Xeon E5-2660 vs Core i7-13700K
Xeon E5-2660
Core i7-13700K
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. The Xeon E5-2660 is positioned at rank #963 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2660
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-13700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-2660 | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($65) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-2660 | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+8%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($65) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
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 and Core i7-13700K
Xeon E5-2660
The Xeon E5-2660 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,067 points. Launch price was $85.
Core i7-13700K
The Core i7-13700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 45,784 points. Launch price was $409.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-2660 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-13700K offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i7-13700K has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 versus 5.4 GHz on the Core i7-13700K — a 57.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-13700K (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Xeon E5-2660 uses the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-13700K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2660 scores 8,067 against the Core i7-13700K's 45,784 — a 140.1% lead for the Core i7-13700K. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660 vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i7-13700K.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 16 / 24+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 5.4 GHz+80% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+55% |
| L3 Cache | 20480 kB (total) | 30 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+700% |
| Process | 32 nm | Intel 7 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 8,067 | 45,784+468% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 31,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,846 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 18,980 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-2660 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-13700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2660 versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13700K — the Core i7-13700K supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2660 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 192 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon E5-2660) vs 2 (Core i7-13700K). PCIe lanes: 40 (Xeon E5-2660) vs 20 (Core i7-13700K) — the Xeon E5-2660 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2660) and Intel Z790,Intel H770,Intel B760,Intel Z690,Intel H670,Intel B660,Intel H610 (Core i7-13700K).
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 5.0+150% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR5-5600+67% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 384 GB+100% | 192 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+100% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-2660) / true (Core i7-13700K). The Core i7-13700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon E5-2660 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-13700K rivals Ryzen 9 7900X.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-2660 launched at $1329 MSRP, while the Core i7-13700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($65 vs $400), the Xeon E5-2660 is $335 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2660 delivers 124.1 pts/$ vs 114.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-13700K — making the Xeon E5-2660 the 8.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 | Core i7-13700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1329 | $409-69% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $65-84% | $400 |
| Performance per Dollar | 124.1+8% | 114.5 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2022 |
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