Core i7-8705G vs Xeon E5-2650L v2

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 i7-8705G vs Xeon E5-2650L v2 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 i7-8705G vs Xeon E5-2650L v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-8705G

2018

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $3,715 less on MSRP ($400 MSRP vs $4,115 MSRP).
✅Delivers 931.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.1 vs 1.8 PassMark/$ ($400 MSRP vs $4,115 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 70W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2650L v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2650L v2, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.

Xeon E5-2650L v2

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+212.5% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,612 vs 7,633).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.8 vs 19.1 PassMark/$ ($4,115 MSRP vs $400 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8705G better than Xeon E5-2650L v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2650L v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8705G 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, Core i7-8705G is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-8705G is the better buy right now. Core i7-8705G comes in $3,715 cheaper on MSRP at $400 MSRP versus $4,115 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2650L v2 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 9.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 931.6% better value on MSRP (19.1 vs 1.8 PassMark/$), 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 i7-8705G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 10/20. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-8705G vs Xeon E5-2650L v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8705G

The Core i7-8705G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,633 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-2650L v2

The Xeon E5-2650L v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 70 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,612 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-8705G packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2650L v2 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2650L v2 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8705G versus 2.1 GHz on the Xeon E5-2650L v2 — a 64.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-8705G (base: 3.1 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i7-8705G uses the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2650L v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8705G scores 7,633 against the Xeon E5-2650L v2's 7,612 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-8705G. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8705G vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2650L v2.

Feature	Core i7-8705G	Xeon E5-2650L v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	10 / 20+150%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+95%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+82%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	25 MB (total)+213%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake G (2018)	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)
PassMark	7,633	7,612

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8705G uses the FCBGA2270 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2650L v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-8705G	Xeon E5-2650L v2
Socket	FCBGA2270	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-8705G was priced at $400, while the Xeon E5-2650L v2 came in at $4115. On launch pricing ($400 vs $4115), Core i7-8705G was $3715 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8705G delivers 19.1 pts/$ vs 1.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2650L v2 — making the Core i7-8705G the 164.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-8705G	Xeon E5-2650L v2
MSRP	$400-90%	$4115
Performance per Dollar	19.1+961%	1.8
Release Date	2018	2013

Search Core i7-8705G on Amazon

Search Xeon E5-2650L v2 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.