Core i7-4860EQ vs Xeon W-2104

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 i7-4860EQ vs Xeon W-2104 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 i7-4860EQ vs Xeon W-2104: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4860EQ

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 47W instead of 120W, a 73W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,508 vs 5,530).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.7 vs 18.8 PassMark/$ ($434 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Xeon W-2104

2017

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $140 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).
✅Delivers 48.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.8 vs 12.7 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4860EQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌155.3% higher power demand at 120W vs 47W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-2104 better than Core i7-4860EQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2104 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4860EQ 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 W-2104 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Xeon W-2104 is the better buy right now. Xeon W-2104 comes in $140 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $434 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-4860EQ is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 48.2% better value on MSRP (18.8 vs 12.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon W-2104 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4860EQ vs Xeon W-2104 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4860EQ

The Core i7-4860EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,508 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon W-2104

The Xeon W-2104 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,530 points. Launch price was $255.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4860EQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon W-2104's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4860EQ versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon W-2104 — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.8 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-4860EQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon W-2104 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4860EQ scores 5,508 against the Xeon W-2104's 5,530 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon W-2104. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4860EQ vs 8.25 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2104.

Feature	Core i7-4860EQ	Xeon W-2104
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	3.2 GHz+78%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8.25 MB (total)+3%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Crystalwell (2013−2014)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	5,508	5,530

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4860EQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2104 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4860EQ	Xeon W-2104
Socket	BGA1364	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4860EQ was priced at $434, while the Xeon W-2104 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($434 vs $294), Xeon W-2104 was $140 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4860EQ delivers 12.7 pts/$ vs 18.8 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2104 — making the Xeon W-2104 the 38.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4860EQ	Xeon W-2104
MSRP	$434	$294-32%
Performance per Dollar	12.7	18.8+48%
Release Date	2014	2017

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