Core i7-8809G vs Xeon E5-1660

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 i7-8809G vs Xeon E5-1660 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 i7-8809G vs Xeon E5-1660: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-8809G

2018

Why buy it

✅Costs $630 less on MSRP ($450 MSRP vs $1,080 MSRP).
✅Delivers 143.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.8 vs 7.7 PassMark/$ ($450 MSRP vs $1,080 MSRP).
✅Draws 100W instead of 130W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-1660, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon E5-1660

2012

Why buy it

✅+87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,324 vs 8,448).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.7 vs 18.8 PassMark/$ ($1,080 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
❌30% higher power demand at 130W vs 100W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8809G better than Xeon E5-1660?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1660 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-8809G 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 i7-8809G is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 i7-8809G is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-8809G is the better buy right now. Core i7-8809G comes in $630 cheaper on MSRP at $450 MSRP versus $1,080 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 143.6% better value on MSRP (18.8 vs 7.7 PassMark/$), 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 i7-8809G 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 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-8809G vs Xeon E5-1660 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8809G

The Core i7-8809G 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 4.2 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: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 8,448 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-1660

The Xeon E5-1660 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,324 points. Launch price was $290.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-8809G packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-1660 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-1660 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-8809G versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-1660 — a 7.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-8809G (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-8809G uses the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-1660 uses Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8809G scores 8,448 against the Xeon E5-1660's 8,324 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-8809G. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8809G vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-1660.

Feature	Core i7-8809G	Xeon E5-1660
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+8%	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	3.3 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	15360 kB (total)+88%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake G (2018)	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)
PassMark	8,448+1%	8,324

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8809G uses the FCBGA2270 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-1660 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-8809G	Xeon E5-1660
Socket	FCBGA2270	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-8809G was priced at $450, while the Xeon E5-1660 came in at $1080. On launch pricing ($450 vs $1080), Core i7-8809G was $630 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8809G delivers 18.8 pts/$ vs 7.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1660 — making the Core i7-8809G the 83.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-8809G	Xeon E5-1660
MSRP	$450-58%	$1080
Performance per Dollar	18.8+144%	7.7
Release Date	2018	2012

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