Core i7-3930K SR0KY Six-Core 3.2GHz 12MB LGA2011 Sandy Bridge-E CPU Processor

This  Core i7-3930K desktop processor features six physical cores, twelve processing threads, a 3.20GHz base frequency, Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.80GHz, and 12MB of Intel Smart Cache. It uses the first-generation LGA2011 Socket R platform and is designed primarily for Intel X79 enthusiast desktop motherboards.

The SR0KY marking identifies the later C2 stepping of the i7-3930K. This stepping supports Intel VT-d and is distinct from earlier production revisions. The unlocked multiplier also permits overclocking when installed in a compatible motherboard with suitable firmware, power delivery, cooling, and BIOS settings.

This listing is for the processor only. A heatsink, cooling fan, thermal paste, motherboard, and other components are not included unless specifically stated.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Intel
• Processor Family: Intel Core i7
• Processor Model: Core i7-3930K
• Processor Number: i7-3930K
• S-Spec Number: SR0KY
• Stepping: C2
• Architecture: Sandy Bridge-E
• Platform: Desktop / enthusiast workstation
• Socket: FCLGA2011 / LGA2011 / Socket R
• Compatible Chipset: Intel X79 and specifically validated LGA2011 workstation platforms
• Number of Cores: 6
• Number of Threads: 12
• Base Frequency: 3.20GHz
• Maximum Turbo Frequency: 3.80GHz
• Intel Turbo Boost Technology: Version 2.0
• Cache: 12MB Intel Smart Cache
• Manufacturing Process: 32nm
• Thermal Design Power: 130W
• Maximum Tcase Temperature: 66.8°C
• Unlocked Multiplier: Yes
• Integrated Graphics: No
• Memory Type: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600
• Maximum Processor Memory Support: Up to 64GB
• Memory Channels: Four / quad-channel
• Maximum Memory Bandwidth: 51.2GB/s
• ECC Memory Support: No
• PCI Express Revision: PCI Express 2.0 according to the official processor specification
• Maximum PCI Express Lanes: 40
• Bus Speed: 5 GT/s
• Instruction Set: 64-bit
• Supported Instruction Extensions: SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX
• Intel Hyper-Threading Technology: Yes
• Intel AES New Instructions: Yes
• Intel Virtualization Technology VT-x: Yes
• Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O VT-d: Yes on C2 stepping
• Intel 64 Support: Yes
• Execute Disable Bit: Yes
• Package Dimensions: Approximately 52.5mm × 45mm
• Cooler Included: No
• Application: Compatible X79 enthusiast desktops, custom-built computers, and selected factory systems supporting the i7-3930K

Interchangeable / Reference Part Numbers

SR0KY, CM8061901100802, BX80619I73930K, i7-3930K, i73930K

CM8061901100802 is the tray/OEM ordering reference, while BX80619I73930K identifies the boxed retail processor. The boxed product was originally supplied without a processor cooler.

⚠️ Critical Socket and Chipset Compatibility Notice

The Core i7-3930K requires a motherboard with:

• First-generation LGA2011 Socket R
• Intel X79 or another platform specifically validated for this processor
• BIOS microcode supporting the Sandy Bridge-E i7-3930K
• Support for the SR0KY C2 stepping
• Power delivery capable of operating a 130W processor
• A compatible LGA2011 CPU cooler
• A discrete graphics card

An LGA2011 socket by itself does not establish compatibility. Numerous C600-series workstation and server motherboards were designed exclusively for Xeon E5 processors and may not initialize a Core i7 processor.

This processor is not compatible with LGA2011-3 motherboards, including Intel X99 and C612 platforms. LGA2011-3 uses the same nominal pin count but a different electrical design, processor keying, memory platform, and BIOS generation.

It is also incompatible with LGA2066, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x, AM4, AM5, and other socket types.

BIOS Compatibility Requirements

Update the motherboard to the latest stable BIOS offered for its exact model and hardware revision before installing the processor.

Documented minimum ASUS BIOS examples include:

• P9X79: BIOS 0906
• P9X79 PRO: BIOS 0906
• P9X79 DELUXE: BIOS 0906
• P9X79 LE: BIOS 0302
• Rampage IV Gene: BIOS 1005

Required BIOS versions can vary according to motherboard revision and CPU stepping. Some early X79 boards may recognize an earlier processor revision but require an update for proper C2 stepping initialization or feature support.

If the installed BIOS does not support the processor, the computer may power on without completing POST. A previously supported processor or a motherboard-specific USB BIOS recovery feature may be required to perform the update.

⭐➕ Recommended Thermal Paste

Fresh thermal compound should be applied whenever the processor or heatsink is installed or removed.

Shin-Etsu G751 Microsi High-Performance Thermal Grease

Thermal paste and a compatible LGA2011 heatsink are sold separately unless specifically included in the listing.

✅ Confirmed Motherboard Compatibility

Compatibility below applies to the listed motherboard models when equipped with a BIOS supporting the Core i7-3930K and a cooling system rated for its 130W thermal design power.

✔️ ASUS P9X79 Series: P9X79, P9X79 LE, P9X79 PRO, P9X79 DELUXE, P9X79 WS, P9X79-E WS
✔️ ASUS X79 Deluxe Series: X79-DELUXE
✔️ ASUS TUF Series: SABERTOOTH X79
✔️ ASUS ROG Rampage IV Series: Rampage IV Gene, Rampage IV Formula, Rampage IV Formula/Battlefield 3, Rampage IV Extreme, Rampage IV Extreme/Battlefield 3, Rampage IV Black Edition
✔️ ASRock X79 Series: X79 Extreme3, X79 Extreme4, X79 Extreme4-M, X79 Extreme6, X79 Extreme6/GB, X79 Extreme7, X79 Extreme9, X79 Extreme11
✔️ ASRock Fatal1ty Series: Fatal1ty X79 Professional, Fatal1ty X79 Champion
✔️ GIGABYTE X79 Series: GA-X79-UD3 rev. 1.0 and 1.1, GA-X79-UD5 rev. 1.0, GA-X79-UD7 rev. 1.0
✔️ GIGABYTE Ultra Durable Series: GA-X79-UP4 rev. 1.0 and 1.1, GA-X79-UP5-WIFI rev. 1.0
✔️ GIGABYTE X79S Series: GA-X79S-UP5-WIFI rev. 1.0 and 1.1
✔️ GIGABYTE G1-Killer Series: G1.Assassin 2 rev. 1.0
✔️ MSI X79 Series: X79A-GD40, X79A-GD45, X79A-GD45 Plus, X79A-GD45 (8D), X79A-GD65 (4D), X79A-GD65 (8D), X79MA-GD45
✔️ MSI Big Bang Series: Big Bang-XPower II
✔️ EVGA X79 Series: X79 SLI 132-SE-E775, X79 FTW 151-SE-E777, X79 Classified 151-SE-E779, X79 Dark 150-SE-E789
✔️ Intel Desktop Boards: DX79SI, DX79SR, DX79TO
✔️ BIOSTAR X79 Series: TPower X79
✔️ ECS X79 Series: X79R-AX, X79R-AX Deluxe

✅ Confirmed Factory-System Compatibility

Compatibility with factory-built systems applies only to the exact configurations originally equipped with the i7-3930K or a motherboard BIOS specifically supporting it.

✔️ Alienware: Alienware Aurora R4 configurations originally offered with the Core i7-3930K
✔️ Pavilion HPE: Pavilion HPE h9-1190jp configurations originally equipped with the Core i7-3930K
✔️ Pavilion HPE: Pavilion HPE h9-1190kr configurations originally equipped with the Core i7-3930K
✔️ Erazer: Erazer X700 model 57316913 factory i7-3930K configuration

Factory-system compatibility can vary by motherboard assembly, BIOS revision, power supply, heatsink, liquid-cooling system, and original processor configuration. Match the complete system model and original processor support before ordering.

⚠️ Same-Socket Systems That Are Not Automatically Compatible

The following workstation families use LGA2011 processors but were primarily validated for Xeon E5 CPUs. They should not be listed as confirmed i7-3930K systems without evidence for the exact motherboard and BIOS:

• Dell Precision T3600, T5600, and T7600
• HP Z420, Z620, and Z820
• Lenovo ThinkStation S30, C30, and D30
• Generic C602, C604, C606, and server-class LGA2011 motherboards
• Dual-socket LGA2011 server motherboards

The Core i7-3930K supports only a single-processor configuration and does not support ECC memory. It is not an interchangeable replacement for a Xeon E5 processor merely because both processors fit the same general socket generation.

☑️ Key Features

☑️ Six physical Sandy Bridge-E processor cores
☑️ Twelve processing threads with Hyper-Threading
☑️ 3.20GHz base clock
☑️ Turbo Boost frequency up to 3.80GHz
☑️ 12MB Intel Smart Cache
☑️ Unlocked clock multiplier
☑️ SR0KY C2 production stepping
☑️ Intel VT-d support on the C2 stepping
☑️ Quad-channel DDR3 memory controller
☑️ Official DDR3-1600 memory support
☑️ Up to 40 PCI Express lanes
☑️ 130W thermal design power
☑️ First-generation LGA2011 Socket R construction
☑️ Designed for compatible Intel X79 motherboards
☑️ Suitable for selected enthusiast desktops and factory systems
☑️ Supports AES-NI, AVX, SSE4.1, and SSE4.2
☑️ No integrated graphics
☑️ Compatible thermal paste available separately

⚙️ Fit and Installation Notes

• Confirm the processor marking is SR0KY if the C2 stepping is specifically required.
• Confirm the motherboard is first-generation LGA2011 and not LGA2011-3.
• Verify the processor against the motherboard’s official CPU-support list.
• Match the exact motherboard model, PCB revision, and BIOS version.
• Update the BIOS before removing the currently supported processor whenever possible.
• This processor has a 130W TDP and requires an appropriately rated LGA2011 air or liquid cooler.
• The processor does not include integrated graphics. A compatible discrete graphics card is required.
• Connect all motherboard CPU-power cables required by the board, including any 8-pin EPS12V connection.
• The processor supports non-ECC DDR3 memory. ECC operation is not supported.
• For full quad-channel memory operation, install a matched four-module memory set in the sockets specified by the motherboard manual.
• Memory speed, capacity, voltage, and overclocked operation depend on the motherboard, BIOS, DIMMs, and installed memory configuration.
• PCI Express capabilities depend on both the processor and motherboard implementation.
• Remove all old thermal compound from the CPU heat spreader and heatsink before applying fresh paste.
• Do not reuse dried, contaminated, or unevenly applied thermal compound.