Core i7-2600S vs Xeon L5640
Core i7-2600S
Xeon L5640
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. The Core i7-2600S is positioned at rank 889 and the Xeon L5640 is on rank 994, so the Core i7-2600S offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600S
Performance Per Dollar Xeon L5640
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2600S | Xeon L5640 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($99) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($996) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2600S | Xeon L5640 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+901%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($99) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($996) |
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 i7-2600S and Xeon L5640
Core i7-2600S
The Core i7-2600S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,637 points. Launch price was $210.
Xeon L5640
The Xeon L5640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,659 points. Launch price was $200.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2600S packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon L5640 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon L5640 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon L5640 — a 30.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600S (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core i7-2600S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon L5640 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2600S scores 4,637 against the Xeon L5640's 4,659 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon L5640. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600S vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon L5640.
| Feature | Core i7-2600S | Xeon L5640 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+36% | 2.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+24% | 2.26 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8192 kB (total) | 12 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 4,637 | 4,659 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 630 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2600S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L5640 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600S versus DDR3 1333 MHz on the Xeon L5640 — the Xeon L5640 supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon L5640 supports up to 288 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 160% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-2600S) vs 3 (Xeon L5640). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-2600S) vs 0 (Xeon L5640) — the Core i7-2600S offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,Z68,B75 (Core i7-2600S) and Intel 5520,Intel X58 (Xeon L5640).
| Feature | Core i7-2600S | Xeon L5640 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 5.0+150% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3 1333 MHz |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 288 GB+800% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2600S) vs true (Xeon L5640). The Core i7-2600S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Xeon L5640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600S targets Low Power Desktop, Xeon L5640 targets Server Low Power. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600S rivals Phenom II X4 910e.
| Feature | Core i7-2600S | Xeon L5640 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Low Power Desktop | Server Low Power |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-2600S launched at $297 MSRP, while the Xeon L5640 debuted at $996.
| Feature | Core i7-2600S | Xeon L5640 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $297-70% | $996 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $99 | — |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2010 |
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