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 i7-9700 vs Xeon E5-1680 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 i7-9700 vs Xeon E5-1680 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 i7-9700

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,390 less on MSRP ($333 MSRP vs $1,723 MSRP).
✅Delivers 414.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 39.7 vs 7.7 PassMark/$ ($333 MSRP vs $1,723 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 140W, a 75W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-1680 v3 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (7,202 vs 8,782).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-1680 v3, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-1680 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅+21.9% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.7 vs 39.7 PassMark/$ ($1,723 MSRP vs $333 MSRP).
❌115.4% higher power demand at 140W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700 better than Xeon E5-1680 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1680 v3 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-9700 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 E5-1680 v3 is the stronger fit. You are getting 21.9% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 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 i7-9700 is the better buy right now. Core i7-9700 comes in $1,390 cheaper on MSRP at $333 MSRP versus $1,723 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-1680 v3 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 21.9% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 414.8% better value on MSRP (39.7 vs 7.7 PassMark/$), 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 i7-9700 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-9700 vs Xeon E5-1680 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-9700

The Core i7-9700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,206 points. Launch price was $323.

Xeon E5-1680 v3

The Xeon E5-1680 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1333, DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 13,273 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-9700 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E5-1680 v3's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-9700 versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-1680 v3 — a 21.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-9700 uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-1680 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700 scores 13,206 against the Xeon E5-1680 v3's 13,273 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5-1680 v3. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,570 vs 1,141, a 31.6% lead for the Core i7-9700 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 7,202 vs 8,782 (19.8% advantage for the Xeon E5-1680 v3). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700 vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1680 v3.

Feature	Core i7-9700	Xeon E5-1680 v3
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	8 / 16
Boost Clock	4.7 GHz+24%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz	3.2 GHz+7%
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-R (2018−2019)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	13,206	13,273
Cinebench R23 Multi	8,540	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,570+38%	1,141
Geekbench 6 Multi	7,202	8,782+22%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-1680 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700 versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-1680 v3 — the Core i7-9700 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-1680 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-9700) vs 4 (Xeon E5-1680 v3). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700) vs 40 (Xeon E5-1680 v3) — the Xeon E5-1680 v3 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1151 (Core i7-9700) and C612,X99 (Xeon E5-1680 v3).

Feature	Core i7-9700	Xeon E5-1680 v3
Socket	LGA1151	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+25%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	768 GB+500%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700) vs Yes (Xeon E5-1680 v3). The Core i7-9700 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-1680 v3 requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i7-9700	Xeon E5-1680 v3
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700 was priced at $333, while the Xeon E5-1680 v3 came in at $1723. On launch pricing ($333 vs $1723), Core i7-9700 was $1390 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700 delivers 39.7 pts/$ vs 7.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1680 v3 — making the Core i7-9700 the 134.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9700	Xeon E5-1680 v3
MSRP	$333-81%	$1723
Performance per Dollar	39.7+416%	7.7
Release Date	2019	2014

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