Core i7-5850EQ vs Xeon X5690

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 i7-5850EQ vs Xeon X5690 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 i7-5850EQ vs Xeon X5690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-5850EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 47W instead of 130W, a 83W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5690 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5690, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.2 vs 28.1 PassMark/$ ($435 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Xeon X5690

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
✅Costs $185 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $435 MSRP).
✅Delivers 73.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.1 vs 16.2 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $435 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,031 vs 7,036).
❌176.6% higher power demand at 130W vs 47W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-5850EQ better than Xeon X5690?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5690 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-5850EQ 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 i7-5850EQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-5850EQ is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon X5690 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-5850EQ comes in 74.0% more expensive on MSRP at $435 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon X5690 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 8.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon X5690 is also 73.9% better value on MSRP (28.1 vs 16.2 PassMark/$), 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 i7-5850EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-5850EQ vs Xeon X5690 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon X5690

The Xeon X5690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (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: 12288 kB (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: 7,031 points. Launch price was $205.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-5850EQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5690 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i7-5850EQ versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X5690 — a 32% clock advantage for the Xeon X5690. The Core i7-5850EQ uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5690 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-5850EQ scores 7,036 against the Xeon X5690's 7,031 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-5850EQ. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i7-5850EQ vs 12288 kB (total) on the Xeon X5690.

Feature	Core i7-5850EQ	Xeon X5690
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	12288 kB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Broadwell (2015−2019)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	7,036	7,031
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,000

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-5850EQ) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5690). Primary use case: Xeon X5690 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5690 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	Core i7-5850EQ	Xeon X5690
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-5850EQ was priced at $435, while the Xeon X5690 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($435 vs $250), Xeon X5690 was $185 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-5850EQ delivers 16.2 pts/$ vs 28.1 pts/$ for the Xeon X5690 — making the Xeon X5690 the 53.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-5850EQ	Xeon X5690
MSRP	$435	$250-43%
Performance per Dollar	16.2	28.1+73%
Release Date	2015	2011

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