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 i7-7740X vs Xeon E5-2690 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 i7-7740X vs Xeon E5-2690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-7740X

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,718 less on MSRP ($339 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).
✅Delivers 501.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.5 vs 4.7 PassMark/$ ($339 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).
✅Draws 112W instead of 135W, a 23W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,678 vs 9,764).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2690, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2690

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.
✅+150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-7740X across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.7 vs 28.5 PassMark/$ ($2,057 MSRP vs $339 MSRP).
❌20.5% higher power demand at 135W vs 112W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-7740X better than Xeon E5-2690?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2690 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-7740X 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 E5-2690 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i7-7740X is the better buy right now. Core i7-7740X comes in $1,718 cheaper on MSRP at $339 MSRP versus $2,057 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2690 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.9% better PassMark. It is also 501.4% better value on MSRP (28.5 vs 4.7 PassMark/$), 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 i7-7740X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-7740X vs Xeon E5-2690 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-7740X

The Core i7-7740X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 112 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,678 points. Launch price was $339.

Xeon E5-2690

The Xeon E5-2690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,764 points. Launch price was $397.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-7740X packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2690 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2690 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-7740X versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2690 — a 16.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-7740X (base: 4.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-7740X uses the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2690 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7740X scores 9,678 against the Xeon E5-2690's 9,764 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon E5-2690. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7740X vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2690.

Feature	Core i7-7740X	Xeon E5-2690
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+18%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	4.3 GHz+48%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	20480 kB (total)+150%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-X (2017)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	9,678	9,764

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7740X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2690 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-7740X versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2690 — the Core i7-7740X supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2690 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-7740X) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2690). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-7740X) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2690) — the Xeon E5-2690 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i7-7740X	Xeon E5-2690
Socket	LGA2066	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+67%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	384 GB+500%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-7740X) / not specified (Xeon E5-2690). Primary use case: Core i7-7740X targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i7-7740X	Xeon E5-2690
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-7740X was priced at $339, while the Xeon E5-2690 came in at $2057. On launch pricing ($339 vs $2057), Core i7-7740X was $1718 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7740X delivers 28.5 pts/$ vs 4.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2690 — making the Core i7-7740X the 143% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-7740X	Xeon E5-2690
MSRP	$339-84%	$2057
Performance per Dollar	28.5+506%	4.7
Release Date	2017	2012

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