Core i7-6820EQ vs Xeon X5690

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 i7-6820EQ vs Xeon X5690 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 i7-6820EQ vs Xeon X5690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6820EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 130W, a 85W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Xeon X5690 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5690 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,025 vs 7,031).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5690, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.6 vs 28.1 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Xeon X5690

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.4% 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.
✅Costs $128 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 51.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.1 vs 18.6 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌188.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-6820EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5690 better than Core i7-6820EQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5690 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-6820EQ 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 X5690 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.4% 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 X5690 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% 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 X5690 is the better buy right now. Xeon X5690 comes in $128 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 51.3% better value on MSRP (28.1 vs 18.6 PassMark/$), 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 i7-6820EQ 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 i7-6820EQ vs Xeon X5690 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-6820EQ

The Core i7-6820EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 7,025 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon X5690

The Xeon X5690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 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: 7,031 points. Launch price was $205.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-6820EQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5690 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-6820EQ versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X5690 — a 28.5% clock advantage for the Xeon X5690. The Core i7-6820EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5690 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6820EQ scores 7,025 against the Xeon X5690's 7,031 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon X5690. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-6820EQ vs 12288 kB (total) on the Xeon X5690.

Feature	Core i7-6820EQ	Xeon X5690
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	3.73 GHz+33%
Base Clock	—	3.46 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB	12288 kB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	7,025	7,031
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,000

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-6820EQ versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5690 — the Core i7-6820EQ supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-6820EQ) vs 3 (Xeon X5690).

Feature	Core i7-6820EQ	Xeon X5690
Socket	—	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6820EQ) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5690). The Core i7-6820EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon X5690 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6820EQ targets Embedded, Xeon X5690 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5690 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	Core i7-6820EQ	Xeon X5690
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 530	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Embedded	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-6820EQ was priced at $378, while the Xeon X5690 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($378 vs $250), Xeon X5690 was $128 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6820EQ delivers 18.6 pts/$ vs 28.1 pts/$ for the Xeon X5690 — making the Xeon X5690 the 40.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-6820EQ	Xeon X5690
MSRP	$378	$250-34%
Performance per Dollar	18.6	28.1+51%
Release Date	2015	2011

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