CPU
GPU
Core i5-4308U
Core i7-930
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-4308U is positioned at rank 700 and the Core i7-930 is on rank 996, so the Core i5-4308U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4308U
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-930
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-4308U | Core i7-930 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-4308U | Core i7-930 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-4308U and Core i7-930
Core i5-4308U
The Core i5-4308U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,978 points. Launch price was $315.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i5-4308U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-930 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-930 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-4308U versus 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-930 — a 7.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-4308U (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-4308U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-930 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4308U scores 2,978 against the Core i7-930's 2,993 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-930. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4308U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-930.
| Feature | Core i5-4308U | Core i7-930 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+8% | 3.06 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 8 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Bloomfield (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,978 | 2,993 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-4308U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-930 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. The Core i7-930 supports up to 24 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 40% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-4308U) vs 3 (Core i7-930). PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-4308U) vs 36 (Core i7-930) — the Core i7-930 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-4308U | Core i7-930 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1168 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 24 GB+50% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 36+200% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i5-4308U includes integrated graphics (Iris Graphics 5100), while the Core i7-930 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4308U targets Mobile, Core i7-930 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-4308U | Core i7-930 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Iris Graphics 5100 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mobile | Desktop |
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