Core i7-8700T vs Xeon E5-2643 v3

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 i7-8700T vs Xeon E5-2643 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 i7-8700T vs Xeon E5-2643 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 i7-8700T

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 135W, a 100W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (10,213 vs 10,265).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 33.7 vs 46.9 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $219 MSRP).

Xeon E5-2643 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Costs $84 less on MSRP ($219 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
✅Delivers 39.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 46.9 vs 33.7 PassMark/$ ($219 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌285.7% higher power demand at 135W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8700T better than Xeon E5-2643 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2643 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8700T 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 E5-2643 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i7-8700T is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E5-2643 v3 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-8700T comes in 38.4% more expensive on MSRP at $303 MSRP versus $219 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2643 v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. Xeon E5-2643 v3 is also 39.1% better value on MSRP (46.9 vs 33.7 PassMark/$), 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 i7-8700T 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 i7-8700T vs Xeon E5-2643 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8700T

The Core i7-8700T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 10,213 points. Launch price was $303.

Xeon E5-2643 v3

The Xeon E5-2643 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 10,265 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-8700T and Xeon E5-2643 v3 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-8700T versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E5-2643 v3 — a 7.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-8700T (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i7-8700T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2643 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8700T scores 10,213 against the Xeon E5-2643 v3's 10,265 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5-2643 v3. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-8700T vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2643 v3.

Feature	Core i7-8700T	Xeon E5-2643 v3
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4 GHz+8%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.4 GHz+42%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	20 MB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	10,213	10,265

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8700T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2643 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-8700T	Xeon E5-2643 v3
Socket	LGA1151	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-8700T was priced at $303, while the Xeon E5-2643 v3 came in at $219. On launch pricing ($303 vs $219), Xeon E5-2643 v3 was $84 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8700T delivers 33.7 pts/$ vs 46.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2643 v3 — making the Xeon E5-2643 v3 the 32.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-8700T	Xeon E5-2643 v3
MSRP	$303	$219-28%
Performance per Dollar	33.7	46.9+39%
Release Date	2018	2014

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