CPU
GPU
Xeon E3-1260L
Core i5-2500
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 Xeon E3-1260L is positioned at rank 750 and the Core i5-2500 is on rank 922, so the Xeon E3-1260L offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1260L
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E3-1260L | Core i5-2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($270) | ✅ More affordable ($69) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E3-1260L | Core i5-2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+294%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($270) | ✅ More affordable ($69) |
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 Xeon E3-1260L and Core i5-2500
Xeon E3-1260L
The Xeon E3-1260L is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,076 points. Launch price was $150.
Core i5-2500
The Core i5-2500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,102 points. Launch price was $85.
Processing Power
The Xeon E3-1260L packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-2500's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Xeon E3-1260L versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500 — a 11.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon E3-1260L scores 4,076 against the Core i5-2500's 4,102 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-2500. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1260L vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2500.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1260L | Core i5-2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.3 GHz+38% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6144 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,076 | 4,102 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 2,642 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 590 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,690 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1260L | Core i5-2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E3-1260L) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2500). The Core i5-2500 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2000), while the Xeon E3-1260L requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1260L | Core i5-2500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E3-1260L launched at $294 MSRP, while the Core i5-2500 debuted at $294. At current prices ($270 vs $69), the Core i5-2500 is $201 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E3-1260L delivers 15.1 pts/$ vs 59.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-2500 — making the Core i5-2500 the 119% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E3-1260L | Core i5-2500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $294 | $294 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $270 | $69-74% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.1 | 59.4+293% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2011 |
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