Core i7-6820HK vs Xeon E3-1505M v5

Intel

Core i7-6820HK

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2015
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1505M v5

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2015
Similar parts
·······

Core i7-6820HK vs Xeon E3-1505M v5 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 i7-6820HK vs Xeon E3-1505M v5 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 i7-6820HK vs Xeon E3-1505M v5: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6820HK

2015

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.6 vs 60.8 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $115 MSRP).

Xeon E3-1505M v5

2015

Why buy it

  • Costs $263 less on MSRP ($115 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
  • Delivers 227.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 60.8 vs 18.6 PassMark/$ ($115 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (6,995 vs 7,012).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6820HK better than Xeon E3-1505M v5?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1505M v5 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-6820HK 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, Core i7-6820HK is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-6820HK is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-6820HK comes in 228.7% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $115 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. Xeon E3-1505M v5 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-6820HK makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-6820HK vs Xeon E3-1505M v5 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-6820HK

The Core i7-6820HK 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 7,012 points. Launch price was $378.

Intel

Xeon E3-1505M v5

The Xeon E3-1505M v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,995 points. Launch price was $434.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-6820HK and Xeon E3-1505M v5 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-6820HK versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1505M v5 — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1505M v5 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-6820HK uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1505M v5 uses Skylake-H (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6820HK scores 7,012 against the Xeon E3-1505M v5's 6,995 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-6820HK. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-6820HK vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1505M v5.

FeatureCore i7-6820HKXeon E3-1505M v5
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
3.7 GHz+3%
Base Clock
2.7 GHz
2.8 GHz+4%
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB+300%
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Skylake-H (2015−2016)
PassMark
7,012
6,995
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the BGA1440 socket with PCIe 3.0.

FeatureCore i7-6820HKXeon E3-1505M v5
Socket
BGA1440
BGA1440
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-6820HK was priced at $378, while the Xeon E3-1505M v5 came in at $115. On launch pricing ($378 vs $115), Xeon E3-1505M v5 was $263 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6820HK delivers 18.6 pts/$ vs 60.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1505M v5 — making the Xeon E3-1505M v5 the 106.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-6820HKXeon E3-1505M v5
MSRP
$378
$115-70%
Performance per Dollar
18.6
60.8+227%
Release Date
2015
2015

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.