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 i7-8700B vs Xeon E5-2650L 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 i7-8700B vs Xeon E5-2650L 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 i7-8700B

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,026 less on MSRP ($303 MSRP vs $1,329 MSRP).
✅Delivers 336.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.9 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $1,329 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-2650L v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (11,795 vs 11,865).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 30 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2650L v3, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2650L v3

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+150% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-8700B across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.9 vs 38.9 PassMark/$ ($1,329 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-8700B can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8700B better than Xeon E5-2650L v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2650L v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8700B 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 E5-2650L v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i7-8700B is the better buy right now. Core i7-8700B comes in $1,026 cheaper on MSRP at $303 MSRP versus $1,329 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2650L v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 336.0% better value on MSRP (38.9 vs 8.9 PassMark/$), 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 i7-8700B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-8700B vs Xeon E5-2650L v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8700B

The Core i7-8700B is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 11,795 points. Launch price was $303.

Xeon E5-2650L v3

The Xeon E5-2650L v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 11,865 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-8700B packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2650L v3 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon E5-2650L v3 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i7-8700B versus 2.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2650L v3 — a 59.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-8700B (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i7-8700B uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2650L v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8700B scores 11,795 against the Xeon E5-2650L v3's 11,865 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E5-2650L v3. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-8700B vs 30 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2650L v3.

Feature	Core i7-8700B	Xeon E5-2650L v3
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	12 / 24+100%
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz+84%	2.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+78%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	30 MB (total)+150%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	11,795	11,865

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8700B uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2650L v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-8700B versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2650L v3 — the Core i7-8700B supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2650L v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-8700B) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2650L v3). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-8700B) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2650L v3) — the Xeon E5-2650L v3 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i7-8700B	Xeon E5-2650L v3
Socket	BGA1440	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+25%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	768 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-8700B includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-2650L v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-8700B targets Mobile, Xeon E5-2650L v3 targets Server Low Power.

Feature	Core i7-8700B	Xeon E5-2650L v3
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mobile	Server Low Power

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-8700B was priced at $303, while the Xeon E5-2650L v3 came in at $1329. On launch pricing ($303 vs $1329), Core i7-8700B was $1026 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8700B delivers 38.9 pts/$ vs 8.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2650L v3 — making the Core i7-8700B the 125.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-8700B	Xeon E5-2650L v3
MSRP	$303-77%	$1329
Performance per Dollar	38.9+337%	8.9
Release Date	2018	2014

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