Core i5-4690K vs Xeon E5649
Core i5-4690K
Xeon E5649
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-4690K is positioned at rank 718 and the Xeon E5649 is on rank 938, so the Core i5-4690K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-4690K
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5649
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-4690K | Xeon E5649 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($101) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($774) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-4690K | Xeon E5649 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+670%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($101) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($774) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-4690K and Xeon E5649
Core i5-4690K
The Core i5-4690K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 88 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,689 points. Launch price was $300.
Xeon E5649
The Xeon E5649 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 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 12288 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,659 points. Launch price was $45.
Processing Power
The Core i5-4690K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5649 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5649 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-4690K versus 2.93 GHz on the Xeon E5649 — a 28.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-4690K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Core i5-4690K uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5649 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4690K scores 5,689 against the Xeon E5649's 5,659 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-4690K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4690K vs 12288 kB (total) on the Xeon E5649.
| Feature | Core i5-4690K | Xeon E5649 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz+33% | 2.93 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+38% | 2.53 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 12288 kB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 5,689 | 5,659 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 415 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,109 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-4690K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5649 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4690K versus DDR3 1333 MHz on the Xeon E5649 — the Xeon E5649 supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5649 supports up to 288 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 160% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-4690K) vs 3 (Xeon E5649). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-4690K) vs 0 (Xeon E5649) — the Core i5-4690K offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-4690K | Xeon E5649 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3 1333 MHz |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 288 GB+800% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-4690K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4690K) vs true (Xeon E5649). The Core i5-4690K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E5649 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4690K targets Desktop, Xeon E5649 targets Server.
| Feature | Core i5-4690K | Xeon E5649 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4600 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Desktop | Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-4690K launched at $243 MSRP, while the Xeon E5649 debuted at $774.
| Feature | Core i5-4690K | Xeon E5649 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $243-69% | $774 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $101 | — |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2011 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-4690K and Xeon E5649
