Xeon E5-2640 v2 vs Xeon E5-2650L v2

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 E5-2640 v2 vs Xeon E5-2650L v2 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 E5-2640 v2 vs Xeon E5-2650L v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2640 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 25 MB).
❌35.7% higher power demand at 95W vs 70W.

Xeon E5-2650L v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+25% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Draws 70W instead of 95W, a 25W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,612 vs 7,625).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2640 v2 better than Xeon E5-2650L v2?

Yes. Xeon E5-2640 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-2640 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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 E5-2640 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Xeon E5-2640 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2640 v2 comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $4,115 MSRP versus $4,115 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 0.2% better value on MSRP (1.9 vs 1.8 PassMark/$), 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 E5-2650L v2 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Xeon E5-2640 v2 vs Xeon E5-2650L v2 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2640 v2

The Xeon E5-2640 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,625 points. Launch price was $728.

Xeon E5-2650L v2

The Xeon E5-2650L v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 70 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,612 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2640 v2 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon E5-2650L v2 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Xeon E5-2650L v2 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2640 v2 versus 2.1 GHz on the Xeon E5-2650L v2 — a 17.4% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-2640 v2 (base: 2 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2640 v2 scores 7,625 against the Xeon E5-2650L v2's 7,612 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E5-2640 v2. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2640 v2 vs 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2650L v2.

Feature	Xeon E5-2640 v2	Xeon E5-2650L v2
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	10 / 20+25%
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+19%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz+18%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)	25 MB (total)+25%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)
PassMark	7,625	7,612

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 5.0.

Feature	Xeon E5-2640 v2	Xeon E5-2650L v2
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	768 GB	—
RAM Channels	4	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	40	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-2640 v2 was priced at $4115, while the Xeon E5-2650L v2 came in at $4115. On launch pricing ($4115 vs $4115), Xeon E5-2650L v2 was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2640 v2 delivers 1.9 pts/$ vs 1.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2650L v2 — making the Xeon E5-2640 v2 the 0.2% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-2640 v2	Xeon E5-2650L v2
MSRP	$4115	$4115
Performance per Dollar	1.9+6%	1.8
Release Date	2013	2013

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