Core i7-980 vs Xeon E5-2623 v4

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 i7-980 vs Xeon E5-2623 v4 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 i7-980 vs Xeon E5-2623 v4: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-980

2011

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 10 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $583 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2623 v4 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌52.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 85W.

Xeon E5-2623 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 85W instead of 130W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,868 vs 6,890).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (10 MB vs 12 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-980 better than Xeon E5-2623 v4?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2623 v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-980 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 i7-980 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 i7-980 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 10 MB).

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

Core i7-980 is the better buy right now. Core i7-980 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $583 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E5-2623 v4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-980 vs Xeon E5-2623 v4 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-980

The Core i7-980 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,890 points. Launch price was $1,109.

Xeon E5-2623 v4

The Xeon E5-2623 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 6,868 points. Launch price was $444.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-980 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2623 v4 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-980 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-980 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-2623 v4 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-980 (base: 3.33 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-980 uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-2623 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-980 scores 6,890 against the Xeon E5-2623 v4's 6,868 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-980. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-980 vs 10 MB on the Xeon E5-2623 v4.

Feature	Core i7-980	Xeon E5-2623 v4
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+12%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.33 GHz+28%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+20%	10 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	6,890	6,868

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-980 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-2623 v4 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.