Xeon E5-2690 v3 vs Core i7-12700K
Xeon E5-2690 v3
Core i7-12700K
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2690 v3
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-2690 v3 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($85) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-EP (2014−2015) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-2690 v3 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+56%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($85) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
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 E5-2690 v3 and Core i7-12700K
Xeon E5-2690 v3
The Xeon E5-2690 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 16,027 points. Launch price was $800.
Core i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-2690 v3 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, matching the Core i7-12700K's 12 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2690 v3 versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 35.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon E5-2690 v3 uses the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2690 v3 scores 16,027 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 72.7% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2690 v3 vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2690 v3 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 12 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 5 GHz+43% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz+38% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total)+20% | 25 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 22 nm | 10 nm-55% |
| Architecture | Haswell-EP (2014−2015) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 16,027 | 34,347+114% |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-2690 v3 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2690 v3 versus 4800 on the Core i7-12700K — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2690 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon E5-2690 v3) vs 2 (Core i7-12700K). PCIe lanes: 40 (Xeon E5-2690 v3) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the Xeon E5-2690 v3 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2690 v3) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Xeon E5-2690 v3 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | 4800+119900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 768 GB+629145500% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+100% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-2690 v3) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon E5-2690 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2690 v3 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-2690 v3 launched at $2090 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($85 vs $285), the Xeon E5-2690 v3 is $200 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2690 v3 delivers 188.6 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Xeon E5-2690 v3 the 44% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2690 v3 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2090 | $409-80% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $85-70% | $285 |
| Performance per Dollar | 188.6+57% | 120.5 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2021 |
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