Core i7-8706G vs Xeon E3-1505M v6

Intel

Core i7-8706G

4 Cores8 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E3-1505M v6

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 4 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i7-8706G vs Xeon E3-1505M v6 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 i7-8706G vs Xeon E3-1505M v6 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 i7-8706G vs Xeon E3-1505M v6: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-8706G

2018

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (7,383 vs 7,441).
  • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Xeon E3-1505M v6

2017

Why buy it

  • +0.8% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-8706G across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Launch MSRP is still $434 MSRP, while Core i7-8706G mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1505M v6 better than Core i7-8706G?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1505M v6 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8706G 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 E3-1505M v6 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E3-1505M v6 is the better buy right now. Xeon E3-1505M v6 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $434 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.8% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-8706G is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 5.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-8706G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-8706G vs Xeon E3-1505M v6 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-8706G

The Core i7-8706G 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: 7,383 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon E3-1505M v6

The Xeon E3-1505M v6 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,441 points. Launch price was $623.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-8706G and Xeon E3-1505M v6 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8706G versus 4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1505M v6 — a 2.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-8706G (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-8706G uses the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1505M v6 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8706G scores 7,383 against the Xeon E3-1505M v6's 7,441 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E3-1505M v6. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8706G vs 8 MB on the Xeon E3-1505M v6.

FeatureCore i7-8706GXeon E3-1505M v6
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4.1 GHz+2%
4 GHz
Base Clock
3.1 GHz+3%
3 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
8 MB
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+25500%
1 MB
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake G (2018)
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark
7,383
7,441
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8706G uses the FCBGA2270 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1505M v6 uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-8706GXeon E3-1505M v6
Socket
FCBGA2270
BGA1440
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0