Core 2 Duo E4500 vs Xeon 5130

Intel

Core 2 Duo E4500

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2007
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon 5130

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2 GHz2006
Similar parts
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Core 2 Duo E4500 vs Xeon 5130 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.

Core 2 Duo E4500 vs Xeon 5130 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.

Core 2 Duo E4500 vs Xeon 5130: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core 2 Duo E4500

2007

Why buy it

  • Costs $183 less on MSRP ($133 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
  • Delivers 135.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.8 vs 3.7 PassMark/$ ($133 MSRP vs $316 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Xeon 5130.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,165 vs 1,175).

Xeon 5130

2006

Why buy it

  • +0.9% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.7 vs 8.8 PassMark/$ ($316 MSRP vs $133 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core 2 Duo E4500.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E4500 better than Xeon 5130?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon 5130 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core 2 Duo E4500 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon 5130 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core 2 Duo E4500 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo E4500 comes in $183 cheaper on MSRP at $133 MSRP versus $316 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon 5130 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.9% better PassMark. It is also 135.6% better value on MSRP (8.8 vs 3.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core 2 Duo E4500 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2007 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E4500 vs Xeon 5130 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core 2 Duo E4500

The Core 2 Duo E4500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,165 points. Launch price was $249.

Intel

Xeon 5130

The Xeon 5130 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Junho 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Woodcrest (2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,175 points. Launch price was $16.

Processing Power

Both the Core 2 Duo E4500 and Xeon 5130 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E4500 versus 2 GHz on the Xeon 5130 — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E4500 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E4500 uses the Allendale (2006−2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Xeon 5130 uses Woodcrest (2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E4500 scores 1,165 against the Xeon 5130's 1,175 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon 5130. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E4500Xeon 5130
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.2 GHz+10%
2 GHz
Base Clock
2.2 GHz+10%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
2 MB
4 MB+100%
Process
65 nm
65 nm
Architecture
Allendale (2006−2009)
Woodcrest (2006)
PassMark
1,165
1,175
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E4500 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon 5130 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E4500Xeon 5130
Socket
LGA775
LGA771
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
800
Max RAM Capacity
16
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: false (Core 2 Duo E4500) / not specified (Xeon 5130). Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E4500 rivals Athlon 64 X2 4600+.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E4500Xeon 5130
Integrated GPU
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
false
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Duo E4500 was priced at $133, while the Xeon 5130 came in at $316. On launch pricing ($133 vs $316), Core 2 Duo E4500 was $183 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Duo E4500 delivers 8.8 pts/$ vs 3.7 pts/$ for the Xeon 5130 — making the Core 2 Duo E4500 the 80.8% better value option.

FeatureCore 2 Duo E4500Xeon 5130
MSRP
$133-58%
$316
Performance per Dollar
8.8+138%
3.7
Release Date
2007
2006

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