Core i7-3770K vs Core i7-4820K
Core i7-3770K
Core i7-4820K
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 i7-3770K is positioned at rank 802 and the Core i7-4820K is on rank 800, so the Core i7-4820K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3770K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4820K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3770K | Core i7-4820K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($75) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-E (2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3770K | Core i7-4820K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+88%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($75) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
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 i7-3770K and Core i7-4820K
Core i7-3770K
The Core i7-3770K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,495 points. Launch price was $294.
Core i7-4820K
The Core i7-4820K 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 10 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: 6,515 points. Launch price was $399.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-3770K and Core i7-4820K share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770K versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4820K — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-3770K uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-4820K uses Ivy Bridge-E (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3770K scores 6,495 against the Core i7-4820K's 6,515 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-4820K. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3770K vs 10 MB (total) on the Core i7-4820K.
| Feature | Core i7-3770K | Core i7-4820K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 10 MB (total)+25% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Ivy Bridge-E (2013) |
| PassMark | 6,495 | 6,515 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3770K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4820K uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-3770K | Core i7-4820K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3770K launched at $332 MSRP, while the Core i7-4820K debuted at $332. At current prices ($75 vs $40), the Core i7-4820K is $35 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770K delivers 86.6 pts/$ vs 162.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-4820K — making the Core i7-4820K the 61.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3770K | Core i7-4820K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $332 | $332 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $75 | $40-47% |
| Performance per Dollar | 86.6 | 162.9+88% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2013 |
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