Core i7-10700T vs Xeon E5-2660 v3

Intel

Core i7-10700T

8 Cores16 Thrd35 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2020
Core family
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2660 v3

10 Cores20 Thrd105 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i7-10700T vs Xeon E5-2660 v3 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i7-10700T vs Xeon E5-2660 v3 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 i7-10700T vs Xeon E5-2660 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-10700T

2020

Why buy it

  • Costs $1,090 less on MSRP ($355 MSRP vs $1,445 MSRP).
  • Delivers 302.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 36.3 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($355 MSRP vs $1,445 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 105W, a 70W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-2660 v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (12,891 vs 13,039).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 25 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2660 v3, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2660 v3

2014

Why buy it

  • +1.1% higher PassMark.
  • +56.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 16 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
  • 150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 36.3 PassMark/$ ($1,445 MSRP vs $355 MSRP).
  • 200% higher power demand at 105W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-10700T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-10700T better than Xeon E5-2660 v3?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2660 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-10700T 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 E5-2660 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 56.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 16 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-10700T is the better buy right now. Core i7-10700T comes in $1,090 cheaper on MSRP at $355 MSRP versus $1,445 MSRP, and it still gives you 36.4% higher max boost clock. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2660 v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.1% better PassMark. It is also 302.4% better value on MSRP (36.3 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-10700T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-10700T vs Xeon E5-2660 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-10700T

The Core i7-10700T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2020 (5 years ago). It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 12,891 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon E5-2660 v3

The Xeon E5-2660 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 13,039 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core i7-10700T packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2660 v3 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-10700T versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 v3 — a 30.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-10700T (base: 2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Xeon E5-2660 v3 is built on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-10700T scores 12,891 against the Xeon E5-2660 v3's 13,039 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon E5-2660 v3. L3 cache: 16 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i7-10700T vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660 v3.

FeatureCore i7-10700TXeon E5-2660 v3
Cores / Threads
8 / 16
10 / 20+25%
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz+36%
3.3 GHz
Base Clock
2 GHz
2.6 GHz+30%
L3 Cache
16 MB Intel® Smart Cache
25 MB (total)+56%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark
12,891
13,039+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,531
Geekbench 6 Multi
6,814
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-10700T uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Core i7-10700T versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2660 v3 — the Core i7-10700T supports 37.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2660 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-10700T) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2660 v3). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-10700T) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2660 v3) — the Xeon E5-2660 v3 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1200 (Core i7-10700T) and Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2660 v3).

FeatureCore i7-10700TXeon E5-2660 v3
Socket
LGA1200
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2933+38%
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
768 GB+500%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
40+150%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon E5-2660 v3 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-10700T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E5-2660 v3 targets Server.

FeatureCore i7-10700TXeon E5-2660 v3
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-10700T was priced at $355, while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 came in at $1445. On launch pricing ($355 vs $1445), Core i7-10700T was $1090 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-10700T delivers 36.3 pts/$ vs 9.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2660 v3 — making the Core i7-10700T the 120.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-10700TXeon E5-2660 v3
MSRP
$355-75%
$1445
Performance per Dollar
36.3+303%
9.0
Release Date
2020
2014

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