CPU
GPU
Xeon L5640
Core i7-2600S
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 L5640 is positioned at rank 994 and the Core i7-2600S is on rank 889, so the Core i7-2600S offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Xeon L5640
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon L5640 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($996) | ✅ More affordable ($99) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere-EP (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon L5640 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+901%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($996) | ✅ More affordable ($99) |
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 L5640 and Core i7-2600S
Xeon L5640
The Xeon L5640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,659 points. Launch price was $200.
Core i7-2600S
The Core i7-2600S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,637 points. Launch price was $210.
Processing Power
The Xeon L5640 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-2600S offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon L5640 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Xeon L5640 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S — a 30.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600S (base: 2.26 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Xeon L5640 uses the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-2600S uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon L5640 scores 4,659 against the Core i7-2600S's 4,637 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon L5640. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Xeon L5640 vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600S.
| Feature | Xeon L5640 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12+50% | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.8 GHz+36% |
| Base Clock | 2.26 GHz | 2.8 GHz+24% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total)+50% | 8192 kB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Westmere-EP (2010−2011) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,659 | 4,637 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 630 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon L5640 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-2600S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3 1333 MHz on the Xeon L5640 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600S — the Xeon L5640 supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon L5640 supports up to 288 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 160% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 3 (Xeon L5640) vs 2 (Core i7-2600S). PCIe lanes: 0 (Xeon L5640) vs 16 (Core i7-2600S) — the Core i7-2600S offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 5520,Intel X58 (Xeon L5640) and H61,H67,Z68,B75 (Core i7-2600S).
| Feature | Xeon L5640 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1366 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+150% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3 1333 MHz | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 288 GB+800% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 3+50% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Xeon L5640) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2600S). The Core i7-2600S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Xeon L5640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon L5640 targets Server Low Power, Core i7-2600S targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600S rivals Phenom II X4 910e.
| Feature | Xeon L5640 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Server Low Power | Low Power Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Xeon L5640 launched at $996 MSRP, while the Core i7-2600S debuted at $297.
| Feature | Xeon L5640 | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $996 | $297-70% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $99 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2011 |
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