Intel Core i7-2600K vs Intel Core i7-3930K

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Core i7-2600K compared with Core i7-3930K

	IntelCore i7-2600K	IntelCore i7-3930K
Overview
Released
Released	January 2011	November 2011
Cores and clocks
Cores
Cores	4	6 (better)
Threads
Threads	8	12 (better)
Base clock
Base clock	3.4 GHz	3.2 GHz
Boost clock
Boost clock	3.8 GHz	3.8 GHz
L3 cache
L3 cache	8 MB	12 MB (better)
Cores
Cores	Four cores with Hyper-Threading; Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. Expert Reviews and TechRadar confirm the unlocked CPU multiplier.	Six cores with Hyper-Threading; twelve threads. Fully unlocked multiplier, confirmed by Intel's exact-model brief and the reviews. VT-d is supported only by C2 stepping according to Intel.
Clocks
Clocks	Maximum turbo is a single-core frequency; sustained clocks depend on cooling. Intel's 5 January launch notice gives 9 January availability for quad-core systems.	Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.80 GHz. First-sale day comes from Legit Reviews' 14 November 2011 report of the exact boxed processor in stock at Newegg, cross-checked with Puget Systems' same-day launch coverage; Intel's specification page gives Q4 2011.
Graphics and AI
Built-in graphics
Built-in graphics	Yes	No
Graphics
Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 3000; 850 MHz base, up to 1.35 GHz; two displays; Quick Sync Video.	No processor graphics; Intel's exact-model comparison-chart row lists graphics as not applicable. A separate graphics solution is required.
Platform
Socket
Socket	LGA1155	LGA2011
Base power
Base power	95 W	130 W
Unlocked
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
Cooler in the box
Cooler in the box	–	No
Memory support
Memory support	Up to 32 GB; two channels; DDR3-1066/1333; 21 GB/s maximum bandwidth as Intel publishes; ECC not supported.	Four channels of DDR3-1066/1333/1600; up to 51.2 GB/s, without ECC. Intel's later comparison chart incorrectly lists two channels; the original brief and current specification page both establish four.
PCIe
PCIe	PCIe 2.0; 16 CPU lanes.	40 PCIe 2.0 lanes according to Intel's specification page.
Process
Process	32 nm; Sandy Bridge; 37.5 × 37.5 mm package; 72.6°C maximum case temperature, not junction temperature.	32 nm; Sandy Bridge-E. Package measures 52.5 × 45.0 mm; Intel states a 66.8°C maximum case temperature, not a junction-temperature rating.
Cooler
Cooler	LGA1155 is incompatible with LGA1156. TechRadar describes the launch P67 chipset as supporting CPU overclocking and H67 as supporting the integrated graphics output; chipset choice affects available features. Intel publishes no separate maximum turbo-power figure.	Intel explicitly says the boxed processor has no fan or heatsink. Requires an LGA2011-compatible cooler and motherboard; Intel's product brief names the X79 platform.