Core i5-2405S vs Xeon E5-4603

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 i5-2405S vs Xeon E5-4603 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 i5-2405S vs Xeon E5-4603: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2405S

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Xeon E5-4603 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E5-4603.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-4603 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 10 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-4603, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.0 vs 16.8 PassMark/$ ($309 MSRP vs $202 MSRP).

Xeon E5-4603

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Costs $107 less on MSRP ($202 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
✅Delivers 52.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.8 vs 11.0 PassMark/$ ($202 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,391 vs 3,397).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2405S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2405S.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-4603 better than Core i5-2405S?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-4603 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-2405S 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 i5-2405S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Xeon E5-4603 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-4603 comes in $107 cheaper on MSRP at $202 MSRP versus $309 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2405S is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 52.7% better value on MSRP (16.8 vs 11.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E5-4603 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and 66.7% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2405S vs Xeon E5-4603 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2405S

The Core i5-2405S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,397 points. Launch price was $472.

Xeon E5-4603

The Xeon E5-4603 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,391 points. Launch price was $712.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2405S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E5-4603's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2405S versus 2 GHz on the Xeon E5-4603 — a 49.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2405S (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-2405S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-4603 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2405S scores 3,397 against the Xeon E5-4603's 3,391 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-2405S. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2405S vs 10240 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-4603.

Feature	Core i5-2405S	Xeon E5-4603
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+65%	2 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+25%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	10240 kB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	3,397	3,391
Geekbench 6 Single	557	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,480	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2405S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-4603 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2405S	Xeon E5-4603
Socket	LGA1155	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x / EPT (Core i5-2405S) / not specified (Xeon E5-4603). The Core i5-2405S includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Xeon E5-4603 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2405S targets Budget.

Feature	Core i5-2405S	Xeon E5-4603
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x / EPT	—
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2405S was priced at $309, while the Xeon E5-4603 came in at $202. On launch pricing ($309 vs $202), Xeon E5-4603 was $107 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2405S delivers 11.0 pts/$ vs 16.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-4603 — making the Xeon E5-4603 the 41.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2405S	Xeon E5-4603
MSRP	$309	$202-35%
Performance per Dollar	11.0	16.8+53%
Release Date	2011	2012

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