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 i7-5820K vs Xeon E5-2690 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 i7-5820K vs Xeon E5-2690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-5820K

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $1,668 less on MSRP ($389 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).
✅Delivers 432.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.3 vs 4.7 PassMark/$ ($389 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2690 across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (15 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2690, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2690

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.7% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 15 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 28.
✅Draws 135W instead of 140W, a 5W reduction.
✅42.9% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 28) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,764 vs 9,826).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.7 vs 25.3 PassMark/$ ($2,057 MSRP vs $389 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-5820K better than Xeon E5-2690?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2690 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-5820K 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 i7-5820K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i7-5820K is the better buy right now. Core i7-5820K comes in $1,668 cheaper on MSRP at $389 MSRP versus $2,057 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2690 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 5.7% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 432.1% better value on MSRP (25.3 vs 4.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-5820K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 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 i7-5820K vs Xeon E5-2690 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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	—

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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 33.3% 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 — 500% 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	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	28	40+43%

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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

At launch, the Core i7-5820K was priced at $389, while the Xeon E5-2690 came in at $2057. On launch pricing ($389 vs $2057), Core i7-5820K was $1668 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-5820K delivers 25.3 pts/$ vs 4.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2690 — making the Core i7-5820K the 136.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-5820K	Xeon E5-2690
MSRP	$389-81%	$2057
Performance per Dollar	25.3+438%	4.7
Release Date	2014	2012

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