Core i7-990X vs Core i7-5850EQ

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 i7-990X vs Core i7-5850EQ 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 i7-990X vs Core i7-5850EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-990X

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 16.2 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $435 MSRP).
❌176.6% higher power demand at 130W vs 47W.

Core i7-5850EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $564 less on MSRP ($435 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 126.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.2 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($435 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Draws 47W instead of 130W, a 83W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-990X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,036 vs 7,135).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-990X better than Core i7-5850EQ?

Yes. Core i7-990X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-990X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.4% 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 i7-990X is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-990X is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-990X comes in 129.7% more expensive on MSRP at $999 MSRP versus $435 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-5850EQ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 126.5% better value on paper (16.2 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older platform.

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

Core i7-5850EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-990X vs Core i7-5850EQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-990X

The Core i7-990X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 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: 7,135 points. Launch price was $1,104.

Core i7-5850EQ

The Core i7-5850EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 7,036 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-990X packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-5850EQ offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-990X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-990X versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i7-5850EQ — a 32% clock advantage for the Core i7-990X. The Core i7-990X uses the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-5850EQ uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-990X scores 7,135 against the Core i7-5850EQ's 7,036 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-990X. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-990X vs 6 MB on the Core i7-5850EQ.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Core i7-5850EQ
Cores / Threads	6 / 12+50%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.73 GHz+38%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.46 GHz	—
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+100%	6 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Gulftown (2010−2011)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	7,135+1%	7,036

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-990X was priced at $999, while the Core i7-5850EQ came in at $435. On launch pricing ($999 vs $435), Core i7-5850EQ was $564 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-990X delivers 7.1 pts/$ vs 16.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-5850EQ — making the Core i7-5850EQ the 77.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-990X	Core i7-5850EQ
MSRP	$999	$435-56%
Performance per Dollar	7.1	16.2+128%
Release Date	2011	2015

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