Core i7-9750HF vs Xeon E5-2660 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 i7-9750HF vs Xeon E5-2660 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 i7-9750HF vs Xeon E5-2660 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 i7-9750HF

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $998 less on MSRP ($395 MSRP vs $1,393 MSRP).
✅Delivers 254.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.3 vs 7.4 PassMark/$ ($395 MSRP vs $1,393 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2660 v2, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2660 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (10,353 vs 10,393).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.4 vs 26.3 PassMark/$ ($1,393 MSRP vs $395 MSRP).
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9750HF better than Xeon E5-2660 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2660 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-9750HF 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 i7-9750HF is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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 i7-9750HF is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Core i7-9750HF is the better buy right now. Core i7-9750HF comes in $998 cheaper on MSRP at $395 MSRP versus $1,393 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 254.0% better value on MSRP (26.3 vs 7.4 PassMark/$), 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 i7-9750HF makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 10/20. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-9750HF vs Xeon E5-2660 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-9750HF

The Core i7-9750HF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-HR (2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666, LPDDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 10,393 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-2660 v2

The Xeon E5-2660 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 10,353 points. Launch price was $850.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-9750HF packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2660 v2 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2660 v2 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-9750HF versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 v2 — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i7-9750HF (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-9750HF uses the Coffee Lake-HR (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2660 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9750HF scores 10,393 against the Xeon E5-2660 v2's 10,353 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-9750HF. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9750HF vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660 v2.

Feature	Core i7-9750HF	Xeon E5-2660 v2
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	10 / 20+67%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+50%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+18%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	25 MB (total)+108%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-HR (2019)	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)
PassMark	10,393	10,353
Cinebench R23 Multi	6,915	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,120	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	5,149	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9750HF uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2660 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9750HF versus DDR3-1866 on the Xeon E5-2660 v2 — the Core i7-9750HF supports 42.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2660 v2 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-9750HF) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2660 v2). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9750HF) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2660 v2) — the Xeon E5-2660 v2 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM370,QM370,CM246 (Core i7-9750HF) and Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2660 v2).

Feature	Core i7-9750HF	Xeon E5-2660 v2
Socket	BGA1440	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+43%	DDR3-1866
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: Yes (Core i7-9750HF) / not specified (Xeon E5-2660 v2).

Feature	Core i7-9750HF	Xeon E5-2660 v2
Integrated GPU	No	No
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	Yes	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9750HF was priced at $395, while the Xeon E5-2660 v2 came in at $1393. On launch pricing ($395 vs $1393), Core i7-9750HF was $998 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9750HF delivers 26.3 pts/$ vs 7.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2660 v2 — making the Core i7-9750HF the 111.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9750HF	Xeon E5-2660 v2
MSRP	$395-72%	$1393
Performance per Dollar	26.3+255%	7.4
Release Date	2019	2013

Search Core i7-9750HF on Amazon

Search Xeon E5-2660 v2 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.