Core 2 Duo E8700 vs Xeon X5472

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.

Core 2 Duo E8700 vs Xeon X5472 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core 2 Duo E8700 vs Xeon X5472: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core 2 Duo E8700

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 120W, a 55W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,212 vs 2,243).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5472, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $256 MSRP, while Xeon X5472 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X5472

2007

Why buy it

✅+1.4% higher PassMark.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌84.6% higher power demand at 120W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E8700 better than Xeon X5472?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5472 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core 2 Duo E8700 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X5472 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core 2 Duo E8700 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Duo E8700 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $256 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon X5472 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.4% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core 2 Duo E8700 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core 2 Duo E8700 vs Xeon X5472 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core 2 Duo E8700

The Core 2 Duo E8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,212 points. Launch price was $249.

Xeon X5472

The Xeon X5472 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,243 points. Launch price was $958.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo E8700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon X5472 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon X5472 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E8700 versus 3 GHz on the Xeon X5472 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E8700 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core 2 Duo E8700 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Xeon X5472 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E8700 scores 2,212 against the Xeon X5472's 2,243 — a 1.4% lead for the Xeon X5472.

Feature	Core 2 Duo E8700	Xeon X5472
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+17%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+17%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	—	12 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark	2,212	2,243+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo E8700 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon X5472 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.