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 i5-9500T vs Xeon E5-2660 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 i5-9500T vs Xeon E5-2660: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-9500T

2019

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $1,137 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $1,329 MSRP).
✅Delivers 594.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 42.2 vs 6.1 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $1,329 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5-2660 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2660 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (9 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2660, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2660

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +26.2% 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 (8,067 vs 8,095).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.1 vs 42.2 PassMark/$ ($1,329 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-9500T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-9500T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-9500T better than Xeon E5-2660?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2660 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-9500T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-9500T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads.

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

Core i5-9500T is the better buy right now. Core i5-9500T comes in $1,137 cheaper on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $1,329 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2660 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 26.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 594.6% better value on MSRP (42.2 vs 6.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-9500T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 6 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-9500T vs Xeon E5-2660 Technical Specifications

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

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 66.6% 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 — 200% 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+67%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	384 GB+200%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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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

At launch, the Core i5-9500T was priced at $192, while the Xeon E5-2660 came in at $1329. On launch pricing ($192 vs $1329), Core i5-9500T was $1137 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9500T delivers 42.2 pts/$ vs 6.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2660 — making the Core i5-9500T the 149.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-9500T	Xeon E5-2660
MSRP	$192-86%	$1329
Performance per Dollar	42.2+592%	6.1
Release Date	2019	2012

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