Core i7-3930K vs M1

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 i7-3930K vs M1 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 i7-3930K vs M1: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3930K

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than M1 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,204 vs 8,207).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 16 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $583 MSRP, while M1 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

M1

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB).

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is M1 better than Core i7-3930K?

Yes. M1 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0% 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, M1 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.7% 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, M1 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB).

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

M1 is still the much better call for a fresh build. M1 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3930K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (14.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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?

M1 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2011), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 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 i7-3930K vs M1 Technical Specifications

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

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.

M1

The M1 is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 10 November 2020 (5 years ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.064 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Passmark benchmark score: 8,207 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the M1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the M1 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3930K versus 3.2 GHz on the M1 — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-3930K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.064 GHz). The Core i7-3930K is built on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-3930K scores 8,204 against the M1's 8,207 — a 0% lead for the M1. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-3930K vs 16 MB on the M1.

Feature	Core i7-3930K	M1
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 8+33%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+19%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+55%	2.064 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	16 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	16 MB+6300%
Process	32 nm	5 nm-84%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	8,204	8,207
Geekbench 6 Single	731	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3930K) / not specified (M1). Primary use case: Core i7-3930K targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3930K rivals FX-8350.