Core i7-5850EQ vs Core i7-990X
Core i7-5850EQ
Core i7-990X
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 i7-5850EQ is positioned at rank 954 and the Core i7-990X is on rank 1046, so the Core i7-5850EQ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-5850EQ
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-990X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-5850EQ | Core i7-990X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($370) | ✅ More affordable ($225) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Gulftown (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-5850EQ | Core i7-990X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+67%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($370) | ✅ More affordable ($225) |
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 i7-5850EQ and Core i7-990X
Core i7-5850EQ
The Core i7-5850EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 7,036 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i7-990X
The Core i7-990X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,135 points. Launch price was $1,104.
Processing Power
The Core i7-5850EQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-990X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-990X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i7-5850EQ versus 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-990X — a 32% clock advantage for the Core i7-990X. The Core i7-5850EQ uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-990X uses Gulftown (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-5850EQ scores 7,036 against the Core i7-990X's 7,135 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-990X. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i7-5850EQ vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-990X.
| Feature | Core i7-5850EQ | Core i7-990X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.73 GHz+38% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.46 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB | 12 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB+300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell (2015−2019) | Gulftown (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 7,036 | 7,135+1% |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-5850EQ launched at $435 MSRP, while the Core i7-990X debuted at $999. At current prices ($370 vs $225), the Core i7-990X is $145 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-5850EQ delivers 19.0 pts/$ vs 31.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-990X — making the Core i7-990X the 50.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-5850EQ | Core i7-990X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $435-56% | $999 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $370 | $225-39% |
| Performance per Dollar | 19.0 | 31.7+67% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2011 |
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