Processor N250 vs Xeon E5540

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5540

#1

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

14813%

#6

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

2797%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

2485%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

1920%

#433

Xeon Gold 6346

MSRP: $2708|Avg: $2195

99%

#434

Xeon W-3225

MSRP: $1319|Avg: $850

99%

#435

Xeon Gold 6354

MSRP: $2878|Avg: $2898

98%

#436

Xeon Gold 5218T

MSRP: $1572|Avg: $1349

97%

#437

Xeon 6960P

MSRP: $9625|Avg: $9625

97%

#745

Xeon E5540

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#747

Xeon E5-2403 v2

MSRP: $192|Avg: $61

99%

#748

Xeon E3-1285 v4

MSRP: $556|Avg: $200

99%

#750

Xeon E3-1260L

MSRP: $294|Avg: $270

99%

#758

Xeon E3-1281 v3

MSRP: $555|Avg: $636

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Processor N250 (2025) utilizes 10 nm technology and DDR4, DDR5, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Processor N250	Xeon E5540
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing
Longevity	✨ Modern (Twin Lake (2024−2025) / 10 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Gainestown (2009−2010) / 45 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Xeon E5540 (2009) relies on 45 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Processor N250	Xeon E5540
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Processor N250 Benchmark Check

Xeon E5540 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Processor N250 and Xeon E5540

Processor N250

The Processor N250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 2,786 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon E5540

The Xeon E5540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,805 points. Launch price was $30.

⚡

Processing Power

The Processor N250 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E5540's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Processor N250 versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon E5540 — a 30.3% clock advantage for the Processor N250 (base: 0.1 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Processor N250 uses the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E5540 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Processor N250 scores 2,786 against the Xeon E5540's 2,805 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon E5540. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Processor N250 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E5540.

Feature	Processor N250	Xeon E5540
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+36%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	0.1 GHz	2.53 GHz+2430%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	2 MB (total)+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm-78%	45 nm
Architecture	Twin Lake (2024−2025)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,786	2,805

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Processor N250 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Xeon E5540 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.