Core i7-6850K vs Xeon E5-2630 v4
Core i7-6850K
Xeon E5-2630 v4
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-6850K is positioned at rank 827 and the Xeon E5-2630 v4 is on rank 877, so the Core i7-6850K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-6850K
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2630 v4
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-6850K | Xeon E5-2630 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($130) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-E (2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-6850K | Xeon E5-2630 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+62%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($130) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-6850K and Xeon E5-2630 v4
Core i7-6850K
The Core i7-6850K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 11,376 points. Launch price was $475.
Xeon E5-2630 v4
The Xeon E5-2630 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB. L2 cache: 2.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 11,434 points. Launch price was $667.
Processing Power
The Core i7-6850K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2630 v4 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2630 v4 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-6850K versus 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E5-2630 v4 — a 25.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-6850K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-6850K uses the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2630 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6850K scores 11,376 against the Xeon E5-2630 v4's 11,434 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5-2630 v4. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,200 vs 1,032, a 15.1% lead for the Core i7-6850K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 5,500 vs 5,368 (2.4% advantage for the Core i7-6850K). L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-6850K vs 25 MB on the Xeon E5-2630 v4.
| Feature | Core i7-6850K | Xeon E5-2630 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 10 / 20+67% |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz+29% | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+64% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB (total) | 25 MB+67% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2.5 MB+900% |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell-E (2016) | Broadwell (2015−2019) |
| PassMark | 11,376 | 11,434 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,200+16% | 1,032 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 5,500+2% | 5,368 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i7-6850K versus DDR4 1600/1866/2133 on the Xeon E5-2630 v4 — the Xeon E5-2630 v4 supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2630 v4 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: X99 (Core i7-6850K) and C612 (Xeon E5-2630 v4).
| Feature | Core i7-6850K | Xeon E5-2630 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | DDR4 1600/1866/2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 1536 GB+1100% |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | 40 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-6850K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6850K) vs VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Xeon E5-2630 v4). Primary use case: Core i7-6850K targets HEDT, Xeon E5-2630 v4 targets Workstation / Server.
| Feature | Core i7-6850K | Xeon E5-2630 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x / VT-d / EPT |
| Target Use | HEDT | Workstation / Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-6850K launched at $617 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-2630 v4 debuted at $1171. At current prices ($80 vs $130), the Core i7-6850K is $50 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6850K delivers 142.2 pts/$ vs 88.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2630 v4 — making the Core i7-6850K the 47.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-6850K | Xeon E5-2630 v4 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $617-47% | $1171 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80-38% | $130 |
| Performance per Dollar | 142.2+62% | 88.0 |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2016 |
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