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 i5-11600KF vs Xeon E5-2690 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 i5-11600KF vs Xeon E5-2690 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 i5-11600KF

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,853 less on MSRP ($237 MSRP vs $2,090 MSRP).
✅Delivers 791.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 82.1 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($237 MSRP vs $2,090 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 135W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 35 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2690 v4, which brings 14 cores / 28 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2690 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅+191.7% larger total L3 cache (35 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 14 cores / 28 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 i5-11600KF across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (19,255 vs 19,468).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 82.1 PassMark/$ ($2,090 MSRP vs $237 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-11600KF better than Xeon E5-2690 v4?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2690 v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-11600KF is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-11600KF is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 16.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-11600KF is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i5-11600KF is the better buy right now. Core i5-11600KF comes in $1,853 cheaper on MSRP at $237 MSRP versus $2,090 MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 791.6% better value on MSRP (82.1 vs 9.2 PassMark/$), 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 i5-11600KF makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2016), more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 14/28, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-11600KF vs Xeon E5-2690 v4 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-11600KF

The Core i5-11600KF 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 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 19,468 points. Launch price was $299.

Xeon E5-2690 v4

The Xeon E5-2690 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 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 35 MB. L2 cache: 3.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 19,255 points. Launch price was $2,090.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-11600KF packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Xeon E5-2690 v4 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600KF versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2690 v4 — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-11600KF (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-11600KF uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11600KF scores 19,468 against the Xeon E5-2690 v4's 19,255 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-11600KF. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11600KF vs 35 MB on the Xeon E5-2690 v4.

Feature	Core i5-11600KF	Xeon E5-2690 v4
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	14 / 28+133%
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+40%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+50%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	35 MB+192%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+7214%	3.5 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	19,468+1%	19,255
Cinebench R23 Multi	11,277	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,138	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,631	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-11600KF uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-11600KF versus DDR4-2400 on the Xeon E5-2690 v4 — the Core i5-11600KF supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2690 v4 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-11600KF) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2690 v4). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-11600KF) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2690 v4) — the Xeon E5-2690 v4 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1200 (Core i5-11600KF) and Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2690 v4).

Feature	Core i5-11600KF	Xeon E5-2690 v4
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
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

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-11600KF) / not specified (Xeon E5-2690 v4). Primary use case: Core i5-11600KF targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-11600KF rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.

Feature	Core i5-11600KF	Xeon E5-2690 v4
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	Yes	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Gaming	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-11600KF was priced at $237, while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 came in at $2090. On launch pricing ($237 vs $2090), Core i5-11600KF was $1853 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11600KF delivers 82.1 pts/$ vs 9.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2690 v4 — making the Core i5-11600KF the 159.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-11600KF	Xeon E5-2690 v4
MSRP	$237-89%	$2090
Performance per Dollar	82.1+792%	9.2
Release Date	2021	2016

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