Core i7-6820HK vs Xeon E5-4607

Intel

Core i7-6820HK

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-4607

6 Cores12 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i7-6820HK vs Xeon E5-4607 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 E5-4607 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 E5-4607: 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

  • Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-4607, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
  • Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Xeon E5-4607 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-4607

2012

Why buy it

  • +87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (6,986 vs 7,012).
  • 111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6820HK better than Xeon E5-4607?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-4607 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 gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-6820HK is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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 i7-6820HK 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 i7-6820HK is the better buy right now. Core i7-6820HK comes in at an unclear MSRP at $378 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (18.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-6820HK 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 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-6820HK vs Xeon E5-4607 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 E5-4607

The Xeon E5-4607 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,986 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core i7-6820HK packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-4607 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-4607 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-6820HK versus 2.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-4607 — a 48.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-6820HK (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-6820HK uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-4607 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6820HK scores 7,012 against the Xeon E5-4607's 6,986 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-6820HK. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-6820HK vs 15 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-4607.

FeatureCore i7-6820HKXeon E5-4607
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz+64%
2.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz+23%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB
15 MB (total)+88%
L2 Cache
1 MB+300%
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark
7,012
6,986
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6820HK uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-4607 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-6820HKXeon E5-4607
Socket
BGA1440
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0