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 E5-4650L vs Xeon W-2123 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 E5-4650L vs Xeon W-2123: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Xeon E5-4650L

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅+142.4% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8.3 MB).
✅Draws 115W instead of 120W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.4 vs 29.0 PassMark/$ ($3,616 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon W-2123

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $3,322 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $3,616 MSRP).
✅Delivers 1127.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.0 vs 2.4 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $3,616 MSRP).
✅20% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 40) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,519 vs 8,533).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 20 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W-2123 better than Xeon E5-4650L?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Xeon W-2123 is ahead with a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-4650L pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Xeon E5-4650L also has the bigger cache pool with 142.4% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8.3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5-4650L is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 142.4% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 8.3 MB).

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

Xeon W-2123 is the better buy right now. Xeon W-2123 comes in $3,322 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $3,616 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon E5-4650L is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 1127.9% better value on MSRP (29.0 vs 2.4 PassMark/$), 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-2123 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Xeon E5-4650L vs Xeon W-2123 Technical Specifications

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

Xeon E5-4650L

The Xeon E5-4650L 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,533 points. Launch price was $8,685.

Xeon W-2123

The Xeon W-2123 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400, DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,519 points. Launch price was $294.

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Processing Power

The Xeon E5-4650L packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Xeon W-2123 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon E5-4650L has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E5-4650L versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon W-2123 — a 22.9% clock advantage for the Xeon W-2123 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon E5-4650L uses the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon W-2123 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon E5-4650L scores 8,533 against the Xeon W-2123's 8,519 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E5-4650L. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-4650L vs 8.25 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2123.

Feature	Xeon E5-4650L	Xeon W-2123
Cores / Threads	8 / 16+100%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.9 GHz+26%
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.6 GHz+38%
L3 Cache	20480 kB (total)+142%	8.25 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB (per core)+300%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	8,533	8,519
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,172
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	4,215

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Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-4650L uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon W-2123 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-4650L versus DDR4-2666 on the Xeon W-2123 — the Xeon W-2123 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-2123 supports up to 512 GB of RAM compared to 384 GB — 33.3% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 4-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 40 (Xeon E5-4650L) vs 48 (Xeon W-2123) — the Xeon W-2123 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Xeon E5-4650L	Xeon W-2123
Socket	LGA2011	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2666+67%
Max RAM Capacity	384 GB	512 GB+33%
RAM Channels	4	4
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	40	48+20%

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Advanced Features

Only the Xeon W-2123 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-4650L) vs Yes (Xeon W-2123). Primary use case: Xeon E5-4650L targets Server Low Power.

Feature	Xeon E5-4650L	Xeon W-2123
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes
Target Use	Server Low Power	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Xeon E5-4650L was priced at $3616, while the Xeon W-2123 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($3616 vs $294), Xeon W-2123 was $3322 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon E5-4650L delivers 2.4 pts/$ vs 29.0 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2123 — making the Xeon W-2123 the 169.9% better value option.

Feature	Xeon E5-4650L	Xeon W-2123
MSRP	$3616	$294-92%
Performance per Dollar	2.4	29.0+1108%
Release Date	2012	2017

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