Core i7-6700T vs Xeon W3680

Intel

Core i7-6700T

4 Cores8 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon W3680

6 Cores12 Thrd130 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Core i7-6700T vs Xeon W3680 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 i7-6700T vs Xeon W3680 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 i7-6700T vs Xeon W3680: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6700T

2015

Why buy it

  • Costs $291 less on MSRP ($303 MSRP vs $594 MSRP).
  • Delivers 95.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.1 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $594 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 130W, a 95W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W3680 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (6,994 vs 7,025).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W3680, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon W3680

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.8 vs 23.1 PassMark/$ ($594 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
  • 271.4% higher power demand at 130W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W3680 better than Core i7-6700T?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3680 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-6700T 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 W3680 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.3% 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 W3680 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon W3680 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon W3680 comes in 96.0% more expensive on MSRP at $594 MSRP versus $303 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-6700T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 95.2% better value on paper (23.1 vs 11.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-6700T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-6700T vs Xeon W3680 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-6700T

The Core i7-6700T 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,994 points. Launch price was $303.

Intel

Xeon W3680

The Xeon W3680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (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: 7,025 points. Launch price was $350.

Processing Power

The Core i7-6700T packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon W3680 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon W3680 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-6700T versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon W3680 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i7-6700T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W3680 uses Gulftown (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6700T scores 6,994 against the Xeon W3680's 7,025 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon W3680. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-6700T vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon W3680.

FeatureCore i7-6700TXeon W3680
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
3.6 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
3.33 GHz+19%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Gulftown (2010−2011)
PassMark
6,994
7,025
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6700T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W3680 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-6700TXeon W3680
Socket
LGA1151
LGA1366
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-6700T was priced at $303, while the Xeon W3680 came in at $594. On launch pricing ($303 vs $594), Core i7-6700T was $291 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6700T delivers 23.1 pts/$ vs 11.8 pts/$ for the Xeon W3680 — making the Core i7-6700T the 64.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-6700TXeon W3680
MSRP
$303-49%
$594
Performance per Dollar
23.1+96%
11.8
Release Date
2015
2010

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