Core i7-4930K vs Xeon E5-4655 v3

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 i7-4930K vs Xeon E5-4655 v3 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 i7-4930K vs Xeon E5-4655 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4930K

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 130W instead of 135W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 30 MB).
❌
7.5% HIGHER MSRP
$670 MSRPvs$623 MSRP

Xeon E5-4655 v3

2015

Why buy it

✅+150% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Costs $47 less on MSRP ($623 MSRP vs $670 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,377 vs 9,379).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4930K better than Xeon E5-4655 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-4655 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4930K is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4930K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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, Core i7-4930K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i7-4930K is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E5-4655 v3 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-4930K comes in 7.5% more expensive on MSRP at $670 MSRP versus $623 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E5-4655 v3 is also 7.5% better value on MSRP (15.1 vs 14.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon E5-4655 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013) and 150% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 12 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4930K vs Xeon E5-4655 v3 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon E5-4655 v3

The Xeon E5-4655 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,377 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4930K and Xeon E5-4655 v3 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4930K versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-4655 v3 — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-4930K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-4930K uses the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-4655 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4930K scores 9,379 against the Xeon E5-4655 v3's 9,377 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-4930K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-4930K vs 30 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-4655 v3.

Feature	Core i7-4930K	Xeon E5-4655 v3
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+22%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+17%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	30 MB (total)+150%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-E (2013)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	9,379	9,377

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i7-4930K	Xeon E5-4655 v3
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4930K was priced at $670, while the Xeon E5-4655 v3 came in at $623. On launch pricing ($670 vs $623), Xeon E5-4655 v3 was $47 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4930K delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 15.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-4655 v3 — making the Xeon E5-4655 v3 the 7.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4930K	Xeon E5-4655 v3
MSRP	$670	$623-7%
Performance per Dollar	14.0	15.1+8%
Release Date	2013	2015

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