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Overview

The Xeon E5-2643 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 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: 5,228 points. Launch price was $218.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E5-2643 is positioned at rank #1009 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2643

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

61669%

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

11644%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

10345%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

7992%

#540

Xeon E7-8891 v3

MSRP: $6841|Avg: $418

94%

#541

Xeon E5-4669 v4

MSRP: $7007|Avg: $300

74%

#1009

Xeon E5-2643

MSRP: $1552|Avg: $50

100%

#1010

Xeon E5-2637

MSRP: $885|Avg: $40

100%

#1011

Xeon W3570

MSRP: $999|Avg: $15

97%

#1013

Xeon E5-4620

MSRP: $2141|Avg: $400

92%

#1014

Xeon E5-2680

MSRP: $3226|Avg: $40

85%

#1016

Xeon E5-4640

MSRP: $2725|Avg: N/A

76%

#1018

Xeon E5-4650

MSRP: $3616|Avg: $71

71%

#1019

Xeon E5-4655 v4

MSRP: $4616|Avg: N/A

70%

#1020

Xeon E5-4650L

MSRP: $3616|Avg: N/A

70%

#1021

Xeon E-2224

MSRP: $3226|Avg: $195

66%

#1022

Athlon MP 2400+

MSRP: $151|Avg: $20

60%

#1023

Xeon E5-2650L v2

MSRP: $4115|Avg: $1078

55%

#1024

Xeon E5-2640 v2

MSRP: $4115|Avg: $530

55%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5-2643 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-2643 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E5-2643 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 3.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 10240 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 5,228, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon E5-2643
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	10240 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	8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	5,228

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-2643 fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 5.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Xeon E5-2643
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	server
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2011
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 5.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	2

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5-2643 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Xeon E5-2643
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $50 (MSRP: $1552), the Xeon E5-2643 delivers 105 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1009 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1850 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5-2643
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$1552
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$50
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$218
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1009
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1850
Release DateLaunch date	6 March 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel