Xeon E5-2658 v4 vs Xeon Silver 4123

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 E5-2658 v4 vs Xeon Silver 4123 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 E5-2658 v4 vs Xeon Silver 4123: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2658 v4

2016

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+218.2% larger total L3 cache (35 MB vs 11 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon Silver 4123

2018

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2658 v4 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (14,405 vs 14,434).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (11 MB vs 35 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2658 v4 better than Xeon Silver 4123?

Yes. Xeon E5-2658 v4 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.7% 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 E5-2658 v4 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.7% 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 E5-2658 v4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 28 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 218.2% larger total L3 cache (35 MB vs 11 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2658 v4 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5-2658 v4 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon Silver 4123 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2658 v4 vs Xeon Silver 4123 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2658 v4

The Xeon E5-2658 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 14 cores and 28 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 35 MB. L2 cache: 3.5 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCLGA2011-3. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 14,434 points. Launch price was $1,832.

Xeon Silver 4123

The Xeon Silver 4123 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 11 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 14,405 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2658 v4 packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Xeon Silver 4123 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2658 v4 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2658 v4 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon Silver 4123 — a 32.7% clock advantage for the Xeon Silver 4123. The Xeon E5-2658 v4 is built on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2658 v4 scores 14,434 against the Xeon Silver 4123's 14,405 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E5-2658 v4. L3 cache: 35 MB on the Xeon E5-2658 v4 vs 11 MB on the Xeon Silver 4123.

Feature	Xeon E5-2658 v4	Xeon Silver 4123
Cores / Threads	14 / 28+75%	8 / 16
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	3.2 GHz+39%
Base Clock	—	3 GHz
L3 Cache	35 MB+218%	11 MB
L2 Cache	3.5 MB	—
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Broadwell (2015−2019)	—
PassMark	14,434	14,405

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2658 v4 uses the FCLGA2011-3 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon Silver 4123 uses LGA3647 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.