PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-11600 vs Xeon E5-2687W v4 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-11600 vs Xeon E5-2687W v4: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-11600

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,928 less on MSRP ($213 MSRP vs $2,141 MSRP).
✅Delivers 920.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 84.1 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $2,141 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 160W, a 95W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 750, while Xeon E5-2687W v4 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (8,000 vs 8,255).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 30 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2687W v4, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2687W v4

2016

Why buy it

✅+3.2% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+150% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅100% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-11600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 84.1 PassMark/$ ($2,141 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).
❌146.2% higher power demand at 160W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-11600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-11600.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-11600 better than Xeon E5-2687W v4?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2687W v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-11600 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2687W v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-11600 is the better buy right now. Core i5-11600 comes in $1,928 cheaper on MSRP at $213 MSRP versus $2,141 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2687W v4 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 3.2% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 920.7% better value on MSRP (84.1 vs 8.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-11600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2016) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-11600 vs Xeon E5-2687W v4 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-11600

The Core i5-11600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 17,912 points. Launch price was $299.

Xeon E5-2687W v4

The Xeon E5-2687W v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 160 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 17,640 points. Launch price was $2,141.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-11600 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2687W v4 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon E5-2687W v4 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i5-11600 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2687W v4 — a 31.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-11600 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-11600 uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2687W v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11600 scores 17,912 against the Xeon E5-2687W v4's 17,640 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i5-11600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,130 vs 1,063, a 66.8% lead for the Core i5-11600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,000 vs 8,255 (3.1% advantage for the Xeon E5-2687W v4). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11600 vs 30 MB on the Xeon E5-2687W v4.

Feature	Core i5-11600	Xeon E5-2687W v4
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	12 / 24+100%
Boost Clock	4.8 GHz+37%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3 GHz+7%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	30 MB+150%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+8433%	3 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	17,912+2%	17,640
Cinebench R23 Multi	10,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,130+100%	1,063
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,000	8,255+3%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-11600 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E5-2687W v4 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11600 versus DDR4-2400 on the Xeon E5-2687W v4 — the Core i5-11600 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2687W v4 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-11600) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2687W v4). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-11600) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2687W v4) — the Xeon E5-2687W v4 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H470,Z490,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-11600) and C610,X99 (Xeon E5-2687W v4).

Feature	Core i5-11600	Xeon E5-2687W v4
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+33%	DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	1536 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	40+100%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-11600 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-11600) vs Yes (Xeon E5-2687W v4). The Core i5-11600 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 750), while the Xeon E5-2687W v4 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11600 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-11600 rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.

Feature	Core i5-11600	Xeon E5-2687W v4
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 750	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes
Target Use	Gaming	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-11600 was priced at $213, while the Xeon E5-2687W v4 came in at $2141. On launch pricing ($213 vs $2141), Core i5-11600 was $1928 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11600 delivers 84.1 pts/$ vs 8.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2687W v4 — making the Core i5-11600 the 164.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-11600	Xeon E5-2687W v4
MSRP	$213-90%	$2141
Performance per Dollar	84.1+926%	8.2
Release Date	2021	2016

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