Xeon E5-2450L vs Xeon E5-2630

Intel

Xeon E5-2450L

8 Cores16 Thrd70 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2630

6 Cores12 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Xeon E5-2450L vs Xeon E5-2630 Performance Spectrum

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.

Xeon E5-2450L vs Xeon E5-2630 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 E5-2450L vs Xeon E5-2630: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2450L

2012

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 15 MB).
  • Draws 70W instead of 95W, a 25W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (6,047 vs 6,077).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.5 vs 15.4 PassMark/$ ($1,106 MSRP vs $395 MSRP).

Xeon E5-2630

2012

Why buy it

  • Costs $711 less on MSRP ($395 MSRP vs $1,106 MSRP).
  • Delivers 181.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.4 vs 5.5 PassMark/$ ($395 MSRP vs $1,106 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (15 MB vs 20 MB).
  • 35.7% higher power demand at 95W vs 70W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2630 better than Xeon E5-2450L?
Yes. Xeon E5-2630 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 and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-2630 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 E5-2630 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5-2630 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2630 comes in $711 cheaper on MSRP at $395 MSRP versus $1,106 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 181.4% better value on MSRP (15.4 vs 5.5 PassMark/$), 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 E5-2630 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Xeon E5-2450L vs Xeon E5-2630 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Xeon E5-2450L

The Xeon E5-2450L is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (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: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 70 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,047 points. Launch price was $72.

Intel

Xeon E5-2630

The Xeon E5-2630 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 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,077 points. Launch price was $74.

Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2450L packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E5-2630 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2450L has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2450L versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2630 — a 19.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-2630 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Xeon E5-2450L uses the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-2630 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2450L scores 6,047 against the Xeon E5-2630's 6,077 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5-2630. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2450L vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2630.

FeatureXeon E5-2450LXeon E5-2630
Cores / Threads
8 / 16+33%
6 / 12
Boost Clock
2.3 GHz
2.8 GHz+22%
Base Clock
1.8 GHz
2.3 GHz+28%
L3 Cache
20480 kB (total)+33%
15360 kB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)
Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark
6,047
6,077
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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2450L uses the LGA1356 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-2630 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureXeon E5-2450LXeon E5-2630
Socket
LGA1356
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 4.0+100%
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-2450L was priced at $1106, while the Xeon E5-2630 came in at $395. On launch pricing ($1106 vs $395), Xeon E5-2630 was $711 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2450L delivers 5.5 pts/$ vs 15.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2630 — making the Xeon E5-2630 the 95.1% better value option.

FeatureXeon E5-2450LXeon E5-2630
MSRP
$1106
$395-64%
Performance per Dollar
5.5
15.4+180%
Release Date
2012
2012

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