Xeon E5-2630 v4 vs Core i7-6850K
Xeon E5-2630 v4
Core i7-6850K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Xeon E5-2630 v4 is positioned at rank 877 and the Core i7-6850K is on rank 827, so the Core i7-6850K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2630 v4
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-6850K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-2630 v4 | Core i7-6850K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($130) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-E (2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-2630 v4 | Core i7-6850K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+62%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($130) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon E5-2630 v4 and Core i7-6850K
Xeon E5-2630 v4
The Xeon E5-2630 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 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB. L2 cache: 2.5 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: 11,434 points. Launch price was $667.
Core i7-6850K
The Core i7-6850K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-E (2016) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 11,376 points. Launch price was $475.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-2630 v4 packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i7-6850K offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2630 v4 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E5-2630 v4 versus 4 GHz on the Core i7-6850K — a 25.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-6850K (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon E5-2630 v4 uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-6850K uses Broadwell-E (2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2630 v4 scores 11,434 against the Core i7-6850K's 11,376 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5-2630 v4. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,032 vs 1,200, a 15.1% lead for the Core i7-6850K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 5,368 vs 5,500 (2.4% advantage for the Core i7-6850K). L3 cache: 25 MB on the Xeon E5-2630 v4 vs 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-6850K.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2630 v4 | Core i7-6850K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20+67% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 4 GHz+29% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+64% |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB+67% | 15 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB+900% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell (2015−2019) | Broadwell-E (2016) |
| PassMark | 11,434 | 11,376 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,032 | 1,200+16% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 5,368 | 5,500+2% |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 4.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4 1600/1866/2133 on the Xeon E5-2630 v4 versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i7-6850K — the Xeon E5-2630 v4 supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2630 v4 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C612 (Xeon E5-2630 v4) and X99 (Core i7-6850K).
| Feature | Xeon E5-2630 v4 | Core i7-6850K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4 1600/1866/2133 | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1536 GB+1100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | 40 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-6850K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Xeon E5-2630 v4) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6850K). Primary use case: Xeon E5-2630 v4 targets Workstation / Server, Core i7-6850K targets HEDT.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2630 v4 | Core i7-6850K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x / VT-d / EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Workstation / Server | HEDT |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-2630 v4 launched at $1171 MSRP, while the Core i7-6850K debuted at $617. At current prices ($130 vs $80), the Core i7-6850K is $50 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2630 v4 delivers 88.0 pts/$ vs 142.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-6850K — making the Core i7-6850K the 47.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2630 v4 | Core i7-6850K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1171 | $617-47% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $130 | $80-38% |
| Performance per Dollar | 88.0 | 142.2+62% |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2016 |
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