Xeon E5-4627 v4 vs Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
Xeon E5-4627 v4
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
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 E5-4627 v4 is positioned at rank 988 and the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition is on rank 943, so the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-4627 v4
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-4627 v4 | Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) | ✅ More affordable ($175) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-4627 v4 | Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+14%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) | ✅ More affordable ($175) |
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 E5-4627 v4 and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
Xeon E5-4627 v4
The Xeon E5-4627 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 10 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB. L2 cache: 2.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 12,969 points. Launch price was $2,225.
Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
The Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 November 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Max frequency: 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB. L2 cache: 1,536 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCLGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 12,900 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-4627 v4 packs 10 cores / 10 threads, while the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-4627 v4 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-4627 v4 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition — a 9% clock advantage for the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. The Xeon E5-4627 v4 uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-4627 v4 scores 12,969 against the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition's 12,900 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5-4627 v4. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,105 vs 742, a 39.3% lead for the Xeon E5-4627 v4 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 25 MB on the Xeon E5-4627 v4 vs 15 MB on the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4627 v4 | Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 10+67% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.5 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB+67% | 15 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB+67% | 1,536 kB |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell (2015−2019) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 12,969 | 12,900 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,105+49% | 742 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,936 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-4627 v4 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition uses FCLGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Xeon E5-4627 v4 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition — the Xeon E5-4627 v4 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-4627 v4 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 184% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: C610 (Xeon E5-4627 v4) and X79 (Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition).
| Feature | Xeon E5-4627 v4 | Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | FCLGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 1536 GB+2300% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40 | 40 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: Yes (Xeon E5-4627 v4) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition). Primary use case: Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition rivals FX-9590.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4627 v4 | Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | HEDT Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-4627 v4 launched at $2500 MSRP, while the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition debuted at $990. At current prices ($200 vs $175), the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition is $25 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-4627 v4 delivers 64.8 pts/$ vs 73.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition — making the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition the 12.8% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4627 v4 | Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2500 | $990-60% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200 | $175-13% |
| Performance per Dollar | 64.8 | 73.7+14% |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2012 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Xeon E5-4627 v4 and Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition
