Best Xeon CPUs of 2025

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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Xeon CPUs are high-performance processors designed for servers and workstations. They are manufactured by Intel and are known for their reliability, scalability, and security features. Xeon CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from running large databases and virtual machines to scientific research and artificial intelligence. They come in a variety of models, each with different specifications and capabilities, allowing users to choose the best processor for their specific needs. Xeon CPUs are a popular choice for businesses and organisations that require powerful and dependable computing solutions.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Noctua NH-D9DX i4 Premium CPU Cooler Cover #TOP 1
Noctua NH-D9DX i4 Premium CPU Cooler
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Intel Xeon E5-2697 v2 Twelve-Core Processor Cover #TOP 2
Intel Xeon E5-2697 v2 Twelve-Core Processor
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Intel Xeon E5-2697 v3 Fourteen-Core Processor Cover #TOP 3
Intel Xeon E5-2697 v3 Fourteen-Core Processor
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Top 10 Xeon CPUs

#TOP 1

Noctua NH-D9DX i4 Premium CPU Cooler

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Noctua NH-D9DX i4 Premium CPU Cooler Cover
Noctua NH-D9DX i4 3U, Premium CPU Cooler for Intel Xeon LGA20xx (92mm, Brown)

The Noctua NH-D9DX i4 offers a compact dual-tower design that delivers strong cooling performance while maintaining excellent compatibility with cases, RAM, and PCIe slots. Standing at just 110mm tall, it is perfect for HTPCs, ITX, and Small Form Factor builds, ensuring that it does not overhang the RAM or PCIe slots on most motherboards. The highly optimised NF-A9 92mm fan features PWM support and a Low-Noise Adaptor, allowing for automatic speed control and ultra-quiet operation. This makes it ideal for users who value a silent computing environment.

What We Like
Compact dual-tower design
Excellent RAM and PCIe compatibility
Ultra-quiet operation
Optimised fan with speed control
#TOP 2

Intel Xeon E5-2697 v2 Twelve-Core Processor

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Intel Xeon E5-2697 v2 Twelve-Core Processor Cover
Intel Xeon E5-2697 v2 Twelve-Core Processor 2.7GHz 8.0GT/s 30MB LGA 2011 CPU BX80635E52697V2 (Renewed)

The Intel Xeon E5-2697 v2 is a powerful twelve-core processor with a clock speed of 2.7 GHz, ideal for demanding applications. The 30MB cache enhances performance by allowing quicker access to frequently used data, improving overall efficiency. With a maximum turbo frequency of 3.5 GHz, you can expect faster processing times when needed, making it suitable for intensive tasks. This CPU operates on the LGA 2011 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of motherboards, giving you flexibility in your system build.

What We Like
High core count for multitasking
Fast clock speed and turbo boost
Large 30MB cache
Compatible with LGA 2011 socket
#TOP 3

Intel Xeon E5-2697 v3 Fourteen-Core Processor

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Intel Xeon E5-2697 v3 Fourteen-Core Processor Cover
INTEL CM8064401807100 Xeon E5-2697 v3 Fourteen-Core Haswell Processor 2.6GHz 9.6GT/s 35MB LGA 2011-v3 CPU, OEM OEM (Certified Refurbished)

The Intel Xeon E5-2697 v3 is a powerful fourteen-core processor, operating at a speed of 2.6 GHz. With its impressive 9.6 GT/s throughput, you can expect swift data transfer and efficient multitasking. Weighing only 1.0 pound, this processor is lightweight, making it easy to handle and install. The 35 MB cache enhances performance by allowing quicker access to frequently used data, ensuring that your computing tasks are completed promptly. This combination of features makes the Intel Xeon E5-2697 v3 an excellent choice for demanding applications.

What We Like
High core count for multitasking
Fast 2.6 GHz processing speed
Lightweight and easy to install
Large 35 MB cache
#TOP 4

Noctua NH-U14S DX-4677 CPU Cooler for Xeon

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Noctua NH-U14S DX-4677 CPU Cooler for Xeon Cover
Noctua NH-U14S DX-4677, Premium CPU Cooler for Intel Xeon LGA4677 (140mm, Brown)

The Noctua NH-U14S Cooler is designed for exceptional performance in noise-sensitive environments, featuring six heatpipes and two premium 140mm fans. This combination ensures superb cooling efficiency, keeping your workstation quiet, which is particularly beneficial during tasks like audio or video production. With support for the LGA4677 socket, it is compatible with a range of Intel Xeon processors. Additionally, the award-winning NF-A15 fans offer automatic speed control, maintaining silence when idle and ramping up performance when needed, providing you with peace of mind and reliability.

What We Like
Exceptional cooling efficiency
Quiet operation for sensitive tasks
Compatible with various Xeon processors
Automatic fan speed control
Easy installation with included tools
#TOP 5

Intel Xeon E5-2640 v4 2.40 GHz Processor

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Intel Xeon E5-2640 v4 2.40 GHz Processor Cover
Intel BX80660E52640V4 CPU/Xeon E5-2640 v4 2.40 GHz Processor Box - Blue

The Intel Xeon E5-2640 v4 is a powerful processor designed for demanding tasks. With a frequency of 2.20 GHz and a 14 nm lithography, it delivers efficient performance for various applications. You will appreciate the impressive memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, which ensures smooth multitasking and data handling. The support for AVX 2.0 instruction sets enhances the processing capabilities, making it ideal for applications requiring high computational power. Additionally, Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 automatically increases performance when needed, giving you a seamless computing experience.

What We Like
High processing speed
Efficient multitasking capabilities
Advanced instruction set support
Automatic performance boosts
#TOP 6

Intel Xeon E5-2697V2 12-Core Processor

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Intel Xeon E5-2697V2 12-Core Processor Cover
Intel Xeon E5-2697V2 CPU (2.7GHz, 12 Core, 24 Threads, 30MB Cache, LGA (Refurbished)

The Intel Xeon E5-2697V2 is a powerful computer processor designed for demanding tasks. With a clock speed of 2.7GHz and 12 cores, it offers excellent performance for multitasking and heavy applications. The 24 threads enhance the processor's ability to handle multiple processes simultaneously, ensuring smooth operation. Additionally, the 30MB cache allows for quicker access to frequently used data, making your computing experience faster and more efficient.

What We Like
High core count for multitasking
Fast 2.7GHz clock speed
Large 30MB cache
Efficient performance for heavy tasks
#TOP 7

Intel Xeon E5-2650 v2 8-Core CPU

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Intel Xeon E5-2650 v2 8-Core CPU Cover
INTEL XEON 8 CORE CPU E5-2650 V2 20M CACHE 2.60 GHZ SR1A8 (Renewed)

The Intel Xeon E5-2650 is a Certified Refurbished eight-core processor operating at 2.6 GHz. This means you can expect excellent performance, especially for demanding applications such as video editing or server tasks. The 20MB cache enhances data access speeds, making your system more responsive. With a robust core count, this CPU is ideal for multitasking and heavy workloads, ensuring you can run multiple applications smoothly without lag. Its LGA 2011 socket compatibility allows for easy integration into existing systems.

What We Like
High-performance eight-core processing
Fast clock speed of 2.6 GHz
Large 20MB cache
Ideal for multitasking
Easy system integration
#TOP 8

Noctua NH-U12S DX-4189 CPU Cooler for Xeon

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Noctua NH-U12S DX-4189 CPU Cooler for Xeon Cover
Noctua NH-U12S DX-4189, Premium CPU Cooler for Intel Xeon LGA4189 (120mm, Brown)

The Noctua NH-U12S Cooler offers impressive cooling efficiency with its five heatpipes and premium 120mm fans. Its slim design ensures high compatibility, making it perfect for quiet workstations in noise-sensitive environments like audio-visual and engineering applications. The cooler supports LGA4189-4 sockets, catering to 3rd generation Intel Xeon processors. With its dual NF-A12x25 fans in a push/pull configuration, you can enjoy silent operation during idle times and full performance when needed, ensuring your system runs optimally.

What We Like
Excellent cooling efficiency
Quiet operation in sensitive environments
High compatibility with various sockets
Automatic speed control for fans
#TOP 9

Noctua NH-D9 DX-4677 CPU Cooler for Intel Xeon

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Noctua NH-D9 DX-4677 CPU Cooler for Intel Xeon Cover
Noctua NH-D9 DX-4677 4U, Premium CPU Cooler for Intel Xeon LGA4677 (Brown)

The Noctua NH-D9 CPU Cooler offers a compact design, measuring only 92mm in size and 134mm in height, ensuring excellent compatibility with PCIe slots and support for 4U servers. It features four heatpipes and a dual tower design, providing high cooling performance to keep your system running smoothly. With two award-winning NF-A9 fans, you can enjoy silent operation at idle and full cooling power when needed. The cooler also comes with pre-applied thermal compound and a straightforward installation process, making it convenient for you to set up.

What We Like
Excellent PCIe compatibility
High cooling performance
Quiet operation
Easy installation
#TOP 10

Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 18-Core Processor

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Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 18-Core Processor Cover
Intel BX80660E52690V4 CPU/Xeon E5-2690 v4 2.60 GHz Processor Box - Blue

The Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 offers impressive performance with its 2.3GHz eighteen-core design, making it ideal for multitasking and demanding applications. With a substantial 45 MB Intel Smart Cache, you can expect faster data access speeds, which helps enhance overall system efficiency. The processor's QPI speed of 9.6 GT/s ensures quick communication between the CPU and other components, providing seamless performance. Supporting DDR4 memory types up to 2400 MHz, this CPU allows for greater memory bandwidth, improving your system's responsiveness and capability.

What We Like
High core count for multitasking
Large Smart Cache improves speed
Fast QPI communication
Supports high-speed DDR4 memory
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a Xeon better than an i7?

Xeon processors support error checking and correcting memory so are more stable and less prone to data corruption due to memory errors, whereas i7 processors do not, so in this scenario a Xeon based workstation will be far more preferable than an i7 processor based one.

2. What is Xeon CPU good for?

Intel Xeon is practically built for workstation computers. The large number of cores and advanced RAM functions give it enough processing power and speed to handle the most intensive creative applications, from computer-aided design (CAD) to 4K video editing to 3D rendering.

3. What is Xeon CPUs?

A Xeon processor is an Intel CPU designed and manufactured primarily for use in high-end military and industrial servers and workstations.

4. Is Xeon CPU good for gaming?

Xeon processors can be used for gaming. They are even considered overkill by many because of the number of cores and threads they possess. However, they are not the best processors for gaming for some reasons.

Editor's Notes

During our xeon cpu research, we found 97 xeon cpu products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,296 customer reviews through our big data system to write the xeon cpus list. We found that most customers choose xeon cpus with an average price of £112.49.

The xeon cpus are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of xeon cpus, including Noctua, Intel. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 383 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Tom Law Avatar

Tom Law is an adventurer who has captured his love for nature into all of his works. A native of Newcastle, Tom has always wanted to share beautiful stories alongside the lovely sights of nature. Fortunately, he took into photography on one of his many journeys and gradually grew a passion for it. Tom Law is now an expert photographer who tours the world while creating and keeping memories of his adventures. He frequently puts his thoughts and experiences into writing.