Core i7-7820HK vs Xeon E5-1630 v3

Intel

Core i7-7820HK

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-1630 v3

4 Cores8 Thrd140 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i7-7820HK vs Xeon E5-1630 v3 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 E5-1630 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 i7-7820HK vs Xeon E5-1630 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 i7-7820HK

2017

Why buy it

  • Draws 45W instead of 140W, a 95W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-1630 v3 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (7,397 vs 7,421).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 10 MB).
  • 1.6% HIGHER MSRP
    $378 MSRPvs$372 MSRP

Xeon E5-1630 v3

2014

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Costs $6 less on MSRP ($372 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 211.1% higher power demand at 140W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-1630 v3 better than Core i7-7820HK?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1630 v3 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 E5-1630 v3 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.7% 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 E5-1630 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5-1630 v3 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-1630 v3 comes in $6 cheaper on MSRP at $372 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1.9% better value on MSRP (19.9 vs 19.6 PassMark/$), 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 i7-7820HK 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 i7-7820HK vs Xeon E5-1630 v3 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 E5-1630 v3

The Xeon E5-1630 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1333, DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 7,421 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-7820HK and Xeon E5-1630 v3 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-7820HK versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-1630 v3 — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-7820HK (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-7820HK uses the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-1630 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7820HK scores 7,397 against the Xeon E5-1630 v3's 7,421 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5-1630 v3. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7820HK vs 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1630 v3.

FeatureCore i7-7820HKXeon E5-1630 v3
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz+3%
3.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz
3.7 GHz+28%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
10 MB (total)+25%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake-H (2017)
Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark
7,397
7,421
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7820HK uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-1630 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-7820HKXeon E5-1630 v3
Socket
BGA1440
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-7820HK was priced at $378, while the Xeon E5-1630 v3 came in at $372. On launch pricing ($378 vs $372), Xeon E5-1630 v3 was $6 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7820HK delivers 19.6 pts/$ vs 19.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1630 v3 — making the Xeon E5-1630 v3 the 1.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-7820HKXeon E5-1630 v3
MSRP
$378
$372-2%
Performance per Dollar
19.6
19.9+2%
Release Date
2017
2014

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