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 i5-4288U vs Xeon E5-2403 v2 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 i5-4288U vs Xeon E5-2403 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4288U

2013

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Iris Graphics 5100, while Xeon E5-2403 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2403 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,659 vs 2,672).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 10 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2403 v2, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads and 24 PCIe lanes.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.8 vs 13.9 PassMark/$ ($342 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).

Xeon E5-2403 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+233.3% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads, plus 24 PCIe lanes vs 12.
✅Costs $150 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $342 MSRP).
✅Delivers 79.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.9 vs 7.8 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $342 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4288U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2403 v2 better than Core i5-4288U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2403 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4288U is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-2403 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2403 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 233.3% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2403 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2403 v2 comes in $150 cheaper on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $342 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 79.0% better value on MSRP (13.9 vs 7.8 PassMark/$), 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 E5-2403 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 233.3% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 3 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4288U vs Xeon E5-2403 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4288U

The Core i5-4288U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,659 points. Launch price was $342.

Xeon E5-2403 v2

The Xeon E5-2403 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,672 points. Launch price was $223.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4288U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5-2403 v2 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4288U versus 1.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2403 v2 — a 53.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-4288U (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-4288U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4288U scores 2,659 against the Xeon E5-2403 v2's 2,672 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5-2403 v2. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4288U vs 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2403 v2.

Feature	Core i5-4288U	Xeon E5-2403 v2
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+72%	1.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+44%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	10 MB (total)+233%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014)
PassMark	2,659	2,672
Geekbench 6 Single	880	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,800	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4288U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L 1600 MHz on the Core i5-4288U versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon E5-2403 v2 — the Core i5-4288U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2403 v2 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 2300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-4288U) vs 3 (Xeon E5-2403 v2). PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-4288U) vs 24 (Xeon E5-2403 v2) — the Xeon E5-2403 v2 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-4288U	Xeon E5-2403 v2
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L 1600 MHz+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	384 GB+2300%
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	12	24+100%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-4288U) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2403 v2). The Core i5-4288U includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Graphics 5100), while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4288U targets Mobile, Xeon E5-2403 v2 targets Server.

Feature	Core i5-4288U	Xeon E5-2403 v2
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel Iris Graphics 5100	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mobile	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4288U was priced at $342, while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 came in at $192. On launch pricing ($342 vs $192), Xeon E5-2403 v2 was $150 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4288U delivers 7.8 pts/$ vs 13.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2403 v2 — making the Xeon E5-2403 v2 the 56.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4288U	Xeon E5-2403 v2
MSRP	$342	$192-44%
Performance per Dollar	7.8	13.9+78%
Release Date	2013	2013

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