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 E5-2670 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 E5-2670: 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

✅Better for gaming: +3.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,202 less on MSRP ($350 MSRP vs $1,552 MSRP).
✅Delivers 345.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.5 vs 5.7 PassMark/$ ($350 MSRP vs $1,552 MSRP).
✅Draws 91W instead of 115W, a 24W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Xeon E5-2670 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2670, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2670

2012

Why buy it

✅+150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-6700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,901 vs 8,933).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.7 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($1,552 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
❌26.4% higher power demand at 115W vs 91W.
❌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 E5-2670?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2670 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 gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-6700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.2% 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, Core i7-6700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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 $1,202 cheaper on MSRP at $350 MSRP versus $1,552 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 345.0% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 5.7 PassMark/$), 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 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-6700K vs Xeon E5-2670 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 E5-2670

The Xeon E5-2670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,901 points. Launch price was $145.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-6700K packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2670 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2670 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-6700K versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2670 — a 24% clock advantage for the Core i7-6700K (base: 4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-6700K uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2670 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6700K scores 8,933 against the Xeon E5-2670's 8,901 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-6700K. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-6700K vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2670.

Feature	Core i7-6700K	Xeon E5-2670
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+27%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+54%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	20480 kB (total)+150%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	8,933	8,901

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2670 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-6700K versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2670 — the Core i7-6700K supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2670 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-6700K) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2670). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-6700K) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2670) — the Xeon E5-2670 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i7-6700K	Xeon E5-2670
Socket	LGA1151	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+33%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	384 GB+500%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-6700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-6700K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon E5-2670 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6700K targets Desktop, Xeon E5-2670 targets Server.

Feature	Core i7-6700K	Xeon E5-2670
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 530	—
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-6700K was priced at $350, while the Xeon E5-2670 came in at $1552. On launch pricing ($350 vs $1552), Core i7-6700K was $1202 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6700K delivers 25.5 pts/$ vs 5.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2670 — making the Core i7-6700K the 126.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-6700K	Xeon E5-2670
MSRP	$350-77%	$1552
Performance per Dollar	25.5+347%	5.7
Release Date	2015	2012

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