Core i7-930 vs Pentium Silver

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 Pentium Silver 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 Pentium Silver: 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

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Pentium Silver across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Launch MSRP is still $294 MSRP, while Pentium Silver mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Pentium Silver

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,989 vs 2,993).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-930 better than Pentium Silver?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium Silver is ahead with a 4.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-930 pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-930 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-930 is the better buy right now. Core i7-930 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $294 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Pentium Silver is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium Silver makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-930 vs Pentium Silver 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.

Pentium Silver

The Pentium Silver is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Passmark benchmark score: 2,989 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-930 is built on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-930 scores 2,993 against the Pentium Silver's 2,989 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-930.

Feature	Core i7-930	Pentium Silver
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	—
Boost Clock	3.06 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	—
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	45 nm	—
Architecture	Bloomfield (2008−2010)	—
PassMark	2,993	2,989