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Overview

The Core i7-3820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Fevereiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,787 points. Launch price was $400.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. 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 i7-3820

#44

Celeron G550T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

111%

#45

Core 2 Duo E6300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

109%

#46

Core Ultra 5 225F

MSRP: $231|Avg: $150

109%

#47

Athlon X2 BE-2400

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

109%

#48

Core i3-4330T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

107%

#49

Celeron G440

MSRP: $37|Avg: $5

107%

#50

Core Ultra 7 265K

MSRP: $309|Avg: $285

107%

#51

Core i5-2300

MSRP: $177|Avg: $17

106%

#52

Ryzen 9 3900

MSRP: $499|Avg: $150

106%

#53

Ryzen 5 3600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $90

104%

#54

Core 2 Duo E4300

MSRP: $113|Avg: $5

104%

#55

Core i7-14700KF

MSRP: $384|Avg: $260

104%

#56

Pentium E2200

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

102%

#57

Core i5-3330

MSRP: $182|Avg: $21

101%

#58

Core i7-14700K

MSRP: $409|Avg: $270

100%

#59

Core i7-3820

MSRP: $286|Avg: $30

100%

#60

Core i7-4770S

MSRP: $305|Avg: $35

100%

#61

Core 2 Quad Q8300

MSRP: $179|Avg: $10

99%

#62

Core i5-7440EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $30

99%

#63

Ryzen 5 4500

MSRP: $129|Avg: $85

98%

#64

Pentium Dual-Core E2180

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

97%

#65

Ryzen 5 5600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $115

97%

#66

Celeron G5925

MSRP: $62|Avg: $15

97%

#67

Core i3-2100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $10

96%

#68

Ryzen 5 7500F

MSRP: $179|Avg: $145

96%

#69

Core i3-4170T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $17

96%

#70

Core Ultra 5 245

MSRP: $319|Avg: $220

95%

#71

Core i3-6100T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $20

94%

#72

Ryzen 7 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $86

94%

#73

Core Ultra 7 265KF

MSRP: $379|Avg: $323

94%

#74

Core i5-4670R

MSRP: $224|Avg: $29

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-3820 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-3820 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-3820 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.8 GHz from a base frequency of 3.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 10240 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., 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 5,787, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 624.

Specification	Core i7-3820
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	10240 kB (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	294 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1270 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	5,787
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	624

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3820 fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 40 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 4 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: None — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i7-3820
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2011
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	40
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	4
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	None
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	X79
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-3820 is primarily designed for HEDT Desktop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the FX-8350.

Specification	Core i7-3820
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	HEDT Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	FX-8350

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-3820 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. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Aftermarket.

Specification	Core i7-3820
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Aftermarket

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $286), the Core i7-3820 delivers 193 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1747 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-3820
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$286
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$30
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$400
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1747
Release DateLaunch date	Fevereiro 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel