Core i7-870S vs Xeon E5-2603 v2

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 i7-870S vs Xeon E5-2603 v2 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 i7-870S vs Xeon E5-2603 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-870S

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 10 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2603 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-2603 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Draws 80W instead of 82W, a 2W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-870S across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,735 vs 2,765).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-870S better than Xeon E5-2603 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2603 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-870S is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-870S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.3% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-870S is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-870S is the better buy right now. Core i7-870S comes in at an unclear MSRP at $300 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E5-2603 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and 25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-870S vs Xeon E5-2603 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-870S

The Core i7-870S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 July 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,765 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon E5-2603 v2

The Xeon E5-2603 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,735 points. Launch price was $240.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-870S packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E5-2603 v2's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870S versus 1.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2603 v2 — a 66.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-870S (base: 2.66 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i7-870S uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon E5-2603 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-870S scores 2,765 against the Xeon E5-2603 v2's 2,735 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-870S. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870S vs 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2603 v2.

Feature	Core i7-870S	Xeon E5-2603 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+100%	1.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+48%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	10 MB (total)+25%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Lynnfield (2009−2010)	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)
PassMark	2,765+1%	2,735

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-870S uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-2603 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.