Xeon X5690 vs Core i5-7640X
Xeon X5690
Core i5-7640X
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 X5690 is positioned at rank 514 and the Core i5-7640X is on rank 619, so the Xeon X5690 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon X5690
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7640X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon X5690 | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake-X (2017) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon X5690 | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+195%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
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 X5690 and Core i5-7640X
Xeon X5690
The Xeon X5690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.46 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 GHz. L3 cache: 12288 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,031 points. Launch price was $205.
Core i5-7640X
The Core i5-7640X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 112 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 7,060 points. Launch price was $242.
Processing Power
The Xeon X5690 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i5-7640X offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon X5690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.73 GHz on the Xeon X5690 versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-7640X — a 11.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-7640X (base: 3.46 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Xeon X5690 uses the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-7640X uses Kaby Lake-X (2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon X5690 scores 7,031 against the Core i5-7640X's 7,060 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-7640X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 3,000 vs 3,726 (21.6% advantage for the Core i5-7640X). L3 cache: 12288 kB (total) on the Xeon X5690 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7640X.
| Feature | Xeon X5690 | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.73 GHz | 4.2 GHz+13% |
| Base Clock | 3.46 GHz | 4 GHz+16% |
| L3 Cache | 12288 kB (total)+100% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) | Kaby Lake-X (2017) |
| PassMark | 7,031 | 7,060 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 3,000 | 3,726+24% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,419 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 3,726 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon X5690 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-7640X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5690 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-7640X — the Core i5-7640X supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 3 (Xeon X5690) vs 2 (Core i5-7640X). Chipset compatibility: Intel X58,Intel 5520 (Xeon X5690) and X299 (Core i5-7640X).
| Feature | Xeon X5690 | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2666+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 3+50% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-7640X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5690) vs Yes (Core i5-7640X). Primary use case: Xeon X5690 targets Workstation, Core i5-7640X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Xeon X5690 rivals Core i7-980X.
| Feature | Xeon X5690 | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | Yes |
| Target Use | Workstation | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon X5690 launched at $250 MSRP, while the Core i5-7640X debuted at $249. At current prices ($250 vs $85), the Core i5-7640X is $165 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon X5690 delivers 28.1 pts/$ vs 83.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-7640X — making the Core i5-7640X the 98.8% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon X5690 | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250 | $249 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $250 | $85-66% |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.1 | 83.1+196% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2017 |
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