Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon E5-2650L

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.

Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon E5-2650L 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.

Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon E5-2650L: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Microsoft SQ1

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $448 less on MSRP ($300 MSRP vs $748 MSRP).
✅Delivers 148.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.1 vs 8.1 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $748 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2650L across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,039 vs 6,055).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2650L, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads.

Xeon E5-2650L

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+900% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.1 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($748 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2650L better than Microsoft SQ1?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2650L makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Microsoft SQ1 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 E5-2650L is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% 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 E5-2650L is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 900% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2650L is still the faster CPU overall, but Microsoft SQ1 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E5-2650L comes in 149.3% more expensive on MSRP at $748 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Microsoft SQ1 is also 148.7% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 8.1 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Microsoft SQ1 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Microsoft SQ1 vs Xeon E5-2650L Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Microsoft SQ1 was priced at $300, while the Xeon E5-2650L came in at $748. On launch pricing ($300 vs $748), Microsoft SQ1 was $448 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Microsoft SQ1 delivers 20.1 pts/$ vs 8.1 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2650L — making the Microsoft SQ1 the 85.3% better value option.

Feature	Microsoft SQ1	Xeon E5-2650L
MSRP	$300-60%	$748
Performance per Dollar	20.1+148%	8.1
Release Date	2019	2012

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