Core i7-4930K vs Ryzen 5 2500X
Core i7-4930K
Ryzen 5 2500X
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. The Core i7-4930K is positioned at rank #919 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4930K
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 2500X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-4930K | Ryzen 5 2500X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-E (2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen+ (2018−2019) / 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-4930K | Ryzen 5 2500X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+25%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
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 i7-4930K and Ryzen 5 2500X
Core i7-4930K
The Core i7-4930K 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 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 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: 9,379 points. Launch price was $670.
Ryzen 5 2500X
The Ryzen 5 2500X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Zen+ (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 9,388 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-4930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen 5 2500X offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-4930K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4930K versus 4 GHz on the Ryzen 5 2500X — a 2.5% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 2500X (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-4930K uses the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 5 2500X uses Zen+ (2018−2019) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4930K scores 9,379 against the Ryzen 5 2500X's 9,388 — a 0.1% lead for the Ryzen 5 2500X. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-4930K vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 2500X.
| Feature | Core i7-4930K | Ryzen 5 2500X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 4 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.6 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 16 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 22 nm | 12 nm-45% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge-E (2013) | Zen+ (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 9,379 | 9,388 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-4930K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 2500X uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-4930K | Ryzen 5 2500X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-4930K launched at $670 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 2500X debuted at $159. At current prices ($100 vs $80), the Ryzen 5 2500X is $20 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4930K delivers 93.8 pts/$ vs 117.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 2500X — making the Ryzen 5 2500X the 22.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-4930K | Ryzen 5 2500X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $670 | $159-76% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $100 | $80-20% |
| Performance per Dollar | 93.8 | 117.3+25% |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2018 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-4930K and Ryzen 5 2500X
