CPU
GPU
Core i5-2500S
Xeon W3565
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-2500S is positioned at rank 854 and the Xeon W3565 is on rank 827, so the Xeon W3565 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2500S
Performance Per Dollar Xeon W3565
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2500S | Xeon W3565 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($61) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($69) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2500S | Xeon W3565 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+13%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($61) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($69) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-2500S and Xeon W3565
Core i5-2500S
The Core i5-2500S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (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: 3,373 points. Launch price was $75.
Xeon W3565
The Xeon W3565 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,391 points. Launch price was $70.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2500S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon W3565's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500S versus 3.46 GHz on the Xeon W3565 — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500S (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-2500S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon W3565 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2500S scores 3,373 against the Xeon W3565's 3,391 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon W3565. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 600 vs 513, a 15.6% lead for the Core i5-2500S that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2500S vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W3565.
| Feature | Core i5-2500S | Xeon W3565 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+7% | 3.46 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.2 GHz+19% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Bloomfield (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,373 | 3,391 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 600+17% | 513 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,726 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2500S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon W3565 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i5-2500S supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 24 GB — 28.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-2500S) vs 3 (Xeon W3565). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2500S) vs 36 (Xeon W3565) — the Xeon W3565 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2500S) and X58 (Xeon W3565).
| Feature | Core i5-2500S | Xeon W3565 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 5.0+150% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+33% | 24 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 36+125% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2500S) vs Yes (Xeon W3565). The Core i5-2500S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Xeon W3565 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2500S rivals Phenom II X4 980.
| Feature | Core i5-2500S | Xeon W3565 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | Yes |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2500S launched at $192 MSRP, while the Xeon W3565 debuted at $294. At current prices ($61 vs $69), the Core i5-2500S is $8 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2500S delivers 55.3 pts/$ vs 49.1 pts/$ for the Xeon W3565 — making the Core i5-2500S the 11.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-2500S | Xeon W3565 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $192-35% | $294 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $61-12% | $69 |
| Performance per Dollar | 55.3+13% | 49.1 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2009 |
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