Xeon E5-2623 v4 vs Xeon X5680

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 E5-2623 v4 vs Xeon X5680 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 E5-2623 v4 vs Xeon X5680: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2623 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 85W instead of 130W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,868 vs 6,910).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (10 MB vs 12 MB).

Xeon X5680

2010

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $450 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2623 v4 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌52.9% higher power demand at 130W vs 85W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5680 better than Xeon E5-2623 v4?

Yes. Xeon X5680 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon X5680 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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 X5680 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 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 X5680 is the better buy right now. Xeon X5680 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $450 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (15.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 E5-2623 v4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2623 v4 vs Xeon X5680 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2623 v4

The Xeon E5-2623 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB. L2 cache: 1 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: 6,868 points. Launch price was $444.

Xeon X5680

The Xeon X5680 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,910 points. Launch price was $172.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2623 v4 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon X5680 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon X5680 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-2623 v4 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon X5680 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Xeon X5680 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Xeon E5-2623 v4 uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5680 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2623 v4 scores 6,868 against the Xeon X5680's 6,910 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon X5680. L3 cache: 10 MB on the Xeon E5-2623 v4 vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5680.

Feature	Xeon E5-2623 v4	Xeon X5680
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.33 GHz+28%
L3 Cache	10 MB	12 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Broadwell (2015−2019)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	6,868	6,910

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2623 v4 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5680 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Xeon E5-2623 v4	Xeon X5680
Socket	LGA2011	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-2623 v4) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5680). Primary use case: Xeon X5680 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5680 rivals Core i7-980X.