Core i7-4790K vs Xeon E5-2660

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 i7-4790K vs Xeon E5-2660 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 i7-4790K vs Xeon E5-2660: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4790K

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $979 less on MSRP ($350 MSRP vs $1,329 MSRP).
✅Delivers 279.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.0 vs 6.1 PassMark/$ ($350 MSRP vs $1,329 MSRP).
✅Draws 88W instead of 95W, a 7W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E5-2660 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,063 vs 8,067).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2660, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2660

2012

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.
✅+150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4790K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.1 vs 23.0 PassMark/$ ($1,329 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4790K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4790K better than Xeon E5-2660?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2660 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4790K 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 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i7-4790K is the better buy right now. Core i7-4790K comes in $979 cheaper on MSRP at $350 MSRP versus $1,329 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2660 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0% better PassMark. It is also 279.5% better value on MSRP (23.0 vs 6.1 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4790K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4790K vs Xeon E5-2660 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4790K

The Core i7-4790K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Junho 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Devil's Canyon architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 88 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,063 points. Launch price was $339.

Xeon E5-2660

The Xeon E5-2660 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,067 points. Launch price was $85.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4790K packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2660 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2660 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-4790K versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 — a 37.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-4790K (base: 4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-4790K uses the Devil's Canyon architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2660 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4790K scores 8,063 against the Xeon E5-2660's 8,067 — a 0% lead for the Xeon E5-2660. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4790K vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660.

Feature	Core i7-4790K	Xeon E5-2660
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+47%	3 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+82%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	20480 kB (total)+150%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Devil's Canyon	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	8,063	8,067

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4790K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2660 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Xeon E5-2660 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-4790K) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2660). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-4790K) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2660) — the Xeon E5-2660 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 8 series,Intel 9 series (Core i7-4790K) and Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2660).

Feature	Core i7-4790K	Xeon E5-2660
Socket	LGA1150	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	384 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

The Core i7-4790K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E5-2660 requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i7-4790K	Xeon E5-2660
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4600	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4790K was priced at $350, while the Xeon E5-2660 came in at $1329. On launch pricing ($350 vs $1329), Core i7-4790K was $979 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4790K delivers 23.0 pts/$ vs 6.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2660 — making the Core i7-4790K the 116.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4790K	Xeon E5-2660
MSRP	$350-74%	$1329
Performance per Dollar	23.0+277%	6.1
Release Date	2014	2012

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