Core i7-7820HK vs Xeon E5-2608L v4

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 E5-2608L v4 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 E5-2608L v4: 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 50W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2608L v4 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,397 vs 7,447).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2608L v4, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.
❌
4.1% HIGHER MSRP
$378 MSRPvs$363 MSRP

Xeon E5-2608L v4

2016

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.
✅Costs $15 less on MSRP ($363 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2608L v4 better than Core i7-7820HK?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2608L v4 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 E5-2608L v4 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.1% 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 E5-2608L v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2608L v4 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2608L v4 comes in $15 cheaper on MSRP at $363 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 4.8% better value on MSRP (20.5 vs 19.6 PassMark/$), 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 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-7820HK vs Xeon E5-2608L v4 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 E5-2608L v4

The Xeon E5-2608L v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 50 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 7,447 points. Launch price was $363.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-7820HK packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2608L v4 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2608L v4 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-7820HK versus 1.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-2608L v4 — a 83.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-7820HK. The Core i7-7820HK uses the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2608L v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7820HK scores 7,397 against the Xeon E5-2608L v4's 7,447 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon E5-2608L v4. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7820HK vs 20 MB on the Xeon E5-2608L v4.

Feature	Core i7-7820HK	Xeon E5-2608L v4
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+144%	1.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	—
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	20 MB+150%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-H (2017)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	7,397	7,447

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-7820HK was priced at $378, while the Xeon E5-2608L v4 came in at $363. On launch pricing ($378 vs $363), Xeon E5-2608L v4 was $15 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7820HK delivers 19.6 pts/$ vs 20.5 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2608L v4 — making the Xeon E5-2608L v4 the 4.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-7820HK	Xeon E5-2608L v4
MSRP	$378	$363-4%
Performance per Dollar	19.6	20.5+5%
Release Date	2017	2016

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