Intel Xeon vs i7: A Comparison of Intel's Graphics Cards
The purpose behind a PC affects its ideal build. There is a wide range of online guides and easily purchasable parts (shortages notwithstanding) to choose from, meaning that building your own PC has never been easier. The hard part is deciding what processor to use.
Your motherboard determines what chips can be slotted in to create your PC. Of these components, no two affect the way your system actively functions more than your CPU and GPU.
Those in the process of building a PC generally fall into one of three categories:
The first is enthusiasts, who enjoy the tech but may not have exact systems-intensive goals in mind.
The second is gamers, who seek the best performance benchmarks and equipment guides to create the ultimate gaming rig.
The last are professionals, who need PCs capable of handling complex tasks over a long period.
Finding the ideal core processor to meet your needs can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. We will be comparing Intel’s i7 processors to Xeon processors to see which comes out on top.
Intel Core i7
Intel core i5, i7, and Intel core i9 processors are all built to allow easy overclocking. This requires the proper power, bios, and setting to allow overclocking while preventing overheating. If this can be achieved, you’ll have thoroughly improved the power of your machine.
The 12th generation of Intel cores, i7, takes multi-core technology to the next level. Each feature eight cores, higher than the number of cores needed for gaming to keep your PC competitive. Hyperthreading allows multiple threads to operate from individual cores. This technology originated in Intel’s 2002 Xeon processors but has since been ported elsewhere, including its i7 processors.
Intel’s i7 cores are stronger than AMD Ryzen’s equivalent offerings, for the most part. Intel generally trades off a more powerful processor for higher overall power consumption.
As far as release price goes, the i7 series is neither expensive nor inexpensive. The i7-12700 is the cheapest at $339, while the i7-12700K has a release price of $419. Many components are retailing above their listed price, but these processors cost roughly the same as their theoretical price.
The series is also noted for the wide degree of support it has for other pieces. Some motherboards offer support for both ddr4 and ddr5 memory systems in tandem with intel processors. The i7 series is also compatible with Linux and Windows as primary operating systems.
Most significantly, support for PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 ushers in a new level of high-speed access for SSDs.
The clock speed is also impressive for all these models, with a maximum turbo speed of 4.6-5.0 GHz.
Intel Xeon
Intel’s i5, i7, and i9 processor series are heralded as high-power gaming processors. On the other hand, the Intel Xeon trades raw power for overarching reliability and longevity.
In some ways, comparing current Xeon processors to current i7 ones is unfair. This is due to release cycles affecting the current availability of the processors. The 12th generation i7s have already arrived, while the Alder Lake Xeon processors are still awaiting release (despite leaks).
The processors are also coded in a way that may be confusing to those not specifically aware of their patterns. All i-series chips use scaling numbers to indicate improved specs and other details. The Xeon series instead uses coded letters to highlight special features. For example, the Xeon E series is the low power consumption, technically efficient model, while the Xeon W focuses on power.
The Xeon also has features to protect against data corruption. ECC memory, or error checking code, helps prevent issues when running applications in real-time. ECC ram reduces data corruption while preventing errors that may cause crashes or downtime. This makes ECC an essential tool for businesses and helps with long render times in video editing.
Intel Xeon processors also feature a higher l3 cache than other processors. This makes it easier to execute specific functions. This by itself isn’t fast but can boost the performance of your l2 and l1 memory.
Notable for workstations is the possibility to scale some Xeon processors. If you need multiple cores to run simultaneous applications, some can scale up to 40 cores. With hyperthreading, this gives an effective use rate of 80 cores. This makes Xeon CPUs better at complex tasks than other processors and better than single-core ones.
Comparing the Two
Highlighting the two individually only gives a partial view of their uses and power. Next, we’re going to go blow-by-blow to see how they compare in essential benchmarks. This will give the best overarching view of how the two compare in the real market.
Not every aspect of comparison will be of interest to every user. If you know what you want from a CPU, it will be easy to tell what matters. We aim to make it so that anyone can make an effective judgment from the below details.
Xeon vs. Core i7: Side by Side
Core Count: All 12th generation i7 processors have eight cores, which don’t match the power offered by Xeon processors. Though this will suit the needs of most standard users, specialized tasks may require the Xeon processors’ scalability.
Overclocking: i7 processors are designed to be easily overclocked by the user given the right settings input. This makes it easier to undergo singular intensive tasks like gaming.
Value: From a Ghz perspective, the i7 series gives more at an entry-level price than the Xeon processors do. The Xeon processors outstrip what the i7 series can accomplish as you enter the upper echelons. This complicates whether investing in a Xeon is better or not.
Security: With ECC, Xeon processors are more secure and stable than i7 series ones. Nobody likes data corruption, but to businesses and artists, it can be catastrophic.
Graphics: Many i7 processors come with integrated graphics, able to meet or exceed the industry standards today, which Xeon does not. This will allow you to play games you love right out of the box.
The integrated graphics cards can easily play 4K video, but playing games at this same quality may be difficult. Thankfully, the best chips of a given line usually have models without integrated graphics cards, allowing for custom builds.
The Core: When it comes to core counts, Xeon beats out the i7 chips. Core count is also one of the benefits available at any price point, making it accessible to any budget. Scalability helps you achieve unheard-of core counts for a truly incomparable high-end CPU.
Power Consumption: The 11th generation Intel chips, which the current Xeon processors are, had a heating problem. The tdp has been addressed partially by the 12th generation chips. Be aware that the upcoming Xeon offerings will probably be better than the current ones.
The Decision
Don’t ask whether the Intel Xeon or i7 processor is better: Ask which is better for you. Performing a strict comparison between these two is difficult because they target different needs.
If you see yourself as a mid-range gamer who easily plays in 1080 or 1440p, go with the i7. If you want to play in lush 4K, buy an F variation of an i7 processor and buy your own graphics card.
Meanwhile, the Xeon series is better for those who use their computer as a workstation first and foremost. They can be difficult to overclock, though their specs mean that you can game. However, you are still going to get better results for gaming from a comparable i7 chip.
For the person in the middle ground, who may use their PC as an enthusiast, you have the freedom to choose. If you play more resource-light games than bulky AAA offerings, extra overclock power may be wasted on you.
At the same time, investing in the security and scalability of a high-end Xeon may go unneeded. If you don’t use your PC for commercial use, you don’t need a specialized processor.
For the standard user, we suggest an i7 chip. These offer an upper-midrange option that will remain competitive for years to come. Integrated graphics ensure that gaming at all but the highest levels will be taken care of.
Making Your PC
The last few years have seen a massive increase in people building their own PCs. This is no longer the purview of extreme hobbyists but something that anyone can pick up and accomplish. This requires a degree of knowledge and learning that anyone can garner with the help of a specialist.
WTFast provides that knowledge as both specialists and enthusiasts for all things tech and gaming. We believe in helping people make the most of their time online, whether strategizing in games or improving builds.
Our Gamers Private Network (GPN) is a must-have addition to any build for gamers looking to reduce lag and improve their gaming experience. For everything else, our blog has you covered with reviews, explainers, and more so that you can build the PC of your dreams.
If it has any relevance to the digital space, you can assume we’ve covered or are going to cover it.
Sources:
What is a Motherboard? | Webopedia
Central processing unit | Definition & Function | Britannica
How to build a budget gaming PC | Carolina News and Reporter
