Core i7-6820HK vs Xeon W3680

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 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 i7-6820HK 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 i7-6820HK

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $216 less on MSRP ($378 MSRP vs $594 MSRP).
✅Delivers 56.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.6 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $594 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 130W, a 85W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W3680 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,012 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: +5.3% 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 18.6 PassMark/$ ($594 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
❌188.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W3680 better than Core i7-6820HK?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3680 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, Xeon W3680 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.3% 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 0.2% 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 the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Xeon W3680 comes in 57.1% more expensive on MSRP at $594 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-6820HK 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, especially when the gap is already 5.3% in the shared gaming data.

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 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-6820HK vs Xeon W3680 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-6820HK 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 i7-6820HK versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon W3680 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i7-6820HK uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W3680 uses Gulftown (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6820HK scores 7,012 against the Xeon W3680's 7,025 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon W3680. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-6820HK vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon W3680.

Feature	Core i7-6820HK	Xeon W3680
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.33 GHz+23%
L3 Cache	8 MB	12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Gulftown (2010−2011)
PassMark	7,012	7,025

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6820HK uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W3680 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-6820HK	Xeon W3680
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-6820HK was priced at $378, while the Xeon W3680 came in at $594. On launch pricing ($378 vs $594), Core i7-6820HK was $216 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6820HK delivers 18.6 pts/$ vs 11.8 pts/$ for the Xeon W3680 — making the Core i7-6820HK the 44.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-6820HK	Xeon W3680
MSRP	$378-36%	$594
Performance per Dollar	18.6+58%	11.8
Release Date	2015	2010

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