Core i7-7820HK vs Xeon D-1537

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 i7-7820HK vs Xeon D-1537 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 i7-7820HK vs Xeon D-1537: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-7820HK

2017

Why buy it

✅+433.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 1.5 MB).
✅Costs $92 less on MSRP ($378 MSRP vs $470 MSRP).
✅Delivers 23.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.6 vs 15.8 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $470 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon D-1537 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,397 vs 7,444).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1537, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Xeon D-1537

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.8 vs 19.6 PassMark/$ ($470 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon D-1537 better than Core i7-7820HK?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1537 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-7820HK 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 D-1537 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.5% 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 D-1537 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Xeon D-1537 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Xeon D-1537 comes in 24.3% more expensive on MSRP at $470 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-7820HK only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 3.5% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i7-7820HK makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015) and 433.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 1.5 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-7820HK vs Xeon D-1537 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-7820HK

The Core i7-7820HK 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 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,397 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon D-1537

The Xeon D-1537 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (per core). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1667. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,444 points. Launch price was $470.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-7820HK packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon D-1537 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon D-1537 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-7820HK versus 2.3 GHz on the Xeon D-1537 — a 51.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-7820HK (base: 2.9 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i7-7820HK uses the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon D-1537 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7820HK scores 7,397 against the Xeon D-1537's 7,444 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon D-1537. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7820HK vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1537.

Feature	Core i7-7820HK	Xeon D-1537
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+70%	2.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+71%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+433%	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-H (2017)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	7,397	7,444

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7820HK uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1537 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-7820HK	Xeon D-1537
Socket	BGA1440	FCBGA1667
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-7820HK was priced at $378, while the Xeon D-1537 came in at $470. On launch pricing ($378 vs $470), Core i7-7820HK was $92 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7820HK delivers 19.6 pts/$ vs 15.8 pts/$ for the Xeon D-1537 — making the Core i7-7820HK the 21.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-7820HK	Xeon D-1537
MSRP	$378-20%	$470
Performance per Dollar	19.6+24%	15.8
Release Date	2017	2015

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