Xeon E5-2420
Intel
PassMark
5,012
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.
Overview
The Xeon E5-2420 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,012 points. Launch price was $390.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E5-2420 is positioned at rank #556 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 E5-2420
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Xeon E5-2420 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-2420 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Xeon E5-2420 is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.4 GHz from a base frequency of 1.9 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 15360 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 5,012, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Xeon E5-2420 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 6C / 12T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 1.9 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 32 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 15360 kB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256 kB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 294 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 1,270 million |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 7.2 GT/s |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 5,012 |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon E5-2420 fits into the LGA1356 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.
| Specification | Xeon E5-2420 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | server |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA1356 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 2.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 2 |
Power & Cooling
The Xeon E5-2420 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Xeon E5-2420 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 95 Watt |
Value Analysis
It currently holds Rank #556 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1879 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Xeon E5-2420 |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $390 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #556 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1879 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 14 May 2012 (13 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2012 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (12)
AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Xeon E5-2420
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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