Xeon E5-2697A v4 vs Core 5 120
Xeon E5-2697A v4
Core 5 120
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. 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 E5-2697A v4
Performance Per Dollar Core 5 120
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-2697A v4 | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($121) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($340) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-2697A v4 | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+181%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($121) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($340) |
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 E5-2697A v4 and Core 5 120
Xeon E5-2697A v4
The Xeon E5-2697A 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 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 40 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 145 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 21,621 points. Launch price was $2,891.
Core 5 120
The Core 5 120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 21,629 points. Launch price was $211.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-2697A v4 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Core 5 120 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2697A v4 has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-2697A v4 versus 4.5 GHz on the Core 5 120 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core 5 120 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Xeon E5-2697A v4 uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 5 120 uses Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-2697A v4 scores 21,621 against the Core 5 120's 21,629 — a 0% lead for the Core 5 120. L3 cache: 40 MB on the Xeon E5-2697A v4 vs 18 MB (total) on the Core 5 120.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2697A v4 | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32+167% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.5 GHz+25% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz+4% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 40 MB+122% | 18 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+220% | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Broadwell (2015−2019) | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) |
| PassMark | 21,621 | 21,629 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-2697A v4 uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 5 120 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2697A v4 | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-2697A v4 launched at $2891 MSRP, while the Core 5 120 debuted at $340. At current prices ($121 vs $340), the Xeon E5-2697A v4 is $219 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-2697A v4 delivers 178.7 pts/$ vs 63.6 pts/$ for the Core 5 120 — making the Xeon E5-2697A v4 the 95% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-2697A v4 | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $2891 | $340-88% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $121-64% | $340 |
| Performance per Dollar | 178.7+181% | 63.6 |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2025 |
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