CPU
GPU
Xeon E5-2660 v2
Core i7-5930K
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 E5-2660 v2 is positioned at rank 931 and the Core i7-5930K is on rank 849, so the Core i7-5930K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2660 v2
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-5930K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-2660 v2 | Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($129) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($410) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-E (2014) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-2660 v2 | Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+217%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($129) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($410) |
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 E5-2660 v2 and Core i7-5930K
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.
Core i7-5930K
The Core i7-5930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,369 points. Launch price was $613.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-2660 v2 packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i7-5930K offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2660 v2 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 v2 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-5930K — a 20.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-5930K (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Xeon E5-2660 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-5930K uses Haswell-E (2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2660 v2 scores 10,353 against the Core i7-5930K's 10,369 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-5930K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660 v2 vs 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5930K.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 v2 | Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20+67% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+23% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.5 GHz+59% |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+67% | 15 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) | Haswell-E (2014) |
| PassMark | 10,353 | 10,369 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 6,000 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Xeon E5-2660 v2 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-5930K — the Core i7-5930K supports 28.6% 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 64 GB — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2660 v2) and X99 (Core i7-5930K).
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 v2 | Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1866 | DDR4-2133+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 768 GB+1100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | 40 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-2660 v2) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-5930K). Primary use case: Core i7-5930K targets High End Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-5930K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 v2 | Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | High End Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-2660 v2 launched at $1393 MSRP, while the Core i7-5930K debuted at $583. At current prices ($129 vs $410), the Xeon E5-2660 v2 is $281 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2660 v2 delivers 80.3 pts/$ vs 25.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-5930K — making the Xeon E5-2660 v2 the 104.2% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 v2 | Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1393 | $583-58% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $129-69% | $410 |
| Performance per Dollar | 80.3+217% | 25.3 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2014 |
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