CPU
GPU
Xeon E7540
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 E7540 is positioned at rank 986 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 E7540
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-5930K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E7540 | Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($146) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($410) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-E (2014) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E7540 | Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+181%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($146) | ⚠️ 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 E7540 and Core i7-5930K
Xeon E7540
The Xeon E7540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.27 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1567. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 10,376 points. Launch price was $800.
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
Both the Xeon E7540 and Core i7-5930K share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.27 GHz on the Xeon E7540 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-5930K — a 47.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-5930K (base: 2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-5930K is built on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E7540 scores 10,376 against the Core i7-5930K's 10,369 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E7540. L3 cache: 18 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon E7540 vs 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5930K.
| Feature | Xeon E7540 | Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 2.27 GHz | 3.7 GHz+63% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.5 GHz+75% |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB L3 Cache+20% | 15 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | — | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 22 nm-51% |
| Architecture | — | Haswell-E (2014) |
| PassMark | 10,376 | 10,369 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 6,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E7540 uses the LGA1567 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-5930K uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Xeon E7540 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 Core i7-5930K supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 2 TB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 32 (Xeon E7540) vs 40 (Core i7-5930K) — the Core i7-5930K offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Xeon E7540 | Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1567 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR4-2133+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2 TB+3100% | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4 | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 32 | 40+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-5930K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Primary use case: Xeon E7540 targets Server, Core i7-5930K targets High End Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-5930K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.
| Feature | Xeon E7540 | Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | — | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Server | High End Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E7540 launched at $1980 MSRP, while the Core i7-5930K debuted at $583. At current prices ($146 vs $410), the Xeon E7540 is $264 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E7540 delivers 71.1 pts/$ vs 25.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-5930K — making the Xeon E7540 the 95% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E7540 | Core i7-5930K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1980 | $583-71% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $146-64% | $410 |
| Performance per Dollar | 71.1+181% | 25.3 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2014 |
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