Core i7-4700EQ vs Xeon X5687

Intel

Core i7-4700EQ

4 Cores8 Thrd47 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon X5687

4 Cores8 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.86 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i7-4700EQ vs Xeon X5687 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 i7-4700EQ vs Xeon X5687 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 i7-4700EQ vs Xeon X5687: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4700EQ

2013

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $174 less on MSRP ($378 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
  • Delivers 46.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.3 vs 9.8 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
  • Draws 47W instead of 130W, a 83W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon X5687 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5687 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5687, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads and 36 PCIe lanes.

Xeon X5687

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads, plus 36 PCIe lanes vs 16.
  • 125% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,386 vs 5,417).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.8 vs 14.3 PassMark/$ ($552 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
  • 176.6% higher power demand at 130W vs 47W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4700EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4700EQ better than Xeon X5687?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5687 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4700EQ 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 i7-4700EQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4700EQ is the better buy right now. Core i7-4700EQ comes in $174 cheaper on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $552 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon X5687 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 5.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 46.9% better value on MSRP (14.3 vs 9.8 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4700EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4700EQ vs Xeon X5687 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-4700EQ

The Core i7-4700EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,417 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon X5687

The Xeon X5687 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.86 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (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: 5,386 points. Launch price was $121.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4700EQ and Xeon X5687 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700EQ versus 3.86 GHz on the Xeon X5687 — a 12.7% clock advantage for the Xeon X5687 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-4700EQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5687 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4700EQ scores 5,417 against the Xeon X5687's 5,386 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-4700EQ. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-4700EQ vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5687.

FeatureCore i7-4700EQXeon X5687
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
3.86 GHz+14%
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
3.6 GHz+50%
L3 Cache
8192 kB (total)
12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Crystalwell (2013−2014)
Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark
5,417
5,386
Geekbench 6 Single
1,643
Geekbench 6 Multi
5,386
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4700EQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5687 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-4700EQ versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5687 — the Core i7-4700EQ supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon X5687 supports up to 288 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 800% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-4700EQ) vs 3 (Xeon X5687). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-4700EQ) vs 36 (Xeon X5687) — the Xeon X5687 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i7-4700EQXeon X5687
Socket
BGA1364
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-1600+20%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
288 GB+800%
RAM Channels
2
3+50%
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
36+125%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4700EQ) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5687). The Core i7-4700EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon X5687 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4700EQ targets Mobile, Xeon X5687 targets Server.

FeatureCore i7-4700EQXeon X5687
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Mobile
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4700EQ was priced at $378, while the Xeon X5687 came in at $552. On launch pricing ($378 vs $552), Core i7-4700EQ was $174 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4700EQ delivers 14.3 pts/$ vs 9.8 pts/$ for the Xeon X5687 — making the Core i7-4700EQ the 38% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-4700EQXeon X5687
MSRP
$378-32%
$552
Performance per Dollar
14.3+46%
9.8
Release Date
2013
2011

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