Core Ultra 7 258V vs Xeon E5-2690 v4

Intel

Core Ultra 7 258V

8 Cores8 Thrd17 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2024
Core Ultra family
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2690 v4

14 Cores28 Thrd135 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2016
Similar parts
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Core Ultra 7 258V vs Xeon E5-2690 v4 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 7 258V vs Xeon E5-2690 v4 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 7 258V vs Xeon E5-2690 v4: 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 7 258V

2024

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $1,640 less on MSRP ($450 MSRP vs $2,090 MSRP).
  • Delivers 357.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 42.1 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($450 MSRP vs $2,090 MSRP).
  • Draws 17W instead of 135W, a 118W reduction.
  • Newer platform on FCBGA2833 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2011 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (18,947 vs 19,255).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 35 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2690 v4, which brings 14 cores / 28 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2690 v4

2016

Why buy it

  • +1.6% higher PassMark.
  • +191.7% larger total L3 cache (35 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 14 cores / 28 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 8.
  • 400% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 7 258V across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 42.1 PassMark/$ ($2,090 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
  • 694.1% higher power demand at 135W vs 17W.
  • Older platform position on LGA2011 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 7 258V moves to FCBGA2833 and DDR5.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core Ultra 7 258V can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 7 258V better than Xeon E5-2690 v4?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2690 v4 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core Ultra 7 258V 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, Xeon E5-2690 v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 191.7% larger total L3 cache (35 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core Ultra 7 258V is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 7 258V comes in $1,640 cheaper on MSRP at $450 MSRP versus $2,090 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2690 v4 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.6% better PassMark. It is also 357.0% better value on MSRP (42.1 vs 9.2 PassMark/$), 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 Ultra 7 258V makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2016) and a healthier platform with FCBGA2833 and DDR5 instead of LGA2011. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core Ultra 7 258V vs Xeon E5-2690 v4 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core Ultra 7 258V

The Core Ultra 7 258V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 18,947 points. Launch price was $299.

Intel

Xeon E5-2690 v4

The Xeon E5-2690 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 35 MB. L2 cache: 3.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 19,255 points. Launch price was $2,090.

Processing Power

The Core Ultra 7 258V packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Xeon E5-2690 v4 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core Ultra 7 258V versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2690 v4 — a 31.3% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 7 258V (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 258V uses the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture (3 nm), while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 258V scores 18,947 against the Xeon E5-2690 v4's 19,255 — a 1.6% lead for the Xeon E5-2690 v4. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 258V vs 35 MB on the Xeon E5-2690 v4.

FeatureCore Ultra 7 258VXeon E5-2690 v4
Cores / Threads
8 / 8
14 / 28+75%
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz+37%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
2.6 GHz+18%
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
35 MB+192%
L2 Cache
2.5 MB (per core)
3.5 MB+40%
Process
3 nm-79%
14 nm
Architecture
Lunar Lake (2024)
Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark
18,947
19,255+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi
10,000
Geekbench 6 Single
2,750
Geekbench 6 Multi
11,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core Ultra 7 258V uses the FCBGA2833 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR5X-8533 on the Core Ultra 7 258V versus DDR4-2400 on the Xeon E5-2690 v4 — the Core Ultra 7 258V supports 255.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2690 v4 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 4700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core Ultra 7 258V) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2690 v4). PCIe lanes: 8 (Core Ultra 7 258V) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2690 v4) — the Xeon E5-2690 v4 offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Lunar Lake (Core Ultra 7 258V) and Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2690 v4).

FeatureCore Ultra 7 258VXeon E5-2690 v4
Socket
FCBGA2833
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
LPDDR5X-8533+256%
DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
1536 GB+4700%
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
8
40+400%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core Ultra 7 258V) / not specified (Xeon E5-2690 v4). The Core Ultra 7 258V includes integrated graphics (Arc 140V), while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core Ultra 7 258V targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core Ultra 7 258V rivals Ryzen 7 8840U.

FeatureCore Ultra 7 258VXeon E5-2690 v4
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Arc 140V
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core Ultra 7 258V was priced at $450, while the Xeon E5-2690 v4 came in at $2090. On launch pricing ($450 vs $2090), Core Ultra 7 258V was $1640 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 7 258V delivers 42.1 pts/$ vs 9.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2690 v4 — making the Core Ultra 7 258V the 128.2% better value option.

FeatureCore Ultra 7 258VXeon E5-2690 v4
MSRP
$450-78%
$2090
Performance per Dollar
42.1+358%
9.2
Release Date
2024
2016

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