Core i7-3930K vs Xeon X7560

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 i7-3930K vs Xeon X7560 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 i7-3930K vs Xeon X7560: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3930K

2011

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X7560 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X7560, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $583 MSRP, while Xeon X7560 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X7560

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,110 vs 8,204).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3930K better than Xeon X7560?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X7560 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3930K 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, Core i7-3930K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i7-3930K is the better buy right now. Core i7-3930K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $583 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon X7560 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-3930K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3930K vs Xeon X7560 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3930K

The Core i7-3930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,204 points. Launch price was $611.

Xeon X7560

The Xeon X7560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.27 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1567. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-978, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, Speed-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 8,110 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon X7560 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon X7560 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3930K versus 2.67 GHz on the Xeon X7560 — a 34.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3930K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.27 GHz). The Core i7-3930K is built on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-3930K scores 8,204 against the Xeon X7560's 8,110 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-3930K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-3930K vs 24 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon X7560.

Feature	Core i7-3930K	Xeon X7560
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+42%	2.67 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+41%	2.27 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	24 MB L3 Cache+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	8,204+1%	8,110
Geekbench 6 Single	731	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3930K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X7560 uses LGA1567 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3930K versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X7560 — the Core i7-3930K supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: X79 (Core i7-3930K) and Nehalem-EX (Xeon X7560).

Feature	Core i7-3930K	Xeon X7560
Socket	LGA2011	LGA1567
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	—

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-3930K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Primary use case: Core i7-3930K targets HEDT Desktop, Xeon X7560 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core i7-3930K rivals FX-8350; Xeon X7560 rivals Core i7-980X.