Core Ultra 5 115U vs Xeon E5-4657L v2

Intel

Core Ultra 5 115U

8 Cores10 Thrd0 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2023
VS
Intel

Xeon E5-4657L v2

12 Cores24 Thrd115 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2014

Core Ultra 5 115U vs Xeon E5-4657L v2 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core Ultra 5 115U vs Xeon E5-4657L 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 Ultra 5 115U vs Xeon E5-4657L 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 Ultra 5 115U

2023

Why buy it

  • Newer platform on FCBGA2049 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2011 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-4657L v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (11,518 vs 11,613).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (10 MB vs 30 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-4657L v2, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads.

Xeon E5-4657L v2

2014

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +9.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +200% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 10 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Older platform position on LGA2011, while Core Ultra 5 115U moves to FCBGA2049 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-4657L v2 better than Core Ultra 5 115U?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-4657L v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 5 115U 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 E5-4657L v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.6% 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 E5-4657L v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 10 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5-4657L v2 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5-4657L v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core Ultra 5 115U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2014) and a healthier platform with FCBGA2049 and DDR5 instead of LGA2011. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 5 115U vs Xeon E5-4657L v2 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core Ultra 5 115U

The Core Ultra 5 115U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 December 2023 (1 year ago). It is based on the Meteor Lake (2023) architecture. It features 8 cores and 10 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2049. Thermal design power (TDP): + 10 MB. Memory support: DDR5 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 11,518 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Xeon E5-4657L v2

The Xeon E5-4657L v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600, DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 11,613 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 5 115U packs 8 cores / 10 threads, while the Xeon E5-4657L v2 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon E5-4657L v2 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core Ultra 5 115U versus 2.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-4657L v2 — a 36.6% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 5 115U (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core Ultra 5 115U is built on the Meteor Lake (2023) architecture. In PassMark, the Core Ultra 5 115U scores 11,518 against the Xeon E5-4657L v2's 11,613 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E5-4657L v2. L3 cache: 10 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 5 115U vs 30 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E5-4657L v2.

FeatureCore Ultra 5 115UXeon E5-4657L v2
Cores / Threads
8 / 10
12 / 24+50%
Boost Clock
4.2 GHz+45%
2.9 GHz
Base Clock
1.5 GHz
2.4 GHz+60%
L3 Cache
10 MB (total)
30 MB Intel® Smart Cache+200%
L2 Cache
2 MB (per core)
Process
7 nm-68%
22 nm
Architecture
Meteor Lake (2023)
PassMark
11,518
11,613
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 5 115U uses the FCBGA2049 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E5-4657L v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore Ultra 5 115UXeon E5-4657L v2
Socket
FCBGA2049
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0