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 i5-10400T vs Xeon E5-2690 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 i5-10400T vs Xeon E5-2690: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-10400T

2020

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $1,875 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1033.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 53.8 vs 4.7 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $2,057 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 135W, a 100W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-2690 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2690 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2690, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2690

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,764 vs 9,789).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.7 vs 53.8 PassMark/$ ($2,057 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌285.7% higher power demand at 135W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-10400T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-10400T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10400T better than Xeon E5-2690?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2690 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-10400T 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, Core i5-10400T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-10400T is the better buy right now. Core i5-10400T comes in $1,875 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $2,057 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2690 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 11.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1033.1% better value on MSRP (53.8 vs 4.7 PassMark/$), 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 i5-10400T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-10400T vs Xeon E5-2690 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-10400T

The Core i5-10400T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2020 (5 years ago). It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 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: 9,789 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-2690

The Xeon E5-2690 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,764 points. Launch price was $397.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-10400T packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2690 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2690 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-10400T versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2690 — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-2690 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Xeon E5-2690 is built on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-10400T scores 9,789 against the Xeon E5-2690's 9,764 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-10400T. L3 cache: 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-10400T vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2690.

Feature	Core i5-10400T	Xeon E5-2690
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.8 GHz+6%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.9 GHz+45%
L3 Cache	12 MB Intel® Smart Cache	20480 kB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	—	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	9,789	9,764
Geekbench 6 Single	1,272	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10400T uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2690 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-10400T versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2690 — the Core i5-10400T supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2690 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-10400T) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2690). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-10400T) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2690) — the Xeon E5-2690 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Core i5-10400T) and Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2690).

Feature	Core i5-10400T	Xeon E5-2690
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+67%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	384 GB+200%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-10400T) / not specified (Xeon E5-2690). The Core i5-10400T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-2690 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400T rivals Ryzen 5 3400GE.

Feature	Core i5-10400T	Xeon E5-2690
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-10400T was priced at $182, while the Xeon E5-2690 came in at $2057. On launch pricing ($182 vs $2057), Core i5-10400T was $1875 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-10400T delivers 53.8 pts/$ vs 4.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2690 — making the Core i5-10400T the 167.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-10400T	Xeon E5-2690
MSRP	$182-91%	$2057
Performance per Dollar	53.8+1045%	4.7
Release Date	2020	2012

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