Core i7-6700HQ vs Xeon E7340

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 i7-6700HQ vs Xeon E7340 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 i7-6700HQ vs Xeon E7340: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6700HQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 80W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,522 vs 6,544).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Xeon E7340

2007

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $213 MSRP, while Core i7-6700HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌77.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E7340 better than Core i7-6700HQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E7340 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-6700HQ 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 E7340 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 E7340 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E7340 is the better buy right now. Xeon E7340 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $213 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (30.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-6700HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-6700HQ vs Xeon E7340 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-6700HQ

The Core i7-6700HQ 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,522 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon E7340

The Xeon E7340 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA604. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 6,544 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-6700HQ is built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-6700HQ scores 6,522 against the Xeon E7340's 6,544 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E7340. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i7-6700HQ vs 8 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E7340.

Feature	Core i7-6700HQ	Xeon E7340
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	—
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+8%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	8 MB L2 Cache+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB	—
Process	14 nm-78%	65 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	—
PassMark	6,522	6,544

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6700HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E7340 uses PGA604 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.