Core i7-4930K vs Xeon E5-1650 v2

Intel

Core i7-4930K

6 Cores12 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2013
VS
Intel

Xeon E5-1650 v2

6 Cores12 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2013

Core i7-4930K vs Xeon E5-1650 v2 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 i7-4930K vs Xeon E5-1650 v2 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 i7-4930K vs Xeon E5-1650 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4930K

2013

Why buy it

  • +0.8% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-1650 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.0 vs 16.0 PassMark/$ ($670 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).

Xeon E5-1650 v2

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $87 less on MSRP ($583 MSRP vs $670 MSRP).
  • Delivers 14.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.0 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $670 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (9,306 vs 9,379).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4930K better than Xeon E5-1650 v2?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1650 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-4930K 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 i7-4930K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4930K is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E5-1650 v2 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-4930K comes in 14.9% more expensive on MSRP at $670 MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.8% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5-1650 v2 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E5-1650 v2 is also 14.0% better value on MSRP (16.0 vs 14.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-4930K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4930K vs Xeon E5-1650 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-4930K

The Core i7-4930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,379 points. Launch price was $670.

Intel

Xeon E5-1650 v2

The Xeon E5-1650 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,306 points. Launch price was $917.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4930K and Xeon E5-1650 v2 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4930K versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-1650 v2 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-4930K scores 9,379 against the Xeon E5-1650 v2's 9,306 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-4930K. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i7-4930KXeon E5-1650 v2
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
6 / 12
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz
3.9 GHz
Base Clock
3.4 GHz
3.5 GHz+3%
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm
22 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge-E (2013)
Ivy Bridge-E (2013)
PassMark
9,379
9,306
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 3.0.

FeatureCore i7-4930KXeon E5-1650 v2
Socket
LGA2011
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 5.0+67%
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4930K was priced at $670, while the Xeon E5-1650 v2 came in at $583. On launch pricing ($670 vs $583), Xeon E5-1650 v2 was $87 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4930K delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 16.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1650 v2 — making the Xeon E5-1650 v2 the 13.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-4930KXeon E5-1650 v2
MSRP
$670
$583-13%
Performance per Dollar
14.0
16.0+14%
Release Date
2013
2013

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