Core i7-9700K vs Xeon E5-4607 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 i7-9700K vs Xeon E5-4607 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 i7-9700K vs Xeon E5-4607 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 i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +78.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-4607 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 15 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-4607 v2, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 37.4 vs 166.3 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).

Xeon E5-4607 v2

2014

Why buy it

✅+25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
✅Costs $343 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Delivers 344.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 166.3 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,986 vs 14,397).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Xeon E5-4607 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-4607 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-9700K 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 i7-9700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 78.0% 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 i7-9700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 106.1% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-9700K is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E5-4607 v2 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-9700K comes in 816.7% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you a 78.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E5-4607 v2 is also 344.8% better value on MSRP (166.3 vs 37.4 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-9700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 8 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 i7-9700K vs Xeon E5-4607 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-9700K

The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.

Xeon E5-4607 v2

The Xeon E5-4607 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 6,986 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-4607 v2 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 2.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-4607 v2 — a 61.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-9700K is built on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Xeon E5-4607 v2's 6,986 — a 69.3% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 15 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E5-4607 v2.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Xeon E5-4607 v2
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+88%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+38%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	15 MB Intel® Smart Cache+25%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)	—
PassMark	14,397+106%	6,986

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-4607 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Xeon E5-4607 v2
Socket	LGA1151	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K) / not specified (Xeon E5-4607 v2). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-4607 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Xeon E5-4607 v2
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the Xeon E5-4607 v2 came in at $42. On launch pricing ($385 vs $42), Xeon E5-4607 v2 was $343 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 166.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-4607 v2 — making the Xeon E5-4607 v2 the 126.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Xeon E5-4607 v2
MSRP	$385	$42-89%
Performance per Dollar	37.4	166.3+345%
Release Date	2018	2014

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