Core i7-3930K vs Ryzen 3 7320C
Core i7-3930K
Ryzen 3 7320C
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 i7-3930K is positioned at rank 917 and the Ryzen 3 7320C is on rank 748, so the Ryzen 3 7320C offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3930K
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 3 7320C
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3930K | Ryzen 3 7320C |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Mendocino (Zen 2) (2022−2023) / 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3930K | Ryzen 3 7320C |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+34%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
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 i7-3930K and Ryzen 3 7320C
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.
Ryzen 3 7320C
The Ryzen 3 7320C is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 May 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Mendocino (Zen 2) (2022−2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 6 nm process technology. Socket: FT6. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 8,193 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen 3 7320C offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-3930K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3930K versus 4.1 GHz on the Ryzen 3 7320C — a 7.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 3 7320C (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-3930K uses the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 3 7320C uses Mendocino (Zen 2) (2022−2023) (6 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3930K scores 8,204 against the Ryzen 3 7320C's 8,193 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-3930K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 731 vs 1,163, a 45.6% lead for the Ryzen 3 7320C that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-3930K vs 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen 3 7320C.
| Feature | Core i7-3930K | Ryzen 3 7320C |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 4.1 GHz+8% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz+33% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total)+200% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 6 nm-81% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) | Mendocino (Zen 2) (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 8,204 | 8,193 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 731 | 1,163+59% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3930K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 3 7320C uses FT6 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3930K versus LPDDR5-5500 on the Ryzen 3 7320C — the Ryzen 3 7320C supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3930K supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-3930K) vs 2 (Ryzen 3 7320C). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-3930K) vs 4 (Ryzen 3 7320C) — the Core i7-3930K offers 36 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X79 (Core i7-3930K) and SoC (Ryzen 3 7320C).
| Feature | Core i7-3930K | Ryzen 3 7320C |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | FT6 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | LPDDR5-5500+67% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+300% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+900% | 4 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3930K) vs Yes (Ryzen 3 7320C). The Ryzen 3 7320C includes integrated graphics (Radeon 610M), while the Core i7-3930K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3930K targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3930K rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Core i7-3930K | Ryzen 3 7320C |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Radeon 610M |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | Yes |
| Target Use | HEDT Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3930K launched at $583 MSRP, while the Ryzen 3 7320C debuted at $299. At current prices ($150 vs $200), the Core i7-3930K is $50 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3930K delivers 54.7 pts/$ vs 41.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 3 7320C — making the Core i7-3930K the 28.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-3930K | Ryzen 3 7320C |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $583 | $299-49% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150-25% | $200 |
| Performance per Dollar | 54.7+33% | 41.0 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2023 |
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