Does i7-3770K outperform i7-3990K

[D0M1N13]

Hey guys!

I have a pretty big dilemma: I've been planning a build for months now, and I have everything picked out, but I'm beginning to question my choice to opt for a 3930K.
The benchmarks show that in most cases the i7-3770k outperforms the i7-3930k as shown in this link:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/551?vs=552

I am planning on doing macro programming, using Visual Studio 2012, compiling, graphics, working on big programs, multitasking and the works. Really won't need it for gaming that much.
What do you guys think? I could really use some advice.

Here's my planned system:

Graphics Adapter: 3072 MB ATI Radeon HD7970
System Memory: 16 GB [2x 8GB] DDR3-1866 Corsair Vengeance
Hard Disk / SSD: 250 GB SSD + 1,0 TB hard disk drive
CPU Cooler: 3x120mm Silent Zalman CNPS12X High Performance
Motherboard: ASUS P9X79 Deluxe
Case: NZXT Phantom Big-Tower black
Power Supply: BeQuiet Dark Power Pro 10 | 750W (80+ Gold)

 

[BrightCandle]

Whether a 3930k is worth it depends on how multithreaded your compiles are. I have lots of multithreaded tests, I can run modules in parallel and can max out 6 cores. When I am profiling my app under some load I also benefit from being able to use more threads in the test to see the impact of synchronisation. So for me these circumstances are what I optimise for, because they are the moments when no machine today is fast enough.

So does your compile utilise lots of threads? Do you do load testing and to what extent on your local desktop? In essence the question boils down to if you use those threads. Because if you do then the 3930k is about 40% faster. Almost none of the tests Anandtech do utilise the cores fully and hence show no benefit, but its definitely there if you can use it.

PS you want 4x 4GB of RAM as X79 is quad channel not dual

 

[RaistlinZ]

Welcome.

I think it would depend on how well those programs use 6 cores. The 3770k will have an edge on single-threaded applications and the 3930k will be a little bit faster on multithreaded apps.

I'm not sure if the performance difference between the two is worth the price of the 3930k though.

 

[Denithor]

Socket 2011 has exactly three advantages over Socket 1155: more cores, more memory and more memory bandwidth.

More cores: up to 6C/12T - a 50% advantage over 1155. Disadvantage is that currently it is still limited to Sandy Bridge processors with 5-10% lower IPC than Ivy Bridge processors (so slightly lower single-thread performance). If your workload is heavily multithreaded you will definitely see an advantage from more cores. If not, most likely just a waste of money.

More memory: more sockets = either higher max memory (8x8GB) or same memory slightly cheaper (8x4GB generally costs a little less than 4x8GB).

More memory bandwidth: quad-channel memory support, as long as you use 4 or 8 memory sticks. In many applications this makes very little difference, yours may or may not be affected, try to find some benchmarks for your specific uses.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Why the 7970 if you don't plan on gaming that much? And do you have a Micro Center nearby? If so you could save some $$$ on your CPU purchase e.g. Micro Center, New Egg

 

[Yuriman]

Why the 7970 if you don't plan on gaming that much? And do you have a Micro Center nearby? If so you could save some $$$ on your CPU purchase e.g. Micro Center, New Egg

Good catch. A GTX650 or HD7770 is alright for light gaming and could save you $2-300.

 

[Torn Mind]

Anything that uses the equivalent of up to four cores will perform better on the 3770K due to the superior IPS(instructions per second) of each individual core on the 3770K; aka, single core performance is better.