Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon E5-2650L
Microsoft SQ1
Xeon E5-2650L
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 Microsoft SQ1 is positioned at rank 877 and the Xeon E5-2650L is on rank 916, so the Microsoft SQ1 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Microsoft SQ1
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2650L
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Xeon E5-2650L |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($129) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) / 7 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Xeon E5-2650L |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+40%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) | ✅ More affordable ($129) |
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 Microsoft SQ1 and Xeon E5-2650L
Microsoft SQ1
The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.
Xeon E5-2650L
The Xeon E5-2650L 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 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 70 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,055 points. Launch price was $142.
Processing Power
The Microsoft SQ1 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E5-2650L's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 versus 2.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2650L — a 26.4% clock advantage for the Microsoft SQ1. The Microsoft SQ1 uses the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture (7 nm), while the Xeon E5-2650L uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Microsoft SQ1 scores 6,039 against the Xeon E5-2650L's 6,055 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5-2650L. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1 vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2650L.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Xeon E5-2650L |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz+30% | 2.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | — | 1.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB | 20480 kB (total)+900% |
| L2 Cache | — | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm-78% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) | Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) |
| PassMark | 6,039 | 6,055 |
Value Analysis
The Microsoft SQ1 launched at $300 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-2650L debuted at $748. At current prices ($180 vs $129), the Xeon E5-2650L is $51 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Microsoft SQ1 delivers 33.5 pts/$ vs 46.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2650L — making the Xeon E5-2650L the 33.3% better value option.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Xeon E5-2650L |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300-60% | $748 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $180 | $129-28% |
| Performance per Dollar | 33.5 | 46.9+40% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2012 |
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