Xeon E5-1650 v2 vs Xeon E5-2620 v4

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.

Xeon E5-1650 v2 vs Xeon E5-2620 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.

Xeon E5-1650 v2 vs Xeon E5-2620 v4: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-1650 v2

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.0 vs 22.2 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $417 MSRP).
❌52.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 85W.

Xeon E5-2620 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Costs $166 less on MSRP ($417 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Delivers 39.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.2 vs 16.0 PassMark/$ ($417 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Draws 85W instead of 130W, a 45W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,255 vs 9,306).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-1650 v2 better than Xeon E5-2620 v4?

Yes. Xeon E5-1650 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-1650 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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 E5-1650 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

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

Xeon E5-1650 v2 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E5-2620 v4 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E5-1650 v2 comes in 39.8% more expensive on MSRP at $583 MSRP versus $417 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E5-2620 v4 is also 39.0% better value on MSRP (22.2 vs 16.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon E5-2620 v4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2013) and 66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-1650 v2 vs Xeon E5-2620 v4 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-1650 v2

The Xeon E5-1650 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,306 points. Launch price was $917.

Xeon E5-2620 v4

The Xeon E5-2620 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 9,255 points. Launch price was $417.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-1650 v2 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2620 v4 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2620 v4 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-1650 v2 versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2620 v4 — a 26.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-1650 v2 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Xeon E5-1650 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2620 v4 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-1650 v2 scores 9,306 against the Xeon E5-2620 v4's 9,255 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5-1650 v2. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1650 v2 vs 20 MB on the Xeon E5-2620 v4.

Feature	Xeon E5-1650 v2	Xeon E5-2620 v4
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+30%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+67%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	20 MB+67%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB+700%
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-E (2013)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	9,306	9,255

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 5.0.

Feature	Xeon E5-1650 v2	Xeon E5-2620 v4
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	—	1536 GB
RAM Channels	—	4
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	40

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-1650 v2 was priced at $583, while the Xeon E5-2620 v4 came in at $417. On launch pricing ($583 vs $417), Xeon E5-2620 v4 was $166 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-1650 v2 delivers 16.0 pts/$ vs 22.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2620 v4 — making the Xeon E5-2620 v4 the 32.7% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-1650 v2	Xeon E5-2620 v4
MSRP	$583	$417-28%
Performance per Dollar	16.0	22.2+39%
Release Date	2013	2016

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