Core i7-7820HK vs Xeon E3-1505M v6

Intel

Core i7-7820HK

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1505M v6

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 4 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i7-7820HK vs Xeon E3-1505M v6 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 E3-1505M v6 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 E3-1505M v6: 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

  • Better for gaming: +3.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $56 less on MSRP ($378 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).
  • Delivers 14.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.6 vs 17.1 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (7,397 vs 7,441).

Xeon E3-1505M v6

2017

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-7820HK across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.1 vs 19.6 PassMark/$ ($434 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1505M v6 better than Core i7-7820HK?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1505M v6 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1505M v6 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E3-1505M v6 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Xeon E3-1505M v6 comes in 14.8% more expensive on MSRP at $434 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. 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.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon E3-1505M v6 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-7820HK vs Xeon E3-1505M v6 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Xeon E3-1505M v6

The Xeon E3-1505M v6 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. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,441 points. Launch price was $623.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-7820HK and Xeon E3-1505M v6 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-7820HK versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1505M v6 — a 2.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1505M v6 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-7820HK uses the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1505M v6 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7820HK scores 7,397 against the Xeon E3-1505M v6's 7,441 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E3-1505M v6. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7820HK vs 8 MB on the Xeon E3-1505M v6.

FeatureCore i7-7820HKXeon E3-1505M v6
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz
4 GHz+3%
Base Clock
2.9 GHz
3 GHz+3%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
8 MB
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+25500%
1 MB
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake-H (2017)
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark
7,397
7,441
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the BGA1440 socket with PCIe 3.0.

FeatureCore i7-7820HKXeon E3-1505M v6
Socket
BGA1440
BGA1440
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-7820HK was priced at $378, while the Xeon E3-1505M v6 came in at $434. On launch pricing ($378 vs $434), Core i7-7820HK was $56 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7820HK delivers 19.6 pts/$ vs 17.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1505M v6 — making the Core i7-7820HK the 13.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-7820HKXeon E3-1505M v6
MSRP
$378-13%
$434
Performance per Dollar
19.6+15%
17.1
Release Date
2017
2017

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