930K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-1145GRE versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3930K — a 7.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-1145GRE (base: 1.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-1145GRE uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-3930K uses Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-1145GRE scores 8,207 against the Core i7-3930K's 8,204 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-1145GRE. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i5-1145GRE vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-3930K.

Feature	Core i5-1145GRE	Core i7-3930K
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+8%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	3.2 GHz+113%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm-69%	32 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)
PassMark	8,207	8,204
Geekbench 6 Single	—	731

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-1145GRE uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-3930K uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-1145GRE	Core i7-3930K
Socket	FCBGA1449	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+100%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	64 GB
RAM Channels	—	4
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	40

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-1145GRE) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3930K). Primary use case: Core i7-3930K targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3930K rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i5-1145GRE	Core i7-3930K
Integrated GPU	—	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	HEDT Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-1145GRE was priced at $362, while the Core i7-3930K came in at $583. On launch pricing ($362 vs $583), Core i5-1145GRE was $221 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-1145GRE delivers 22.7 pts/$ vs 14.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-3930K — making the Core i5-1145GRE the 46.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-1145GRE	Core i7-3930K
MSRP	$362-38%	$583
Performance per Dollar	22.7+61%	14.1
Release Date	2020	2011

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