Xeon E5-2603 vs Xeon E5472

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 vs Xeon E5472 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 vs Xeon E5472: 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

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,325 vs 2,333).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (10 MB vs 12 MB).

Xeon E5472

2007

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 10 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5472 better than Xeon E5-2603?

Yes. Xeon E5472 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 27 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 E5472 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% more average FPS across 27 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5472 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 10 MB).

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

Xeon E5472 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5472 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 27 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E5-2603 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2603 vs Xeon E5472 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2603

The Xeon E5-2603 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 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,325 points. Launch price was $207.

Xeon E5472

The Xeon E5472 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,333 points. Launch price was $1,022.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E5-2603 and Xeon E5472 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2603 versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5472 — a 50% clock advantage for the Xeon E5472 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Xeon E5-2603 uses the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5472 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2603 scores 2,325 against the Xeon E5472's 2,333 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5472. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2603 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5472.

Feature	Xeon E5-2603	Xeon E5472
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz	3 GHz+67%
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	3 GHz+67%
L3 Cache	10240 kB (total)	12 MB L2 Cache+20%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	6 MB (total)+2300%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)	Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark	2,325	2,333

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2603 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5472 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.