Core i7-7820HQ vs Xeon W3690

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 i7-7820HQ vs Xeon W3690 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 i7-7820HQ vs Xeon W3690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-7820HQ

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 130W, a 85W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,184 vs 7,191).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W3690, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon W3690

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $583 MSRP, while Core i7-7820HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌188.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-7820HQ better than Xeon W3690?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3690 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-7820HQ 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 W3690 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i7-7820HQ is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon W3690 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-7820HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon W3690 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. Xeon W3690 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i7-7820HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-7820HQ vs Xeon W3690 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-7820HQ

The Core i7-7820HQ 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: 7,184 points. Launch price was $378.

Xeon W3690

The Xeon W3690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,191 points. Launch price was $450.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-7820HQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon W3690 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon W3690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-7820HQ versus 3.73 GHz on the Xeon W3690 — a 4.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-7820HQ (base: 2.9 GHz vs 3.46 GHz). The Core i7-7820HQ uses the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W3690 uses Gulftown (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7820HQ scores 7,184 against the Xeon W3690's 7,191 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon W3690. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7820HQ vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon W3690.

Feature	Core i7-7820HQ	Xeon W3690
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+5%	3.73 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz	3.46 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-H (2017)	Gulftown (2010−2011)
PassMark	7,184	7,191

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7820HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W3690 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.