Celeron G5905T vs Xeon E5-2403

Intel

Celeron G5905T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WW2020
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2403

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Celeron G5905T vs Xeon E5-2403 Performance Spectrum

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.

Celeron G5905T vs Xeon E5-2403 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Celeron G5905T vs Xeon E5-2403: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Celeron G5905T

2020

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 80W, a 45W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 610, while Xeon E5-2403 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,356 vs 2,367).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 10 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2403, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
  • Launch MSRP is still $50 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2403 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-2403

2012

Why buy it

  • +150% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

  • 128.6% higher power demand at 80W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G5905T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2403 better than Celeron G5905T?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2403 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Celeron G5905T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-2403 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% more average FPS across 47 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2403 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5-2403 is still the better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-2403 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $50 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G5905T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 2,356 PassMark with 2 cores and 2 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron G5905T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G5905T vs Xeon E5-2403 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Celeron G5905T

The Celeron G5905T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 2,356 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Xeon E5-2403

The Xeon E5-2403 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,367 points. Launch price was $230.

Processing Power

The Celeron G5905T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon E5-2403 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5-2403 has 2 more cores. The Xeon E5-2403 is built on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron G5905T scores 2,356 against the Xeon E5-2403's 2,367 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5-2403. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Celeron G5905T vs 10240 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2403.

FeatureCeleron G5905TXeon E5-2403
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
1.8 GHz
Base Clock
3.3 GHz+83%
1.8 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB Intel® Smart Cache
10240 kB (total)+150%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)
PassMark
2,356
2,367
Geekbench 6 Single
748
Geekbench 6 Multi
750
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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G5905T uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2403 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCeleron G5905TXeon E5-2403
Socket
LGA1200
LGA1356
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron G5905T) / not specified (Xeon E5-2403). The Celeron G5905T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 610), while the Xeon E5-2403 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G5905T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G5905T rivals Pentium Gold G6405T.

FeatureCeleron G5905TXeon E5-2403
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 610
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Budget