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 i7-5930K vs Xeon E5-4640 v3 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 i7-5930K vs Xeon E5-4640 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-5930K

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $2,276 less on MSRP ($583 MSRP vs $2,859 MSRP).
✅Delivers 390.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 3.6 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $2,859 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-4640 v3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (6,000 vs 7,000).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (15 MB vs 30 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-4640 v3, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads.
❌33.3% higher power demand at 140W vs 105W.

Xeon E5-4640 v3

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 15 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads.
✅Draws 105W instead of 140W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.6 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($2,859 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-4640 v3 better than Core i7-5930K?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-4640 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-5930K is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-4640 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-4640 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 16.7% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 15 MB).

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

Xeon E5-4640 v3 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-4640 v3 comes in 390.4% more expensive on MSRP at $2,859 MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-5930K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 390.3% better value on paper (17.8 vs 3.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2011.

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

Xeon E5-4640 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014), 100% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 15 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-5930K vs Xeon E5-4640 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-5930K

The Core i7-5930K 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 10,369 points. Launch price was $613.

Xeon E5-4640 v3

The Xeon E5-4640 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,372 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-5930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-4640 v3 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon E5-4640 v3 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-5930K versus 2.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-4640 v3 — a 34.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-5930K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core i7-5930K uses the Haswell-E (2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-4640 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-5930K scores 10,369 against the Xeon E5-4640 v3's 10,372 — a 0% lead for the Xeon E5-4640 v3. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,000 vs 750, a 28.6% lead for the Core i7-5930K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 6,000 vs 7,000 (15.4% advantage for the Xeon E5-4640 v3). L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5930K vs 30 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-4640 v3.

Feature	Core i7-5930K	Xeon E5-4640 v3
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	12 / 24+100%
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+42%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+84%	1.9 GHz
L3 Cache	15 MB (total)	30 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell-E (2014)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	10,369	10,372
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000+33%	750
Geekbench 6 Multi	6,000	7,000+17%

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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 i7-5930K versus DDR4-1866 on the Xeon E5-4640 v3 — the Core i7-5930K supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-4640 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X99 (Core i7-5930K) and C612 (Xeon E5-4640 v3).

Feature	Core i7-5930K	Xeon E5-4640 v3
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+14%	DDR4-1866
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	768 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	40

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-5930K) vs Yes (Xeon E5-4640 v3). Primary use case: Core i7-5930K targets High End Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-5930K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.

Feature	Core i7-5930K	Xeon E5-4640 v3
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes
Target Use	High End Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-5930K was priced at $583, while the Xeon E5-4640 v3 came in at $2859. On launch pricing ($583 vs $2859), Core i7-5930K was $2276 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-5930K delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 3.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-4640 v3 — making the Core i7-5930K the 132.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-5930K	Xeon E5-4640 v3
MSRP	$583-80%	$2859
Performance per Dollar	17.8+394%	3.6
Release Date	2014	2015

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