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 i7-6850K vs Xeon E5-4627 v3 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 i7-6850K vs Xeon E5-4627 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6850K

2016

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,608 less on MSRP ($617 MSRP vs $2,225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 261.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.4 vs 5.1 PassMark/$ ($617 MSRP vs $2,225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-4627 v3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (5,500 vs 6,500).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (15 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-4627 v3, which brings 10 cores / 10 threads.

Xeon E5-4627 v3

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 15 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 10 threads.
✅Draws 135W instead of 140W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.1 vs 18.4 PassMark/$ ($2,225 MSRP vs $617 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-4627 v3 better than Core i7-6850K?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-4627 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-6850K 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 E5-4627 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.1% 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, Xeon E5-4627 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 18.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 10 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 15 MB).

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

Xeon E5-4627 v3 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-4627 v3 comes in 260.6% more expensive on MSRP at $2,225 MSRP versus $617 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-6850K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2016 platform. Even with 261.6% better value on paper (18.4 vs 5.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2011.

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

Core i7-6850K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-6850K vs Xeon E5-4627 v3 Technical Specifications

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

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 E5-4627 v3

The Xeon E5-4627 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 10 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 11,344 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-6850K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-4627 v3 offers 10 cores / 10 threads — the Xeon E5-4627 v3 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-6850K versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-4627 v3 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-6850K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-6850K uses the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-4627 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6850K scores 11,376 against the Xeon E5-4627 v3's 11,344 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-6850K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,200 vs 970, a 21.2% lead for the Core i7-6850K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 5,500 vs 6,500 (16.7% advantage for the Xeon E5-4627 v3). L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-6850K vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-4627 v3.

Feature	Core i7-6850K	Xeon E5-4627 v3
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	10 / 10+67%
Boost Clock	4 GHz+25%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+38%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	15 MB (total)	25 MB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-E (2016)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	11,376	11,344
Geekbench 6 Single	1,200+24%	970
Geekbench 6 Multi	5,500	6,500+18%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i7-6850K versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-4627 v3 — the Core i7-6850K supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-4627 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 500% 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 E5-4627 v3).

Feature	Core i7-6850K	Xeon E5-4627 v3
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+13%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	768 GB+500%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	40

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6850K) vs Yes (Xeon E5-4627 v3). Primary use case: Core i7-6850K targets HEDT.

Feature	Core i7-6850K	Xeon E5-4627 v3
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes
Target Use	HEDT	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-6850K was priced at $617, while the Xeon E5-4627 v3 came in at $2225. On launch pricing ($617 vs $2225), Core i7-6850K was $1608 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6850K delivers 18.4 pts/$ vs 5.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-4627 v3 — making the Core i7-6850K the 113.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-6850K	Xeon E5-4627 v3
MSRP	$617-72%	$2225
Performance per Dollar	18.4+261%	5.1
Release Date	2016	2015

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