Xeon E5-1650 v2 vs Xeon E5-2680

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 E5-2680 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 E5-2680: 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

✅Costs $2,643 less on MSRP ($583 MSRP vs $3,226 MSRP).
✅Delivers 454.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.0 vs 2.9 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $3,226 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).

Xeon E5-2680

2012

Why buy it

✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,289 vs 9,306).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.9 vs 16.0 PassMark/$ ($3,226 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-1650 v2 better than Xeon E5-2680?

Yes. Xeon E5-1650 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, 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 0.1% 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 0.2% 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 the better buy right now. Xeon E5-1650 v2 comes in $2,643 cheaper on MSRP at $583 MSRP versus $3,226 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 454.4% better value on MSRP (16.0 vs 2.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E5-1650 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 8/16. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Xeon E5-1650 v2 vs Xeon E5-2680 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 E5-2680

The Xeon E5-2680 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,289 points. Launch price was $1,723.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-1650 v2 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-2680 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2680 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-1650 v2 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2680 — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-1650 v2 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Xeon E5-1650 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge-E (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2680 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-1650 v2 scores 9,306 against the Xeon E5-2680's 9,289 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E5-1650 v2. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-1650 v2 vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2680.

Feature	Xeon E5-1650 v2	Xeon E5-2680
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+11%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+30%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	20 MB (total)+67%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-E (2013)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	9,306	9,289

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 5.0.

Feature	Xeon E5-1650 v2	Xeon E5-2680
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+150%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	384 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 E5-2680 came in at $3226. On launch pricing ($583 vs $3226), Xeon E5-1650 v2 was $2643 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-1650 v2 delivers 16.0 pts/$ vs 2.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2680 — making the Xeon E5-1650 v2 the 138.9% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-1650 v2	Xeon E5-2680
MSRP	$583-82%	$3226
Performance per Dollar	16.0+452%	2.9
Release Date	2013	2012

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