Core i7-6820HK 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 i7-6820HK 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 i7-6820HK 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 i7-6820HK

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 130W, a 85W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5690 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,012 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: +6.8% 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 $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 51.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.1 vs 18.6 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌188.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

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

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5690 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 X5690 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.8% 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 0.3% 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 $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 51.6% better value on MSRP (28.1 vs 18.6 PassMark/$), 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 i7-6820HK 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 i7-6820HK vs Xeon X5690 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 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 i7-6820HK packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5690 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-6820HK versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X5690 — a 3.5% clock advantage for the Xeon X5690 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Core i7-6820HK uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5690 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6820HK scores 7,012 against the Xeon X5690's 7,031 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon X5690. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-6820HK vs 12288 kB (total) on the Xeon X5690.

Feature	Core i7-6820HK	Xeon X5690
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.73 GHz+4%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.46 GHz+28%
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	7,012	7,031
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,000

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6820HK uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5690 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-6820HK	Xeon X5690
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-6820HK) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5690). Primary use case: Xeon X5690 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5690 rivals Core i7-980X.

Feature	Core i7-6820HK	Xeon X5690
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Workstation

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-6820HK was priced at $378, while the Xeon X5690 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($378 vs $250), Xeon X5690 was $128 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6820HK delivers 18.6 pts/$ vs 28.1 pts/$ for the Xeon X5690 — making the Xeon X5690 the 41% better value option.

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

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