Core i7-4930K vs Xeon E5-2680

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 E5-2680 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 E5-2680: 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

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $2,556 less on MSRP ($670 MSRP vs $3,226 MSRP).
✅Delivers 386.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.0 vs 2.9 PassMark/$ ($670 MSRP vs $3,226 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2680 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2680, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2680

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 0.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,289 vs 9,379).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.9 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($3,226 MSRP vs $670 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4930K better than Xeon E5-2680?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2680 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 1% 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 the better buy right now. Core i7-4930K comes in $2,556 cheaper on MSRP at $670 MSRP versus $3,226 MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2680 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 386.2% better value on MSRP (14.0 vs 2.9 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4930K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4930K vs Xeon E5-2680 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon E5-2680

The Xeon E5-2680 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,289 points. Launch price was $1,723.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2680 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2680 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4930K versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2680 — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-4930K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i7-4930K uses the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2680 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4930K scores 9,379 against the Xeon E5-2680's 9,289 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-4930K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-4930K vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2680.

Feature	Core i7-4930K	Xeon E5-2680
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+11%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+26%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	20 MB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-E (2013)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	9,379	9,289

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i7-4930K	Xeon E5-2680
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	384 GB
RAM Channels	—	4
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	40

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4930K was priced at $670, while the Xeon E5-2680 came in at $3226. On launch pricing ($670 vs $3226), Core i7-4930K was $2556 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4930K delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 2.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2680 — making the Core i7-4930K the 131.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4930K	Xeon E5-2680
MSRP	$670-79%	$3226
Performance per Dollar	14.0+383%	2.9
Release Date	2013	2012

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