Core i7-6700K vs Xeon E5-2450 v2

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 i7-6700K vs Xeon E5-2450 v2 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 i7-6700K vs Xeon E5-2450 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6700K

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 91W instead of 95W, a 4W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Xeon E5-2450 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,933 vs 9,057).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2450 v2, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $350 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2450 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-2450 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+1.4% higher PassMark.
✅+150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-6700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6700K better than Xeon E5-2450 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2450 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-6700K 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, Xeon E5-2450 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i7-6700K is the better buy right now. Core i7-6700K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $350 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2450 v2 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.4% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-6700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-6700K vs Xeon E5-2450 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-6700K

The Core i7-6700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 August 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 91 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,933 points. Launch price was $339.

Xeon E5-2450 v2

The Xeon E5-2450 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,057 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-6700K packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2450 v2 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2450 v2 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-6700K versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2450 v2 — a 24% clock advantage for the Core i7-6700K (base: 4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-6700K uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2450 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6700K scores 8,933 against the Xeon E5-2450 v2's 9,057 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon E5-2450 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-6700K vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2450 v2.

Feature	Core i7-6700K	Xeon E5-2450 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+27%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+60%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	20 MB (total)+150%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014)
PassMark	8,933	9,057+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2450 v2 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-6700K	Xeon E5-2450 v2
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6700K) / not specified (Xeon E5-2450 v2). The Core i7-6700K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon E5-2450 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6700K targets Desktop.