Core i7-6600U vs Xeon X5698

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 i7-6600U vs Xeon X5698 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 i7-6600U vs Xeon X5698: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6600U

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 130W, a 115W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5698 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,407 vs 3,447).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).

Xeon X5698

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌766.7% higher power demand at 130W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5698 better than Core i7-6600U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5698 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-6600U 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 X5698 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.9% 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 X5698 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Xeon X5698 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon X5698 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-6600U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-6600U vs Xeon X5698 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-6600U

The Core i7-6600U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,407 points. Launch price was $393.

Xeon X5698

The Xeon X5698 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 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: 3,447 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-6600U and Xeon X5698 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-6600U versus 4.4 GHz on the Xeon X5698 — a 25.6% clock advantage for the Xeon X5698 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The Core i7-6600U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5698 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6600U scores 3,407 against the Xeon X5698's 3,447 — a 1.2% lead for the Xeon X5698. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-6600U vs 12288 kB (total) on the Xeon X5698.

Feature	Core i7-6600U	Xeon X5698
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	4.4 GHz+29%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	4.4 GHz+69%
L3 Cache	4 MB	12288 kB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	3,407	3,447+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6600U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5698 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-6600U	Xeon X5698
Socket	BGA1356	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-6600U) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5698). Primary use case: Xeon X5698 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5698 rivals Core i7-980X.