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 i5-4590 vs Xeon X5687 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 i5-4590 vs Xeon X5687: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4590

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $360 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
✅Delivers 187.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.0 vs 9.8 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
✅Draws 84W instead of 130W, a 46W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon X5687 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon X5687.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5687 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,376 vs 5,386).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5687, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads and 36 PCIe lanes.

Xeon X5687

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads, plus 36 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅125% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.8 vs 28.0 PassMark/$ ($552 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌54.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 84W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4590 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5687 better than Core i5-4590?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5687 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4590 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon X5687 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.6% 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, Xeon X5687 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon X5687 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon X5687 comes in 187.5% more expensive on MSRP at $552 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4590 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 187.0% better value on paper (28.0 vs 9.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Core i5-4590 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4590 vs Xeon X5687 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4590

The Core i5-4590 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,376 points. Launch price was $202.

Xeon X5687

The Xeon X5687 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.86 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,386 points. Launch price was $121.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4590 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon X5687's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590 versus 3.86 GHz on the Xeon X5687 — a 4.2% clock advantage for the Xeon X5687 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-4590 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5687 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590 scores 5,376 against the Xeon X5687's 5,386 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon X5687. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,100 vs 1,643, a 39.6% lead for the Xeon X5687 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4590 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5687.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Xeon X5687
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.86 GHz+4%
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	5,376	5,386
Geekbench 6 Single	1,100	1,643+49%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	5,386

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4590 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5687 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4590 versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5687 — the Core i5-4590 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon X5687 supports up to 288 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 800% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-4590) vs 3 (Xeon X5687). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-4590) vs 36 (Xeon X5687) — the Xeon X5687 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4590) and X58 (Xeon X5687).

Feature	Core i5-4590	Xeon X5687
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	288 GB+800%
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	36+125%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i5-4590 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon X5687 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4590 targets Desktop, Xeon X5687 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590 rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Xeon X5687
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4590 was priced at $192, while the Xeon X5687 came in at $552. On launch pricing ($192 vs $552), Core i5-4590 was $360 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4590 delivers 28.0 pts/$ vs 9.8 pts/$ for the Xeon X5687 — making the Core i5-4590 the 96.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4590	Xeon X5687
MSRP	$192-65%	$552
Performance per Dollar	28.0+186%	9.8
Release Date	2014	2011

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