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.

Overview

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-930 is positioned at rank #996 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-930

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

30620%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

28933%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

21008%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

6329%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

5013%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

4385%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2512%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2479%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2257%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2257%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2232%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2172%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2141%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2133%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2113%

#996

Core i7-930

MSRP: $294|Avg: $20

100%

#997

Core i7-920

MSRP: $284|Avg: $79

99%

#998

Core i7-4960X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $136

99%

#999

Pentium Dual-Core E2200

MSRP: $100|Avg: $25

97%

#1001

Core 2 Duo E4400

MSRP: $113|Avg: $20

95%

#1002

Pentium D 915

MSRP: $74|Avg: $10

94%

#1003

Core 2 Quad Q9400

MSRP: $229|Avg: $25

93%

#1004

Celeron 450

MSRP: $53|Avg: $5

92%

#1005

Core i5-655K

MSRP: $216|Avg: $55

92%

#1006

Core 2 Duo E4600

MSRP: $133|Avg: $9.6

91%

#1008

Core i7-870S

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

91%

#1009

Core 2 Duo E6540

MSRP: $163|Avg: $15

90%

#1010

Celeron 430

MSRP: $49|Avg: $10

90%

#1011

Athlon X2 BE-2300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $80

89%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-930 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-930 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-930 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.06 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,993, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-930
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.06 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	263 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	731 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4.8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	68 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,993

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-930 fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 36 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 24 GB across 3 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core i7-930
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1366
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	36
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	24 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	3
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-930 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i7-930
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-930 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i7-930
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	68 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $294), the Core i7-930 delivers 150 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #996 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2257 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-930
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$294
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$20
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$80
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#996
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2257
Release DateLaunch date	28 February 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel