Core i5-8500B vs Xeon E5-2670
Core i5-8500B
Xeon E5-2670
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-8500B
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2670
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-8500B | Xeon E5-2670 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($192) | ✅ More affordable ($60) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-8500B | Xeon E5-2670 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+220%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($192) | ✅ More affordable ($60) |
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 i5-8500B and Xeon E5-2670
Core i5-8500B
The Core i5-8500B is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,900 points. Launch price was $192.
Xeon E5-2670
The Xeon E5-2670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,901 points. Launch price was $145.
Processing Power
The Core i5-8500B packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Xeon E5-2670 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2670 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-8500B versus 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2670 — a 21.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-8500B (base: 3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-8500B uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2670 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-8500B scores 8,900 against the Xeon E5-2670's 8,901 — a 0% lead for the Xeon E5-2670. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-8500B vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2670.
| Feature | Core i5-8500B | Xeon E5-2670 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 8 / 16+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.1 GHz+24% | 3.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+15% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 9 MB (total) | 20480 kB (total)+122% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) |
| PassMark | 8,900 | 8,901 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,364 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-8500B uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2670 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-8500B versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2670 — the Core i5-8500B supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2670 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-8500B) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2670). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-8500B) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2670) — the Xeon E5-2670 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H310,B360,H370,Z370,Q370 (Core i5-8500B) and Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2670).
| Feature | Core i5-8500B | Xeon E5-2670 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1440 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 384 GB+500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 40+150% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-8500B) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2670). The Core i5-8500B includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-2670 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-8500B targets Mini PC/Embedded, Xeon E5-2670 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core i5-8500B rivals Ryzen 5 2600.
| Feature | Core i5-8500B | Xeon E5-2670 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mini PC/Embedded | Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-8500B launched at $192 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-2670 debuted at $1552. At current prices ($192 vs $60), the Xeon E5-2670 is $132 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-8500B delivers 46.4 pts/$ vs 148.3 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2670 — making the Xeon E5-2670 the 104.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-8500B | Xeon E5-2670 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $192-88% | $1552 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $192 | $60-69% |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.4 | 148.3+220% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2012 |
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