Core i7-4700MQ vs Xeon X5687

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 i7-4700MQ 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 i7-4700MQ 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 i7-4700MQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $169 less on MSRP ($383 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
✅Delivers 43.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.0 vs 9.8 PassMark/$ ($383 MSRP vs $552 MSRP).
✅Draws 47W instead of 130W, a 83W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,349 vs 5,386).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 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

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads, plus 36 PCIe lanes vs 0.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.8 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($552 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
❌176.6% higher power demand at 130W vs 47W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5687 better than Core i7-4700MQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5687 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4700MQ is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon X5687 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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, Xeon X5687 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon X5687 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon X5687 comes in 44.1% more expensive on MSRP at $552 MSRP versus $383 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-4700MQ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 43.1% better value on paper (14.0 vs 9.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA946.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-4700MQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4700MQ vs Xeon X5687 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4700MQ

The Core i7-4700MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,349 points. Launch price was $288.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4700MQ and Xeon X5687 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700MQ 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 i7-4700MQ uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5687 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4700MQ scores 5,349 against the Xeon X5687's 5,386 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon X5687. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-4700MQ vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5687.

Feature	Core i7-4700MQ	Xeon 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	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	5,349	5,386
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,643
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	5,386

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4700MQ uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5687 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4700MQ	Xeon X5687
Socket	PGA946	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	288 GB
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	36

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-4700MQ) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5687). Primary use case: Xeon X5687 targets Server.

Feature	Core i7-4700MQ	Xeon X5687
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4700MQ was priced at $383, while the Xeon X5687 came in at $552. On launch pricing ($383 vs $552), Core i7-4700MQ was $169 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4700MQ delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 9.8 pts/$ for the Xeon X5687 — making the Core i7-4700MQ the 35.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4700MQ	Xeon X5687
MSRP	$383-31%	$552
Performance per Dollar	14.0+43%	9.8
Release Date	2013	2011

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