Core i7-7820EQ vs Xeon E5-2630 v2

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 i7-7820EQ vs Xeon E5-2630 v2 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 i7-7820EQ vs Xeon E5-2630 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-7820EQ

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $691 less on MSRP ($378 MSRP vs $1,069 MSRP).
✅Delivers 182.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.8 vs 7.0 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $1,069 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 80W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2630 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,470 vs 7,490).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2630 v2, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2630 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 0.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.0 vs 19.8 PassMark/$ ($1,069 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
❌77.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2630 v2 better than Core i7-7820EQ?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2630 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-7820EQ 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 E5-2630 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.3% 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 E5-2630 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2630 v2 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-2630 v2 comes in 182.8% more expensive on MSRP at $1,069 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-7820EQ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 182.0% better value on paper (19.8 vs 7.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older platform.

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

Core i7-7820EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-7820EQ vs Xeon E5-2630 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-7820EQ

The Core i7-7820EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 7,470 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon E5-2630 v2

The Xeon E5-2630 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,490 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-7820EQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2630 v2 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2630 v2 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-7820EQ versus 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E5-2630 v2 — identical boost frequencies. The Core i7-7820EQ uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2630 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7820EQ scores 7,470 against the Xeon E5-2630 v2's 7,490 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5-2630 v2. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-7820EQ vs 15 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2630 v2.

Feature	Core i7-7820EQ	Xeon E5-2630 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	—	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB	15 MB (total)+88%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)
PassMark	7,470	7,490
Geekbench 6 Single	—	549
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,654

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-7820EQ) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2630 v2). Primary use case: Xeon E5-2630 v2 targets Server.

Feature	Core i7-7820EQ	Xeon E5-2630 v2
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-7820EQ was priced at $378, while the Xeon E5-2630 v2 came in at $1069. On launch pricing ($378 vs $1069), Core i7-7820EQ was $691 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7820EQ delivers 19.8 pts/$ vs 7.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2630 v2 — making the Core i7-7820EQ the 95.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-7820EQ	Xeon E5-2630 v2
MSRP	$378-65%	$1069
Performance per Dollar	19.8+183%	7.0
Release Date	2017	2013

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