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Overview

The Xeon E5-4650 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 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: 8,599 points. Launch price was $799.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Xeon E5-4650 is positioned at rank #1018 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 E5-4650

Xeon Platinum 8454H

MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A

87321%

Xeon Gold 6240R

MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A

16487%

#10

Xeon 6337P

MSRP: $60|Avg: $5

14648%

#15

EPYC 9174F

MSRP: $194|Avg: $30

11316%

#1018

Xeon E5-4650

MSRP: $3616|Avg: $71

100%

#1019

Xeon E5-4655 v4

MSRP: $4616|Avg: N/A

99%

#1020

Xeon E5-4650L

MSRP: $3616|Avg: N/A

99%

#1021

Xeon E-2224

MSRP: $3226|Avg: $195

94%

#1022

Athlon MP 2400+

MSRP: $151|Avg: $20

85%

#1023

Xeon E5-2650L v2

MSRP: $4115|Avg: $1078

78%

#1024

Xeon E5-2640 v2

MSRP: $4115|Avg: $530

78%

#1025

Opteron 142

MSRP: $292|Avg: $20

64%

#1026

Athlon MP 2800+

MSRP: $275|Avg: $10

58%

#1027

Xeon L3110

MSRP: $1000|Avg: $950

56%

#1028

Xeon 2.66

MSRP: $337|Avg: $10

55%

#1029

Xeon X5272

MSRP: $1172|Avg: $76

52%

#1030

Xeon 3.20

MSRP: $851|Avg: $10

29%

#1031

Xeon Platinum 8260L

MSRP: $7500|Avg: $750

29%

#1032

Xeon X5355

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4000

19%

#1033

Xeon E5420

MSRP: $7214|Avg: $6500

12%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Xeon E5-4650 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Xeon E5-4650 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Xeon E5-4650 is a 8-core / 16-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.3 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 20480 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 8,599, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Xeon E5-4650
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 16T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.7 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	20480 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	435 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	2,270 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	8 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	8,599

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Xeon E5-4650 fits into the LGA2011 socket and supports PCIe 5.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Xeon E5-4650
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	4

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Xeon E5-4650 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 E5-4650
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $71 (MSRP: $3616), the Xeon E5-4650 delivers 121 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1018 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1401 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Xeon E5-4650
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$3616
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$71
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$799
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1018
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1401
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