Core i5-11500B vs Xeon E5-2689 v4

Intel

Core i5-11500B

6 Cores12 Thrd7.5 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2021
Core family
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2689 v4

10 Cores20 Thrd165 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2016
Similar parts
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Core i5-11500B vs Xeon E5-2689 v4 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 i5-11500B vs Xeon E5-2689 v4 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 i5-11500B vs Xeon E5-2689 v4: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-11500B

2021

Why buy it

  • Costs $2,538 less on MSRP ($185 MSRP vs $2,723 MSRP).
  • Delivers 1371.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 92.3 vs 6.3 PassMark/$ ($185 MSRP vs $2,723 MSRP).
  • Draws 8W instead of 165W, a 158W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 32EU, while Xeon E5-2689 v4 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (17,075 vs 17,084).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 25 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2689 v4, which brings 10 cores / 20 threads.

Xeon E5-2689 v4

2016

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.
  • +108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 10 cores / 20 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.3 vs 92.3 PassMark/$ ($2,723 MSRP vs $185 MSRP).
  • 2100% higher power demand at 165W vs 7.5W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-11500B can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-11500B better than Xeon E5-2689 v4?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2689 v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-11500B 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 E5-2689 v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 108.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-11500B is the better buy right now. Core i5-11500B comes in $2,538 cheaper on MSRP at $185 MSRP versus $2,723 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2689 v4 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 1371.1% better value on MSRP (92.3 vs 6.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-11500B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2016) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-11500B vs Xeon E5-2689 v4 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-11500B

The Core i5-11500B is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB. L2 cache: 7.5 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1787. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 17,075 points. Launch price was $299.

Intel

Xeon E5-2689 v4

The Xeon E5-2689 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB. L2 cache: 2.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 17,084 points. Launch price was $2,723.

Processing Power

The Core i5-11500B packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2689 v4 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2689 v4 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-11500B versus 3.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2689 v4 — a 19% clock advantage for the Core i5-11500B (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-11500B uses the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E5-2689 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11500B scores 17,075 against the Xeon E5-2689 v4's 17,084 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E5-2689 v4. L3 cache: 12 MB on the Core i5-11500B vs 25 MB on the Xeon E5-2689 v4.

FeatureCore i5-11500BXeon E5-2689 v4
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
10 / 20+67%
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz+21%
3.8 GHz
Base Clock
3.3 GHz+6%
3.1 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB
25 MB+108%
L2 Cache
7.5 MB+200%
2.5 MB
Process
10 nm-29%
14 nm
Architecture
Tiger Lake-H (2021)
Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark
17,075
17,084
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-11500B uses the FCBGA1787 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E5-2689 v4 uses LGA2011-3 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-11500BXeon E5-2689 v4
Socket
FCBGA1787
LGA2011-3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
20
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-11500B) / not specified (Xeon E5-2689 v4). The Core i5-11500B includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 32EU), while the Xeon E5-2689 v4 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11500B targets Desktop / Mini PC.

FeatureCore i5-11500BXeon E5-2689 v4
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 32EU
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop / Mini PC
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-11500B was priced at $185, while the Xeon E5-2689 v4 came in at $2723. On launch pricing ($185 vs $2723), Core i5-11500B was $2538 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11500B delivers 92.3 pts/$ vs 6.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2689 v4 — making the Core i5-11500B the 174.5% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-11500BXeon E5-2689 v4
MSRP
$185-93%
$2723
Performance per Dollar
92.3+1365%
6.3
Release Date
2021
2016

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