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 i7-7800X vs Xeon E5-2660 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 i7-7800X vs Xeon E5-2660 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 i7-7800X

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,062 less on MSRP ($383 MSRP vs $1,445 MSRP).
✅Delivers 275.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.8 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($383 MSRP vs $1,445 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2660 v3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (12,963 vs 13,039).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2660 v3, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.
❌33.3% higher power demand at 140W vs 105W.

Xeon E5-2660 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+203% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 8.3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 28.
✅Draws 105W instead of 140W, a 35W reduction.
✅42.9% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 28) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 33.8 PassMark/$ ($1,445 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2660 v3 better than Core i7-7800X?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2660 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-7800X 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 E5-2660 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.9% 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 E5-2660 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 203% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 8.3 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2660 v3 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-2660 v3 comes in 277.3% more expensive on MSRP at $1,445 MSRP versus $383 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-7800X only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 275.1% better value on paper (33.8 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2066.

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

Core i7-7800X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-7800X vs Xeon E5-2660 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-7800X

The Core i7-7800X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 12,963 points. Launch price was $383.

Xeon E5-2660 v3

The Xeon E5-2660 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 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 13,039 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-7800X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2660 v3 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-7800X versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 v3 — a 19.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-7800X (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-7800X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7800X scores 12,963 against the Xeon E5-2660 v3's 13,039 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E5-2660 v3. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total) on the Core i7-7800X vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660 v3.

Feature	Core i7-7800X	Xeon E5-2660 v3
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	10 / 20+67%
Boost Clock	4 GHz+21%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+35%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	8.25 MB (total)	25 MB (total)+203%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	12,963	13,039
Cinebench R23 Multi	6,897	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,114	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	6,951	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7800X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i7-7800X versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2660 v3 — the Core i7-7800X supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2660 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. PCIe lanes: 28 (Core i7-7800X) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2660 v3) — the Xeon E5-2660 v3 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i7-7800X) and Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2660 v3).

Feature	Core i7-7800X	Xeon E5-2660 v3
Socket	LGA2066	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	28	40+43%

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Advanced Features

Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i7-7800X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2660 v3). Primary use case: Xeon E5-2660 v3 targets Server.

Feature	Core i7-7800X	Xeon E5-2660 v3
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-7800X was priced at $383, while the Xeon E5-2660 v3 came in at $1445. On launch pricing ($383 vs $1445), Core i7-7800X was $1062 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7800X delivers 33.8 pts/$ vs 9.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2660 v3 — making the Core i7-7800X the 115.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-7800X	Xeon E5-2660 v3
MSRP	$383-73%	$1445
Performance per Dollar	33.8+276%	9.0
Release Date	2017	2014

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