The most frequent subjects that we get when configuring a custom PC is whether to go with an Intel Core i7 or a comparable Intel Xeon processor.
Both are extremely strong CPUs that are appreciated for their high core counts, impressive processing speed, and other features. So which chip should you prefer?
Sure, you are usually tied to what you want to do in the first place but it is not clear cut, primarily as the introduction of new, cheaper Xeon processors has made it more engaging to gamers.
For the sake of simplicity, we’re not going to include laptops or embedded models, focusing rather on the desktop and server.
i7 vs Intel Xeon is a very popular topic for gamers, in this article we gonna analyze best CPUs to find out which is better for a gamer.
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i7 vs Intel Xeon: Basic
Xeon
Xeon is a CPU lineup from intel, and it’s aimed primarily at workstations and servers. Xeon CPUs typically give more cores than mainstream PCs, but the clock speeds are a little shaky when compared with their Core i7 counterparts.
But there are still lots of advantages to sticking with this “desktop-class” processor.
Cores
When Intel discovered, about 11 years ago, that just increasing the processor speed wouldn’t bring much performance increase, they chose to raise the number of cores instead, increasing that overtime to four cores for the Core family (10 for the extreme edition) and 24 or more for the Xeon family.
If the price is of no concern to you, then the XEON will always win in the number of cores. Current XEONs go as high as 48 cores where the modern Core i7 tops out at 8 cores. That sounds marvelous till you find out that the 48 Core XEON will get you almost USD 10,000.
Speed
Speed is probably one of the few relevant metrics especially since Intel introduced Turbo Boost which allows the CPU clock speed to dynamically change depending on the workload. Clock speed and Turbo boost are usually tied to power distribution; the lower the (TDP), the lower the clock speed.
So far, Xeon sounds pretty good: tons of cores, decent clock speeds (in some cases), and lots of PCIe lanes.
i7 vs Intel Xeon: Advanced
Overclocking
Overclocking gives you the power to enhance the performance of the processor by raising its clock speed from say 3.0 GHz to 4.5 GHz (or even 5.0 GHz) by making some adjustments to the BIOS. In most cases, it does require some extra care put into your cooling configuration, such as the use of bigger CPU coolers, or even water coolers, but in the end, it still turns out to be additional horsepower that can be passed along to your applications.
Gaming performance
Xeon is extremely powerful CPUs intended for requiring computing tasks and heavy multitasking, neither of which are needed in a gaming PC but a workstation or a server.
Moreover, Xeon CPUs are overpriced, with most models costing more than 1000$.
Even xeon cost more but still there more than a few old Xeon CPUs that can give you good value for money performance like old xeon x series, xeon x series is usually very good for upgrading your old CPUs like 1st gen intel processors.
Why Xeon
Some people think that as Xeon processors are found in high-end workstations and servers they must also be better for gaming. That is not true, because computer games don’t need a bunch of cores or the other numerous advantages that Xeons bring to the table.
Intel Xeon is essentially built for workstation computers. A large number of cores and advanced RAM functions give it enough processing power and speed to handle the most intense creative applications, from computer-aided design (CAD) to 4K video editing to 3D rendering.
Conclusion
No doubt xeon is a powerful processor but when it comes to gaming xeon kinda falls hard because it’s intended purpose but also it does not mean that xeon is bad for gaming, you can get quite decent gaming performance.
As I made it clear xeon is not meant for gaming, but still xeon is the best choice for second-hand old CPUs.
