

The new Xeon Scalable processors max out at 24 cores (48 after Hyperthreading) whereas even the i9-9980XE has 18. More cores, multi CPU options – If your applications require as many CPU cores as possible, Xeon is what you need. Support for ECC RAM – Error Checking and Correction (ECC) RAM detects and corrects most common data corruption before it occurs, eliminating the cause of many system crashes and translating to more stable overall performance. This extra cache is one reason why Xeon’s are so much faster at high demand workstation applications than i7. Most Xeon processors have 15-30MB of 元 cache depending on the model, close to double their i7 counterparts, though that gap seems to close with each new i7 architecture. 元 cache – CPU caches are like small batches of memory that the processor keeps close by to speed up certain applications. Though we recommend a discrete card for anything beyond the most casual gaming or video work, on board graphics are suitable for many home office uses. On board graphics – Aside from the new F skus, Core i7 and i5 processors all come with onboard graphics, meaning a discrete video card is not required for video display, whereas Xeon processor-based PCs cannot be configured without discrete video. The comparable quad core Xeon running at that clock speed will cost about $50-100 more. For example an 8-core i7-9700k running at 3.6/4.9GHz retails for around $300.

GHz per dollar – For pure Gigahertz speed for the money, the LGA2011 (X299) and 1151 (Z390) i7’s come out on top every time, making them the best value for single threaded applications.

This equates to free power and more value, a feature that Xeons do not have.

Overclocking – Unlocked i5, i7, and i9 processors are designed to be overclocked, meaning they can run at higher clock speeds than what they’re qualified for, assuming the right voltage and BIOS settings. For the casual video editor/ workstation user, is Xeon better? What’s the difference between Xeon vs i7? Let’s break down a few of the Pros of each processor family. One of the most common questions we get when custom configuring a PC for a customer is which platform they should go with – Xeon or i7.
