Core 2 Duo T7700 vs Xeon E5520

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 T7700 vs Xeon E5520 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 T7700 vs Xeon E5520: 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 T7700

2007

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 4W instead of 80W, a 76W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5520 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5520, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon E5520

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,541 vs 2,554).
❌1900% higher power demand at 80W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T7700 better than Xeon E5520?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5520 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core 2 Duo T7700 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, Core 2 Duo T7700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo T7700 still makes the most sense overall. Core 2 Duo T7700 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark.

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

Xeon E5520 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 T7700 vs Xeon E5520 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Duo T7700

The Core 2 Duo T7700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,554 points. Launch price was $307.

Xeon E5520

The Xeon E5520 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 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,541 points. Launch price was $19.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Duo T7700 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon E5520 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon E5520 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7700 versus 2.53 GHz on the Xeon E5520 — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Xeon E5520 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T7700 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Xeon E5520 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T7700 scores 2,554 against the Xeon E5520's 2,541 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 2 Duo T7700. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T7700 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E5520.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T7700	Xeon E5520
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.53 GHz+5%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+6%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	65 nm	45 nm-31%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,554	2,541
Geekbench 6 Single	254	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Duo T7700 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon E5520 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Duo T7700	Xeon E5520
Socket	PGA478	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-667	—
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7700) / not specified (Xeon E5520). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T7700 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T7700 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5000+.