Xeon E5-2643 v4 vs Xeon E5-4655 v4

Intel

Xeon E5-2643 v4

6 Cores12 Thrd135 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-4655 v4

8 Cores16 Thrd135 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2016
Similar parts
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Xeon E5-2643 v4 vs Xeon E5-4655 v4 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 E5-2643 v4 vs Xeon E5-4655 v4 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 E5-2643 v4 vs Xeon E5-4655 v4: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2643 v4

2016

Why buy it

  • Costs $3,064 less on MSRP ($1,552 MSRP vs $4,616 MSRP).
  • Delivers 200.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 7.1 vs 2.4 PassMark/$ ($1,552 MSRP vs $4,616 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 30 MB).

Xeon E5-4655 v4

2016

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 20 MB).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (10,912 vs 11,024).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.4 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($4,616 MSRP vs $1,552 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2643 v4 better than Xeon E5-4655 v4?
Yes. Xeon E5-2643 v4 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-2643 v4 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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 E5-2643 v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5-2643 v4 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2643 v4 comes in $3,064 cheaper on MSRP at $1,552 MSRP versus $4,616 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 200.5% better value on MSRP (7.1 vs 2.4 PassMark/$), 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 E5-4655 v4 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Xeon E5-2643 v4 vs Xeon E5-4655 v4 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Xeon E5-2643 v4

The Xeon E5-2643 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 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB. L2 cache: 1.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 11,024 points. Launch price was $1,552.

Intel

Xeon E5-4655 v4

The Xeon E5-4655 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,912 points. Launch price was $4,616.

Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2643 v4 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Xeon E5-4655 v4 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-4655 v4 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E5-2643 v4 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-4655 v4 — a 14.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-2643 v4 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). Both are built on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2643 v4 scores 11,024 against the Xeon E5-4655 v4's 10,912 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E5-2643 v4. L3 cache: 20 MB on the Xeon E5-2643 v4 vs 30 MB on the Xeon E5-4655 v4.

FeatureXeon E5-2643 v4Xeon E5-4655 v4
Cores / Threads
6 / 12
8 / 16+33%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz+16%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.4 GHz+36%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
20 MB
30 MB+50%
L2 Cache
1.5 MB
2 MB+33%
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Broadwell (2015−2019)
Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark
11,024+1%
10,912
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 5.0.

FeatureXeon E5-2643 v4Xeon E5-4655 v4
Socket
LGA2011
LGA2011
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity
1536 GB
RAM Channels
4
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
40
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-2643 v4) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-4655 v4). Primary use case: Xeon E5-4655 v4 targets Server.

FeatureXeon E5-2643 v4Xeon E5-4655 v4
Integrated GPU
No
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Server
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-2643 v4 was priced at $1552, while the Xeon E5-4655 v4 came in at $4616. On launch pricing ($1552 vs $4616), Xeon E5-2643 v4 was $3064 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2643 v4 delivers 7.1 pts/$ vs 2.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-4655 v4 — making the Xeon E5-2643 v4 the 100.1% better value option.

FeatureXeon E5-2643 v4Xeon E5-4655 v4
MSRP
$1552-66%
$4616
Performance per Dollar
7.1+196%
2.4
Release Date
2016
2016

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