CPU
GPU
Xeon E5-4617
Xeon E5-2658
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. The Xeon E5-4617 is positioned at rank 144 and the Xeon E5-2658 is on rank 699, so the Xeon E5-4617 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-4617
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2658
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon E5-4617 | Xeon E5-2658 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon E5-4617 | Xeon E5-2658 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1055%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($35) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($400) |
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 E5-4617 and Xeon E5-2658
Xeon E5-4617
The Xeon E5-4617 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,298 points. Launch price was $90.
Xeon E5-2658
The Xeon E5-2658 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,232 points. Launch price was $1,462.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-4617 packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Xeon E5-2658 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2658 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Xeon E5-4617 versus 2.4 GHz on the Xeon E5-2658 — a 34.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-4617 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-4617 scores 6,298 against the Xeon E5-2658's 6,232 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon E5-4617. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-4617 vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2658.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4617 | Xeon E5-2658 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 8 / 16+33% |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+42% | 2.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.9 GHz+38% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 15360 kB (total) | 20480 kB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) | Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) |
| PassMark | 6,298+1% | 6,232 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA2011 socket with PCIe 2.0.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4617 | Xeon E5-2658 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 5.0+150% |
Value Analysis
The Xeon E5-4617 launched at $90 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-2658 debuted at $400. At current prices ($35 vs $400), the Xeon E5-4617 is $365 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-4617 delivers 179.9 pts/$ vs 15.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2658 — making the Xeon E5-4617 the 168.1% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon E5-4617 | Xeon E5-2658 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $90-78% | $400 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $35-91% | $400 |
| Performance per Dollar | 179.9+1053% | 15.6 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2012 |
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