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

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $1,464 less on MSRP ($259 MSRP vs $1,723 MSRP).
✅Delivers 574.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 48.6 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($259 MSRP vs $1,723 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-1680 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (6,800 vs 8,579).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-1680 v2, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-1680 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+26.2% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
✅+108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 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 i7-9700E across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.2 vs 48.6 PassMark/$ ($1,723 MSRP vs $259 MSRP).
❌100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700E better than Xeon E5-1680 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-1680 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-9700E 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 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 26.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i7-9700E is the better buy right now. Core i7-9700E comes in $1,464 cheaper on MSRP at $259 MSRP versus $1,723 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-1680 v2 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 26.2% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. It is also 574.9% better value on MSRP (48.6 vs 7.2 PassMark/$), 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 i7-9700E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-9700E vs Xeon E5-1680 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-9700E

The Core i7-9700E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 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: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 12,575 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-1680 v2

The Xeon E5-1680 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600, DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 12,396 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-9700E packs 8 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E5-1680 v2's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-9700E versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-1680 v2 — a 12% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700E (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-9700E uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-1680 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700E scores 12,575 against the Xeon E5-1680 v2's 12,396 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-9700E. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 6,800 vs 8,579 (23.1% advantage for the Xeon E5-1680 v2). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,172 vs 750, a 43.9% lead for the Core i7-9700E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 6,802 vs 4,500 (40.7% advantage for the Core i7-9700E). L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700E vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1680 v2.

Feature	Core i7-9700E	Xeon E5-1680 v2
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	8 / 16
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+13%	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3 GHz+15%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	25 MB (total)+108%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)
PassMark	12,575+1%	12,396
Cinebench R23 Multi	6,800	8,579+26%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,172+56%	750
Geekbench 6 Multi	6,802+51%	4,500

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700E uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-1680 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700E versus DDR3-1866 on the Xeon E5-1680 v2 — the Core i7-9700E supports 42.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-1680 v2 supports up to 256 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-9700E) vs 4 (Xeon E5-1680 v2). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700E) vs 40 (Xeon E5-1680 v2) — the Xeon E5-1680 v2 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H310,B360,H370,Q370,Z370,Z390 (Core i7-9700E) and C602,X79 (Xeon E5-1680 v2).

Feature	Core i7-9700E	Xeon E5-1680 v2
Socket	LGA1151	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+43%	DDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	256 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i7-9700E) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon E5-1680 v2). The Core i7-9700E includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-1680 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E5-1680 v2 targets Server/Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon E5-1680 v2 rivals Core i7-4960X.

Feature	Core i7-9700E	Xeon E5-1680 v2
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	None
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Server/Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700E was priced at $259, while the Xeon E5-1680 v2 came in at $1723. On launch pricing ($259 vs $1723), Core i7-9700E was $1464 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700E delivers 48.6 pts/$ vs 7.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-1680 v2 — making the Core i7-9700E the 148.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9700E	Xeon E5-1680 v2
MSRP	$259-85%	$1723
Performance per Dollar	48.6+575%	7.2
Release Date	2019	2013

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