Xeon E5-2603 v2 vs Xeon L3426

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 E5-2603 v2 vs Xeon L3426 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 E5-2603 v2 vs Xeon L3426: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2603 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L3426 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,735 vs 2,742).
❌77.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 45W.

Xeon L3426

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 80W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 10 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L3426 better than Xeon E5-2603 v2?

Yes. Xeon L3426 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon L3426 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.2% 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 L3426 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon L3426 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon L3426 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E5-2603 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009) and 25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2603 v2 vs Xeon L3426 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2603 v2

The Xeon E5-2603 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,735 points. Launch price was $240.

Xeon L3426

The Xeon L3426 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,742 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2603 v2 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon L3426's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2603 v2 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon L3426 — a 56% clock advantage for the Xeon L3426 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Xeon E5-2603 v2 is built on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2603 v2 scores 2,735 against the Xeon L3426's 2,742 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon L3426. L3 cache: 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2603 v2 vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon L3426.

Feature	Xeon E5-2603 v2	Xeon L3426
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz	3.2 GHz+78%
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	1.86 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	10 MB (total)+25%	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)	—
PassMark	2,735	2,742

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2603 v2 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L3426 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.