Xeon E5-2470 vs Xeon E5-2665

Intel

Xeon E5-2470

8 Cores16 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2665

8 Cores16 Thrd115 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Xeon E5-2470 vs Xeon E5-2665 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 E5-2470 vs Xeon E5-2665 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 E5-2470 vs Xeon E5-2665: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2470

2012

Why buy it

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 95W instead of 115W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $1,440 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2665 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon E5-2665

2012

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (8,293 vs 8,329).
  • 21.1% higher power demand at 115W vs 95W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2470 better than Xeon E5-2665?
Yes. Xeon E5-2470 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2470 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5-2470 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2470 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,440 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 E5-2665 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2470 vs Xeon E5-2665 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Xeon E5-2470

The Xeon E5-2470 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,329 points. Launch price was $1,480.

Intel

Xeon E5-2665

The Xeon E5-2665 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,293 points. Launch price was $142.

Processing Power

Both the Xeon E5-2470 and Xeon E5-2665 share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E5-2470 versus 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E5-2665 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Xeon E5-2470 uses the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-2665 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2470 scores 8,329 against the Xeon E5-2665's 8,293 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E5-2470. Both processors carry 20480 kB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureXeon E5-2470Xeon E5-2665
Cores / Threads
8 / 16
8 / 16
Boost Clock
3.1 GHz
3.1 GHz
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
2.4 GHz+4%
L3 Cache
20480 kB (total)
20480 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
8,329
8,293
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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2470 uses the LGA1356 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-2665 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureXeon E5-2470Xeon E5-2665
Socket
LGA1356
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 5.0+150%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
384 GB
RAM Channels
4
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
40
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-2470) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2665). Primary use case: Xeon E5-2665 targets Server.

FeatureXeon E5-2470Xeon E5-2665
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Server