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 i7-11700K vs Xeon E5-2679 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 i7-11700K vs Xeon E5-2679 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 i7-11700K

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +25.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $2,303 less on MSRP ($399 MSRP vs $2,702 MSRP).
✅Delivers 583.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 61.1 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($399 MSRP vs $2,702 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 200W, a 75W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 750, while Xeon E5-2679 v4 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 50 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2679 v4, which brings 20 cores / 40 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2679 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅+212.5% larger total L3 cache (50 MB vs 16 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 20 cores / 40 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 i7-11700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (24,131 vs 24,362).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 61.1 PassMark/$ ($2,702 MSRP vs $399 MSRP).
❌60% higher power demand at 200W vs 125W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-11700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-11700K better than Xeon E5-2679 v4?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2679 v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-11700K 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 i7-11700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 25.7% 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 i7-11700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Core i7-11700K is the better buy right now. Core i7-11700K comes in $2,303 cheaper on MSRP at $399 MSRP versus $2,702 MSRP, and it still gives you a 25.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 583.7% better value on MSRP (61.1 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), 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 i7-11700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2016), more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 20/40, 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 i7-11700K vs Xeon E5-2679 v4 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-11700K

The Core i7-11700K 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 24,362 points. Launch price was $299.

Xeon E5-2679 v4

The Xeon E5-2679 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 20 cores and 40 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 50 MB. L2 cache: 5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 24,131 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-11700K packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 offers 20 cores / 40 threads — the Xeon E5-2679 v4 has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-11700K versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2679 v4 — a 41% clock advantage for the Core i7-11700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-11700K uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-11700K scores 24,362 against the Xeon E5-2679 v4's 24,131 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-11700K. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i7-11700K vs 50 MB on the Xeon E5-2679 v4.

Feature	Core i7-11700K	Xeon E5-2679 v4
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	20 / 40+150%
Boost Clock	5 GHz+52%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+44%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	16 MB (total)	50 MB+213%
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+10140%	5 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	24,362	24,131
Cinebench R23 Multi	14,732	—
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,000
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	12,000

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-11700K uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 uses LGA2011-3 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-11700K versus DDR4-2400 on the Xeon E5-2679 v4 — the Core i7-11700K supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2679 v4 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-11700K) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2679 v4). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-11700K) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2679 v4) — the Xeon E5-2679 v4 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z590,B560 (Core i7-11700K) and C612,X99 (Xeon E5-2679 v4).

Feature	Core i7-11700K	Xeon E5-2679 v4
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2011-3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
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

Only the Core i7-11700K supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-11700K) vs Yes (Xeon E5-2679 v4). The Core i7-11700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 750), while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i7-11700K	Xeon E5-2679 v4
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 750	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-11700K was priced at $399, while the Xeon E5-2679 v4 came in at $2702. On launch pricing ($399 vs $2702), Core i7-11700K was $2303 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-11700K delivers 61.1 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2679 v4 — making the Core i7-11700K the 149% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-11700K	Xeon E5-2679 v4
MSRP	$399-85%	$2702
Performance per Dollar	61.1+587%	8.9
Release Date	2021	2016

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