Core i7-930 vs FX-4300

Core i7-930 vs FX-4300 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-930

4 / 8

2,993

0.0%

2,995

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper 1920

Ryzen AI Max 390

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i7-930 vs FX-4300 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 i7-930 vs FX-4300: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-930

2010

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,993 vs 2,995).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.2 vs 24.5 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).
❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.

FX-4300

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $172 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 141.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.5 vs 10.2 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 130W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is FX-4300 better than Core i7-930?

Yes. FX-4300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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, FX-4300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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, FX-4300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

FX-4300 is the better buy right now. FX-4300 comes in $172 cheaper on MSRP at $122 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 141.1% better value on MSRP (24.5 vs 10.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

FX-4300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-930 vs FX-4300 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-930

The Core i7-930 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 February 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,993 points. Launch price was $80.

FX-4300

The FX-4300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,995 points. Launch price was $122.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-930 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the FX-4300's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-930 versus 4 GHz on the FX-4300 — a 26.6% clock advantage for the FX-4300 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i7-930 uses the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the FX-4300 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-930 scores 2,993 against the FX-4300's 2,995 — a 0.1% lead for the FX-4300.

Feature	Core i7-930	FX-4300
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.06 GHz	4 GHz+31%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.8 GHz+36%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	4096 kB+1500%
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Bloomfield (2008−2010)	Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark	2,993	2,995

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-930 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-4300 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-930	FX-4300
Socket	LGA1366	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	24 GB	—
RAM Channels	3	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	36	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-930) / not specified (FX-4300). Primary use case: Core i7-930 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i7-930	FX-4300
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-930 was priced at $294, while the FX-4300 came in at $122. On launch pricing ($294 vs $122), FX-4300 was $172 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-930 delivers 10.2 pts/$ vs 24.5 pts/$ for the FX-4300 — making the FX-4300 the 82.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-930	FX-4300
MSRP	$294	$122-59%
Performance per Dollar	10.2	24.5+140%
Release Date	2010	2012

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