Core i5-1145G7 vs Xeon E5-2680

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 i5-1145G7 vs Xeon E5-2680 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 i5-1145G7 vs Xeon E5-2680: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-1145G7

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 28W instead of 130W, a 102W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics (80 EU), while Xeon E5-2680 needs a discrete GPU.
✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,266 vs 9,289).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2680, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2680

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅+150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 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

❌Launch MSRP is still $3,226 MSRP, while Core i5-1145G7 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌364.3% higher power demand at 130W vs 28W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-1145G7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-1145G7 better than Xeon E5-2680?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2680 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-1145G7 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 E5-2680 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8 MB).

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

Core i5-1145G7 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E5-2680 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i5-1145G7 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $3,226 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2680 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. Xeon E5-2680 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (2.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-1145G7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2012) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-1145G7 vs Xeon E5-2680 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-1145G7

The Core i5-1145G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,266 points. Launch price was $309.

Xeon E5-2680

The Xeon E5-2680 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,289 points. Launch price was $1,723.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-1145G7 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2680 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2680 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-1145G7 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2680 — a 22.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-1145G7 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-1145G7 uses the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Xeon E5-2680 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-1145G7 scores 9,266 against the Xeon E5-2680's 9,289 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E5-2680. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i5-1145G7 vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2680.

Feature	Core i5-1145G7	Xeon E5-2680
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+26%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.7 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	20 MB (total)+150%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	10 nm SuperFin-69%	32 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	9,266	9,289
Cinebench R23 Multi	5,195	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,653	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,764	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-1145G7 uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E5-2680 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-1145G7 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2680 — the Core i5-1145G7 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2680 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-1145G7) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2680). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-1145G7) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2680) — the Xeon E5-2680 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core i5-1145G7) and Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2680).

Feature	Core i5-1145G7	Xeon E5-2680
Socket	FCBGA1449	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+100%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+100%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	384 GB+500%
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 i5-1145G7) / not specified (Xeon E5-2680). The Core i5-1145G7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics (80 EU)), while the Xeon E5-2680 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-1145G7 targets Business. Direct competitor: Core i5-1145G7 rivals Core i5-1135G7.