Core i5-4670S vs Xeon E5-2430L

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 i5-4670S vs Xeon E5-2430L 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 i5-4670S vs Xeon E5-2430L: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4670S

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $338 less on MSRP ($213 MSRP vs $551 MSRP).
✅Delivers 156.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.7 vs 9.6 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $551 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon E5-2430L needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2430L across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,252 vs 5,300).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 15 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2430L, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon E5-2430L

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+150% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.
✅Draws 60W instead of 65W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.6 vs 24.7 PassMark/$ ($551 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4670S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2430L better than Core i5-4670S?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2430L makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4670S 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 E5-2430L is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.0% 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 E5-2430L is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2430L is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5-2430L comes in 158.7% more expensive on MSRP at $551 MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4670S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 156.3% better value on paper (24.7 vs 9.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Core i5-4670S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4670S vs Xeon E5-2430L Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4670S

The Core i5-4670S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,252 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon E5-2430L

The Xeon E5-2430L is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,300 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4670S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2430L offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2430L has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-4670S versus 2.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2430L — a 41.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-4670S (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-4670S uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2430L uses Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4670S scores 5,252 against the Xeon E5-2430L's 5,300 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon E5-2430L. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-4670S vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2430L.

Feature	Core i5-4670S	Xeon E5-2430L
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+52%	2.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+55%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	15360 kB (total)+150%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)
PassMark	5,252	5,300

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4670S uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2430L uses LGA1356 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4670S	Xeon E5-2430L
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4670S) / not specified (Xeon E5-2430L). The Core i5-4670S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon E5-2430L requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4670S targets Desktop Low Power.

Feature	Core i5-4670S	Xeon E5-2430L
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Desktop Low Power	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4670S was priced at $213, while the Xeon E5-2430L came in at $551. On launch pricing ($213 vs $551), Core i5-4670S was $338 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4670S delivers 24.7 pts/$ vs 9.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2430L — making the Core i5-4670S the 87.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4670S	Xeon E5-2430L
MSRP	$213-61%	$551
Performance per Dollar	24.7+157%	9.6
Release Date	2013	2012

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