Xeon E5-2620 v4 vs Xeon E5-2680

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 v4 vs Xeon E5-2680 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 v4 vs Xeon E5-2680: 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 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅Costs $2,809 less on MSRP ($417 MSRP vs $3,226 MSRP).
✅Delivers 670.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.2 vs 2.9 PassMark/$ ($417 MSRP vs $3,226 MSRP).
✅Draws 85W instead of 130W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,255 vs 9,289).

Xeon E5-2680

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.9 vs 22.2 PassMark/$ ($3,226 MSRP vs $417 MSRP).
❌52.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 85W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2680 better than Xeon E5-2620 v4?

Yes. Xeon E5-2680 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% 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?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-2680 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 E5-2680 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 E5-2680 is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E5-2620 v4 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Xeon E5-2680 comes in 673.6% more expensive on MSRP at $3,226 MSRP versus $417 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E5-2620 v4 is also 670.8% better value on MSRP (22.2 vs 2.9 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Xeon E5-2620 v4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2620 v4 vs Xeon E5-2680 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2620 v4

The Xeon E5-2620 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 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 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, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 9,255 points. Launch price was $417.

Xeon E5-2680

The Xeon E5-2680 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,289 points. Launch price was $1,723.

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Processing Power

Both the Xeon E5-2620 v4 and Xeon E5-2680 share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2620 v4 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2680 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-2680 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Xeon E5-2620 v4 uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5-2680 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2620 v4 scores 9,255 against the Xeon E5-2680's 9,289 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E5-2680. L3 cache: 20 MB on the Xeon E5-2620 v4 vs 20 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2680.

Feature	Xeon E5-2620 v4	Xeon E5-2680
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	8 / 16
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.5 GHz+17%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.7 GHz+29%
L3 Cache	20 MB	20 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Broadwell (2015−2019)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	9,255	9,289

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2620 v4 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2680 — the Xeon E5-2620 v4 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2620 v4 supports up to 1536 GB of RAM compared to 384 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 40 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2620 v4) and Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2680).

Feature	Xeon E5-2620 v4	Xeon E5-2680
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+33%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	1536 GB+300%	384 GB
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	40

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-2620 v4 was priced at $417, while the Xeon E5-2680 came in at $3226. On launch pricing ($417 vs $3226), Xeon E5-2620 v4 was $2809 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2620 v4 delivers 22.2 pts/$ vs 2.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2680 — making the Xeon E5-2620 v4 the 154.1% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-2620 v4	Xeon E5-2680
MSRP	$417-87%	$3226
Performance per Dollar	22.2+666%	2.9
Release Date	2016	2012

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