CPU
GPU
Xeon E5-2660 v2
Core i5-9600
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E5-2660 v2 is positioned at rank #931 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2660 v2
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-9600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-2660 v2 | Core i5-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($129) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($219) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-2660 v2 | Core i5-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+70%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($129) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($219) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Xeon E5-2660 v2 and Core i5-9600
Xeon E5-2660 v2
The Xeon E5-2660 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 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 25 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: 10,353 points. Launch price was $850.
Core i5-9600
The Core i5-9600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 10,313 points. Launch price was $213.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-2660 v2 packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i5-9600 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Xeon E5-2660 v2 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 v2 versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-9600 — a 42.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-9600 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Xeon E5-2660 v2 uses the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-9600 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2660 v2 scores 10,353 against the Core i5-9600's 10,313 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E5-2660 v2. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660 v2 vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9600.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 v2 | Core i5-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20+67% | 6 / 6 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 4.6 GHz+53% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 3.1 GHz+41% |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+178% | 9 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 10,353 | 10,313 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,443 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-2660 v2 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-9600 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Xeon E5-2660 v2 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9600 — the Core i5-9600 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2660 v2 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Xeon E5-2660 v2) vs 2 (Core i5-9600). PCIe lanes: 40 (Xeon E5-2660 v2) vs 16 (Core i5-9600) — the Xeon E5-2660 v2 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel X79,Intel C602 (Xeon E5-2660 v2) and B360,H370,H310,Q370,Z390,B365 (Core i5-9600).
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 v2 | Core i5-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1866 | DDR4-2666+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 768 GB+500% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+150% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Xeon E5-2660 v2) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-9600). The Core i5-9600 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5-2660 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-9600 rivals Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 v2 | Core i5-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-2660 v2 launched at $1393 MSRP, while the Core i5-9600 debuted at $224. At current prices ($129 vs $219), the Xeon E5-2660 v2 is $90 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2660 v2 delivers 80.3 pts/$ vs 47.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-9600 — making the Xeon E5-2660 v2 the 52.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2660 v2 | Core i5-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1393 | $224-84% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $129-41% | $219 |
| Performance per Dollar | 80.3+70% | 47.1 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2019 |
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