Xeon E5-2620 v3 vs Xeon X7550

Intel

Xeon E5-2620 v3

6 Cores12 Thrd85 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2014
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Xeon X7550

8 Cores16 Thrd130 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2010
Similar parts
·······

Xeon E5-2620 v3 vs Xeon X7550 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 E5-2620 v3 vs Xeon X7550 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 E5-2620 v3 vs Xeon X7550: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2620 v3

2014

Why buy it

  • Costs $1,083 less on MSRP ($417 MSRP vs $1,500 MSRP).
  • Delivers 253.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.5 vs 5.2 PassMark/$ ($417 MSRP vs $1,500 MSRP).
  • Draws 85W instead of 130W, a 45W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (7,734 vs 7,873).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (15 MB vs 18 MB).

Xeon X7550

2010

Why buy it

  • +1.8% higher PassMark.
  • +20% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 15 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.2 vs 18.5 PassMark/$ ($1,500 MSRP vs $417 MSRP).
  • 52.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 85W.
  • No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2620 v3 better than Xeon X7550?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon E5-2620 v3 is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X7550 pulls ahead with 1.8% better PassMark. Xeon X7550 also has the bigger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 15 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X7550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (18 MB vs 15 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5-2620 v3 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2620 v3 comes in $1,083 cheaper on MSRP at $417 MSRP versus $1,500 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon X7550 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.8% better PassMark. It is also 253.4% better value on MSRP (18.5 vs 5.2 PassMark/$), 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 E5-2620 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2620 v3 vs Xeon X7550 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Xeon E5-2620 v3

The Xeon E5-2620 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 7,734 points. Launch price was $800.

Intel

Xeon X7550

The Xeon X7550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB L3 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1567. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-978, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, Speed-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 7,873 points. Launch price was $800.

Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2620 v3 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon X7550 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon X7550 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-2620 v3 versus 2.4 GHz on the Xeon X7550 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-2620 v3 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Xeon E5-2620 v3 is built on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2620 v3 scores 7,734 against the Xeon X7550's 7,873 — a 1.8% lead for the Xeon X7550. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2620 v3 vs 18 MB L3 Cache on the Xeon X7550.

FeatureXeon E5-2620 v3Xeon X7550
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz+33%
2.4 GHz
Base Clock
2.4 GHz+20%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
15 MB (total)
18 MB L3 Cache+20%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
Process
22 nm-51%
45 nm
Architecture
Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark
7,734
7,873+2%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2620 v3 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X7550 uses LGA1567 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-1866 on the Xeon E5-2620 v3 versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X7550 — the Xeon E5-2620 v3 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2620 v3) and Nehalem-EX (Xeon X7550).

FeatureXeon E5-2620 v3Xeon X7550
Socket
LGA2011
LGA1567
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-1866+40%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
768 GB
RAM Channels
4
4
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
40
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon E5-2620 v3 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2620 v3) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X7550). Primary use case: Xeon E5-2620 v3 targets Server, Xeon X7550 targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon X7550 rivals Core i7-980X.

FeatureXeon E5-2620 v3Xeon X7550
Integrated GPU
No
No
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
Yes
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Server
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-2620 v3 was priced at $417, while the Xeon X7550 came in at $1500. On launch pricing ($417 vs $1500), Xeon E5-2620 v3 was $1083 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2620 v3 delivers 18.5 pts/$ vs 5.2 pts/$ for the Xeon X7550 — making the Xeon E5-2620 v3 the 111.8% better value option.

FeatureXeon E5-2620 v3Xeon X7550
MSRP
$417-72%
$1500
Performance per Dollar
18.5+256%
5.2
Release Date
2014
2010

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.