Core i5-9500T vs Xeon E5-2660
Core i5-9500T
Xeon E5-2660
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 i5-9500T
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2660
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-9500T | Xeon E5-2660 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($132) | ✅ More affordable ($65) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-9500T | Xeon E5-2660 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+102%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($132) | ✅ More affordable ($65) |
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 i5-9500T and Xeon E5-2660
Core i5-9500T
The Core i5-9500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,095 points. Launch price was $192.
Xeon E5-2660
The Xeon E5-2660 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 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): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,067 points. Launch price was $85.
Processing Power
The Core i5-9500T packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Xeon E5-2660 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2660 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-9500T versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 — a 20.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-9500T (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-9500T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2660 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-9500T scores 8,095 against the Xeon E5-2660's 8,067 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-9500T. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9500T vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660.
| Feature | Core i5-9500T | Xeon E5-2660 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 8 / 16+33% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+23% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 9 MB (total) | 20480 kB (total)+122% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) |
| PassMark | 8,095 | 8,067 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,236 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 4,218 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-9500T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2660 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9500T versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2660 — the Core i5-9500T supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2660 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-9500T) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2660). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-9500T) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2660) — the Xeon E5-2660 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: 300-series (Core i5-9500T) and Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2660).
| Feature | Core i5-9500T | Xeon E5-2660 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 384 GB+200% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 40+150% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-9500T) / not specified (Xeon E5-2660). The Core i5-9500T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-2660 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9500T targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-9500T rivals Ryzen 5 2600.
| Feature | Core i5-9500T | Xeon E5-2660 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Gaming | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-9500T launched at $192 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-2660 debuted at $1329. At current prices ($132 vs $65), the Xeon E5-2660 is $67 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9500T delivers 61.3 pts/$ vs 124.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2660 — making the Xeon E5-2660 the 67.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-9500T | Xeon E5-2660 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $192-86% | $1329 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $132 | $65-51% |
| Performance per Dollar | 61.3 | 124.1+102% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2012 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-9500T and Xeon E5-2660
