Intel Core i7-5930K socket: LGA 2011-v3

What the Core i7-5930K is

The Core i7-5930K is a full lane Haswell-E six core for multi GPU HEDT rigs on LGA 2011-v3. Intel set six cores and 12 threads at 3.5 GHz base with turbo to 3.7 GHz. Fifteen megabytes of Smart Cache serve editing and simulation. Power is 140 W on 22 nm from September 2014. It matches the 5820K on cores and cache while adding 12 PCIe lanes and higher clocks.

At 3.5 GHz with bursts to 3.7 GHz, single thread pace leads the 5820K while multi thread work flies with 12 threads. The unlocked multiplier allows tuning on X99 with capable cooling. Forty PCIe 3.0 lanes feed up to four graphics cards or multiple NVMe drives without mainstream lane limits. Discrete graphics are required, since HEDT has no integrated GPU. Quad channel DDR4 feeds large timelines.

The lane count is the reason to pick the 5930K over the 5820K on the same boards. Both share X99, DDR4 and 140 W cooling, so slot needs decide. It is an HEDT socket for creators who run capture, graphics and storage together.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 5930K fits LGA 2011-v3 on X99 with Haswell-E support from launch BIOS. Early X99 stock runs it without updates. LGA 2011 v1 boards never accept it despite the shared 2011 count. Check the maker CPU list for the board revision.

DDR4 in quad channel is the only memory path. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers mainstream pairing, so follow X99 manuals for HEDT splits. Mounting is 80 × 80 mm from the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide. No cooler ships in the box.

Broadwell-E later needs a BIOS update on early X99. Confirm microcode before a used generation jump.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

DDR4-2133 in four channels is the rated memory, with XMP kits above where boards allow. Four to eight sticks populate quad paths for bandwidth. Thirty two gigabytes suits editing rigs. ECC does not apply to Core i7 HEDT.

PCIe is 40 lanes of PCIe 3.0 from the CPU in 2x16 plus 1x8 splits for graphics and NVMe. Four discrete cards fit on boards that wire them. X99 chipset lanes add SATA Express, USB and networking. Manuals detail sharing with M.2 and U.2 ports.

A large tower or 240 mm liquid unit holds 140 W during long exports. At 3.5 GHz base the chip runs warm under all core loads. Keep case airflow front to back over graphics and memory.

Upgrade paths

On the same socket the Intel Core i7-5820K at 3.3 GHz to 3.6 GHz with 28 lanes is a lower cost twin where lane needs are light. The top step is an eight core with 20 MB of cache on the same X99 boards for heavier renders. Both reuse DDR4.

A move to mainstream means LGA 1150 with the Intel Core i7-4790K, trading cores and lanes for clocks. The 5930K covers multi GPU creators who need 40 lanes.