Core i7-6820HQ vs Xeon D-2123IT

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 i7-6820HQ vs Xeon D-2123IT 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 i7-6820HQ vs Xeon D-2123IT: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6820HQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 60W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon D-2123IT

2018

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,689 vs 6,758).
❌33.3% higher power demand at 60W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6820HQ better than Xeon D-2123IT?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-2123IT makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-6820HQ 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 i7-6820HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% 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 i7-6820HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-6820HQ still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-6820HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon D-2123IT makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-6820HQ vs Xeon D-2123IT Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-6820HQ

The Core i7-6820HQ 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: 6,758 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon D-2123IT

The Xeon D-2123IT is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2518. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,689 points. Launch price was $213.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-6820HQ and Xeon D-2123IT share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-6820HQ versus 3 GHz on the Xeon D-2123IT — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-6820HQ (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-6820HQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon D-2123IT uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6820HQ scores 6,758 against the Xeon D-2123IT's 6,689 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-6820HQ. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-6820HQ vs 8.25 MB on the Xeon D-2123IT.

Feature	Core i7-6820HQ	Xeon D-2123IT
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+20%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+23%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB	8.25 MB+3%
L2 Cache	1 MB	4 MB+300%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	6,758+1%	6,689

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6820HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-2123IT uses FCBGA2518 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.