Core 2 Duo T5670 vs Xeon W5580

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 T5670 vs Xeon W5580 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 T5670 vs Xeon W5580: 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 T5670

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 130W, a 128W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W5580 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,440 vs 3,459).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W5580, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon W5580

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +15.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌6400% higher power demand at 130W vs 2W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W5580 better than Core 2 Duo T5670?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W5580 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core 2 Duo T5670 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W5580 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon W5580 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Xeon W5580 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon W5580 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon W5580 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008), 300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Duo T5670 vs Xeon W5580 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T5670

The Core 2 Duo T5670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom-2M (2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 3,440 points. Launch price was $249.

Xeon W5580

The Xeon W5580 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,459 points. Launch price was $102.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T5670 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon W5580 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon W5580 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5670 versus 3.46 GHz on the Xeon W5580 — a 63.1% clock advantage for the Xeon W5580 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5670 uses the Merom-2M (2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Xeon W5580 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5670 scores 3,440 against the Xeon W5580's 3,459 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon W5580. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5670 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W5580.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T5670	Xeon W5580
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz	3.46 GHz+92%
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	3.2 GHz+78%
L3 Cache	2 MB L2 Cache	8 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache	2 MB+700%	256 kB (per core)
Process	65 nm	45 nm-31%
Architecture	Merom-2M (2008)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,440	3,459