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 i5-8500B vs Xeon E5-2670 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 i5-8500B vs Xeon E5-2670: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-8500B

2018

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,360 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $1,552 MSRP).
✅Delivers 708.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 46.4 vs 5.7 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $1,552 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 115W, a 50W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-2670 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2670 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,900 vs 8,901).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (9 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2670, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2670

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+122.2% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 9 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.7 vs 46.4 PassMark/$ ($1,552 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌76.9% higher power demand at 115W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-8500B can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2670 better than Core i5-8500B?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2670 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-8500B 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 E5-2670 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.8% 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 E5-2670 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 122.2% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 9 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2670 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Xeon E5-2670 comes in 708.3% more expensive on MSRP at $1,552 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-8500B only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 14.8% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i5-8500B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-8500B vs Xeon E5-2670 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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	—

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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 66.6% 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 — 500% 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+67%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	384 GB+500%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-8500B was priced at $192, while the Xeon E5-2670 came in at $1552. On launch pricing ($192 vs $1552), Core i5-8500B was $1360 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-8500B delivers 46.4 pts/$ vs 5.7 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2670 — making the Core i5-8500B the 156% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-8500B	Xeon E5-2670
MSRP	$192-88%	$1552
Performance per Dollar	46.4+714%	5.7
Release Date	2018	2012

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