
Xeon E5-2609 v4

Processor N97
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E5-2609 v4 is positioned at rank #526 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2609 v4
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-2609 v4 | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-N (2023) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-2609 v4 | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon E5-2609 v4 and Processor N97

Xeon E5-2609 v4
The Xeon E5-2609 v4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,418 points. Launch price was $306.

Processor N97
The Processor N97 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,445 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-2609 v4 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Processor N97 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5-2609 v4 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.7 GHz on the Xeon E5-2609 v4 versus 3.6 GHz on the Processor N97 — a 71.7% clock advantage for the Processor N97 (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon E5-2609 v4 uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Processor N97 uses Alder Lake-N (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2609 v4 scores 5,418 against the Processor N97's 5,445 — a 0.5% lead for the Processor N97. L3 cache: 20 MB on the Xeon E5-2609 v4 vs 6 MB (total) on the Processor N97.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2609 v4 | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+100% | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 1.7 GHz | 3.6 GHz+112% |
| Base Clock | 1.7 GHz | 2 GHz+18% |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB+233% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB | 2 MB (total) |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Broadwell (2015−2019) | Alder Lake-N (2023) |
| PassMark | 5,418 | 5,445 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-2609 v4 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Processor N97 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2609 v4 | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | FCBGA1264 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
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