Core i7-5930K vs Xeon Silver 4110

Intel

Core i7-5930K

6 Cores12 Thrd140 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon Silver 4110

8 Cores16 Thrd85 WWMax: 3 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i7-5930K vs Xeon Silver 4110 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i7-5930K vs Xeon Silver 4110 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 Silver 4110: 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

  • +0.5% higher PassMark.
  • +36.4% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 11 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon Silver 4110 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon Silver 4110, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
  • Launch MSRP is still $583 MSRP, while Xeon Silver 4110 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 64.7% higher power demand at 140W vs 85W.

Xeon Silver 4110

2017

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 40.
  • Draws 85W instead of 140W, a 55W reduction.
  • 20% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 40) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (10,314 vs 10,369).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (11 MB vs 15 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon Silver 4110 better than Core i7-5930K?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon Silver 4110 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-5930K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 36.4% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 11 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon Silver 4110 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon Silver 4110 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-5930K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (17.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 Silver 4110 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-5930K vs Xeon Silver 4110 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Xeon Silver 4110

The Xeon Silver 4110 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 11 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 10,314 points. Launch price was $501.

Processing Power

The Core i7-5930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon Silver 4110 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon Silver 4110 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-5930K versus 3 GHz on the Xeon Silver 4110 — a 20.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-5930K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-5930K uses the Haswell-E (2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon Silver 4110 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-5930K scores 10,369 against the Xeon Silver 4110's 10,314 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-5930K. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5930K vs 11 MB on the Xeon Silver 4110.

FeatureCore i7-5930KXeon Silver 4110
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+23%
3 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+67%
2.1 GHz
L3 Cache
15 MB (total)+36%
11 MB
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
8 MB+3100%
Process
22 nm
14 nm-36%
Architecture
Haswell-E (2014)
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark
10,369
10,314
Geekbench 6 Single
1,000
Geekbench 6 Multi
6,000
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-5930K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon Silver 4110 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-5930K versus 2400 on the Xeon Silver 4110 — the Xeon Silver 4110 supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon Silver 4110 supports up to 1024 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-5930K) vs 6 (Xeon Silver 4110). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-5930K) vs 48 (Xeon Silver 4110) — the Xeon Silver 4110 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X99 (Core i7-5930K) and C621 (Xeon Silver 4110).

FeatureCore i7-5930KXeon Silver 4110
Socket
LGA2011
LGA3647
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
2400+13%
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
1024 GB+1500%
RAM Channels
4
6+50%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
40
48+20%
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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-5930K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Xeon Silver 4110 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Core i7-5930K targets High End Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-5930K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.

FeatureCore i7-5930KXeon Silver 4110
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
None
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
High End Desktop