Core i7-5930K vs Xeon E7540
Core i7-5930K
Xeon E7540
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 i7-5930K is positioned at rank 849 and the Xeon E7540 is on rank 986, so the Core i7-5930K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-5930K
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E7540
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-5930K | Xeon E7540 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($410) | ✅ More affordable ($146) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-E (2014) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-5930K | Xeon E7540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+181%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($410) | ✅ More affordable ($146) |
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 i7-5930K and Xeon E7540
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 E7540
The Xeon E7540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.27 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1567. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 10,376 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-5930K and Xeon E7540 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-5930K versus 2.27 GHz on the Xeon E7540 — a 47.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-5930K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-5930K is built on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-5930K scores 10,369 against the Xeon E7540's 10,376 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E7540. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5930K vs 18 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon E7540.
| Feature | Core i7-5930K | Xeon E7540 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+63% | 2.27 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+75% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB (total) | 18 MB L3 Cache+20% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell-E (2014) | — |
| PassMark | 10,369 | 10,376 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,000 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 6,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-5930K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E7540 uses LGA1567 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-5930K versus DDR3-1066 on the Xeon E7540 — the Core i7-5930K supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-5930K supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 2 TB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-5930K) vs 32 (Xeon E7540) — the Core i7-5930K offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i7-5930K | Xeon E7540 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1567 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 2 TB+3100% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+25% | 32 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-5930K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i7-5930K targets High End Desktop, Xeon E7540 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core i7-5930K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.
| Feature | Core i7-5930K | Xeon E7540 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | High End Desktop | Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-5930K launched at $583 MSRP, while the Xeon E7540 debuted at $1980. At current prices ($410 vs $146), the Xeon E7540 is $264 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-5930K delivers 25.3 pts/$ vs 71.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E7540 — making the Xeon E7540 the 95% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-5930K | Xeon E7540 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $583-71% | $1980 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $410 | $146-64% |
| Performance per Dollar | 25.3 | 71.1+181% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2010 |
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