Xeon E5-4650 v2 vs Xeon E5-4650 v3

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 E5-4650 v2 vs Xeon E5-4650 v3 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 E5-4650 v2 vs Xeon E5-4650 v3: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-4650 v2

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 95W instead of 105W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (25 MB vs 30 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $1,723 MSRP, while Xeon E5-4650 v3 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-4650 v3

2015

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 25 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (10,838 vs 10,946).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-4650 v2 better than Xeon E5-4650 v3?

Yes. Xeon E5-4650 v2 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E5-4650 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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 E5-4650 v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads.

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

Xeon E5-4650 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-4650 v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,723 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 E5-4650 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014) and 20% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 25 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-4650 v2 vs Xeon E5-4650 v3 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-4650 v2

The Xeon E5-4650 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600, DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 10,946 points. Launch price was $800.

Xeon E5-4650 v3

The Xeon E5-4650 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,838 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-4650 v2 packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Xeon E5-4650 v3 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon E5-4650 v3 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Xeon E5-4650 v2 versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-4650 v3 — a 3.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E5-4650 v2 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Xeon E5-4650 v3 is built on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Xeon E5-4650 v2 scores 10,946 against the Xeon E5-4650 v3's 10,838 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E5-4650 v2. L3 cache: 25 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E5-4650 v2 vs 30 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-4650 v3.

Feature	Xeon E5-4650 v2	Xeon E5-4650 v3
Cores / Threads	10 / 20	12 / 24+20%
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz+4%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+14%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	25 MB Intel® Smart Cache	30 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache	—	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	—	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	10,946	10,838