CPU
GPU
Core i7-5820K
Xeon E5-2690
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-5820K is positioned at rank 686 and the Xeon E5-2690 is on rank 992, so the Core i7-5820K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-5820K
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2690
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-5820K | Xeon E5-2690 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($103) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-E (2014) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-5820K | Xeon E5-2690 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+47%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($103) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-5820K and Xeon E5-2690
Core i7-5820K
The Core i7-5820K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,826 points. Launch price was $410.
Xeon E5-2690
The Xeon E5-2690 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 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,764 points. Launch price was $397.
Processing Power
The Core i7-5820K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2690 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-5820K versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2690 — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-2690 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-5820K uses the Haswell-E (2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2690 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-5820K scores 9,826 against the Xeon E5-2690's 9,764 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-5820K. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5820K vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2690.
| Feature | Core i7-5820K | Xeon E5-2690 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 8 / 16+33% |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.8 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+14% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB (total) | 20480 kB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell-E (2014) | Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) |
| PassMark | 9,826 | 9,764 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 5,700 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,134 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 5,383 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-5820K versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2690 — the Core i7-5820K supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2690 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 28 (Core i7-5820K) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2690) — the Xeon E5-2690 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel X99 (Core i7-5820K) and Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2690).
| Feature | Core i7-5820K | Xeon E5-2690 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 384 GB+500% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 28 | 40+43% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: Yes (Core i7-5820K) / not specified (Xeon E5-2690). Primary use case: Core i7-5820K targets Enthusiast Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-5820K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.
| Feature | Core i7-5820K | Xeon E5-2690 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | Yes | — |
| Target Use | Enthusiast Workstation | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-5820K launched at $389 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-2690 debuted at $2057. At current prices ($103 vs $150), the Core i7-5820K is $47 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-5820K delivers 95.4 pts/$ vs 65.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2690 — making the Core i7-5820K the 37.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-5820K | Xeon E5-2690 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $389-81% | $2057 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $103-31% | $150 |
| Performance per Dollar | 95.4+47% | 65.1 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2012 |
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