Core i7-8700T vs Xeon E5-2687W

Intel

Core i7-8700T

6 Cores12 Thrd35 WWMax: 4 GHz2018
VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2687W

8 Cores16 Thrd150 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2012

Core i7-8700T vs Xeon E5-2687W 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 i7-8700T vs Xeon E5-2687W 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 E5-2687W: 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

  • βœ…Costs $1,582 less on MSRP ($303 MSRP vs $1,885 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 533.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.7 vs 5.3 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $1,885 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 35W instead of 150W, a 115W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
  • ❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2687W, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.

Xeon E5-2687W

2012

Why buy it

  • βœ…+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
  • βœ…Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (10,036 vs 10,213).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.3 vs 33.7 PassMark/$ ($1,885 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
  • ❌328.6% higher power demand at 150W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8700T better than Xeon E5-2687W?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2687W 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 gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-8700T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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, Core i7-8700T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-8700T is the better buy right now. Core i7-8700T comes in $1,582 cheaper on MSRP at $303 MSRP versus $1,885 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 533.1% better value on MSRP (33.7 vs 5.3 PassMark/$), 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 i7-8700T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-8700T vs Xeon E5-2687W Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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 (2017βˆ’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.

Intel

Xeon E5-2687W

The Xeon E5-2687W is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 10,036 points. Launch price was $815.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-8700T packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2687W offers 8 cores / 16 threads β€” the Xeon E5-2687W has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-8700T versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2687W β€” a 5.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-8700T (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-8700T uses the Coffee Lake (2017βˆ’2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2687W uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8700T scores 10,213 against the Xeon E5-2687W's 10,036 β€” a 1.7% lead for the Core i7-8700T. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-8700T vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2687W.

FeatureCore i7-8700TXeon E5-2687W
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock
4 GHz+5%
3.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
3.1 GHz+29%
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
20480 kB (total)+67%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake (2017βˆ’2019)
Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark
10,213+2%
10,036
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8700T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2687W uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-8700TXeon E5-2687W
Socket
LGA1151
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-8700T was priced at $303, while the Xeon E5-2687W came in at $1885. On launch pricing ($303 vs $1885), Core i7-8700T was $1582 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8700T delivers 33.7 pts/$ vs 5.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2687W β€” making the Core i7-8700T the 145.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-8700TXeon E5-2687W
MSRP
$303-84%
$1885
Performance per Dollar
33.7+536%
5.3
Release Date
2018
2012

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