Xeon E5-2697 v2 vs Xeon W-1250P

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 E5-2697 v2 vs Xeon W-1250P 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 E5-2697 v2 vs Xeon W-1250P: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-2697 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅+150% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 12 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Xeon W-1250P

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 125W instead of 130W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (14,259 vs 14,267).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 30 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $311 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2697 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-1250P better than Xeon E5-2697 v2?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon W-1250P is ahead with a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2697 v2 pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Xeon E5-2697 v2 also has the bigger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-2697 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 150% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Xeon W-1250P is the better buy right now. Xeon W-1250P comes in at an unclear MSRP at $311 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-2697 v2 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (45.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 W-1250P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-2697 v2 vs Xeon W-1250P Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-2697 v2

The Xeon E5-2697 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 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 14,267 points. Launch price was $1,723.

Xeon W-1250P

The Xeon W-1250P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 14,259 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2697 v2 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon W-1250P offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2697 v2 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2697 v2 versus 4.8 GHz on the Xeon W-1250P — a 31.3% clock advantage for the Xeon W-1250P (base: 2.7 GHz vs 4.1 GHz). The Xeon E5-2697 v2 is built on the Ivy Bridge-EP (2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2697 v2 scores 14,267 against the Xeon W-1250P's 14,259 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon E5-2697 v2. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2697 v2 vs 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon W-1250P.

Feature	Xeon E5-2697 v2	Xeon W-1250P
Cores / Threads	12 / 24+100%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	4.8 GHz+37%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	4.1 GHz+52%
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)+150%	12 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-EP (2013)	—
PassMark	14,267	14,259

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2697 v2 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-1250P uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.