Core i7-7700HQ vs Xeon X5680

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 i7-7700HQ vs Xeon X5680 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 i7-7700HQ vs Xeon X5680: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-7700HQ

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 130W, a 85W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Xeon X5680 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,880 vs 6,910).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5680, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon X5680

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $450 MSRP, while Core i7-7700HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌188.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-7700HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-7700HQ better than Xeon X5680?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5680 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-7700HQ is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X5680 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-7700HQ is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon X5680 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-7700HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $450 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon X5680 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. Xeon X5680 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (15.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i7-7700HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-7700HQ vs Xeon X5680 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-7700HQ

The Core i7-7700HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,880 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon X5680

The Xeon X5680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (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: 6,910 points. Launch price was $172.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-7700HQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5680 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5680 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-7700HQ versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon X5680 — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-7700HQ (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i7-7700HQ uses the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5680 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7700HQ scores 6,880 against the Xeon X5680's 6,910 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon X5680. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-7700HQ vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5680.

Feature	Core i7-7700HQ	Xeon X5680
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+6%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.33 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-H (2017)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	6,880	6,910

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7700HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5680 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i7-7700HQ versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5680 — the Core i7-7700HQ supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-7700HQ) vs 3 (Xeon X5680). Chipset compatibility: BGA1440 (Core i7-7700HQ) and Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5680).

Feature	Core i7-7700HQ	Xeon X5680
Socket	BGA1440	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-7700HQ) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5680). The Core i7-7700HQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Xeon X5680 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon X5680 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5680 rivals Core i7-980X.