Core i5-7640X vs Xeon X5690

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 i5-7640X vs Xeon X5690 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 i5-7640X vs Xeon X5690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-7640X

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $1 less on MSRP ($249 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Draws 112W instead of 130W, a 18W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5690, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon X5690

2011

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (3,000 vs 3,726).
❌
0.4% HIGHER MSRP
$250 MSRPvs$249 MSRP
❌16.1% higher power demand at 130W vs 112W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7640X better than Xeon X5690?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5690 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-7640X 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 i5-7640X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% 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 i5-7640X is the stronger fit. You are getting 24.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-7640X is the better buy right now. Core i5-7640X comes in $1 cheaper on MSRP at $249 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 0.8% better value on MSRP (28.4 vs 28.1 PassMark/$), 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 i5-7640X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-7640X vs Xeon X5690 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-7640X

The Core i5-7640X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 112 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 7,060 points. Launch price was $242.

Xeon X5690

The Xeon X5690 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 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12288 kB (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: 7,031 points. Launch price was $205.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7640X packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5690 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-7640X versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X5690 — a 11.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-7640X (base: 4 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Core i5-7640X uses the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5690 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7640X scores 7,060 against the Xeon X5690's 7,031 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-7640X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 3,726 vs 3,000 (21.6% advantage for the Core i5-7640X). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7640X vs 12288 kB (total) on the Xeon X5690.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Xeon X5690
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+13%	3.73 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+16%	3.46 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12288 kB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-X (2017)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	7,060	7,031
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,726+24%	3,000
Geekbench 6 Single	1,419	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,726	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7640X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5690 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-7640X versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5690 — the Core i5-7640X supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-7640X) vs 3 (Xeon X5690). Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i5-7640X) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5690).

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Xeon X5690
Socket	LGA2066	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+100%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-7640X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-7640X) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5690). Primary use case: Core i5-7640X targets Desktop, Xeon X5690 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5690 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Xeon X5690
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7640X was priced at $249, while the Xeon X5690 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($249 vs $250), Core i5-7640X was $1 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7640X delivers 28.4 pts/$ vs 28.1 pts/$ for the Xeon X5690 — making the Core i5-7640X the 0.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7640X	Xeon X5690
MSRP	$249	$250
Performance per Dollar	28.4+1%	28.1
Release Date	2017	2011

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