Core 2 Solo SU3500 vs Xeon X5272

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 Solo SU3500 vs Xeon X5272 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 Solo SU3500 vs Xeon X5272: 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 Solo SU3500

2009

Why buy it

✅Costs $910 less on MSRP ($262 MSRP vs $1,172 MSRP).
✅Delivers 352.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 5.6 vs 1.2 PassMark/$ ($262 MSRP vs $1,172 MSRP).
✅Draws 3W instead of 80W, a 77W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Xeon X5272

2007

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,451 vs 1,468).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.2 vs 5.6 PassMark/$ ($1,172 MSRP vs $262 MSRP).
❌2566.7% higher power demand at 80W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Solo SU3500 better than Xeon X5272?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5272 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core 2 Solo SU3500 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Solo SU3500 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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, Core 2 Solo SU3500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.

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

Core 2 Solo SU3500 is the better buy right now. Core 2 Solo SU3500 comes in $910 cheaper on MSRP at $262 MSRP versus $1,172 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 352.6% better value on MSRP (5.6 vs 1.2 PassMark/$), 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 Solo SU3500 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2007). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Solo SU3500 vs Xeon X5272 Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Solo SU3500

The Core 2 Solo SU3500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 5.5 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,468 points. Launch price was $262.

Xeon X5272

The Xeon X5272 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,451 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core 2 Solo SU3500 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core 2 Solo SU3500 scores 1,468 against the Xeon X5272's 1,451 — a 1.2% lead for the Core 2 Solo SU3500. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core 2 Solo SU3500 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X5272.

Feature	Core 2 Solo SU3500	Xeon X5272
Cores / Threads	1 / 1	—
Boost Clock	1.4 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	3.4 GHz+162%
L3 Cache	3 MB	6 MB L2 Cache+100%
L2 Cache	3 MB	—
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	—
PassMark	1,468+1%	1,451

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Solo SU3500 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Xeon X5272 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 2 Solo SU3500	Xeon X5272
Socket	BGA956	LGA771
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR2
Max RAM Capacity	—	128 GB
RAM Channels	—	4
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	0

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core 2 Solo SU3500) / true (Xeon X5272). Primary use case: Xeon X5272 targets Server.

Feature	Core 2 Solo SU3500	Xeon X5272
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true
Target Use	—	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 2 Solo SU3500 was priced at $262, while the Xeon X5272 came in at $1172. On launch pricing ($262 vs $1172), Core 2 Solo SU3500 was $910 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 2 Solo SU3500 delivers 5.6 pts/$ vs 1.2 pts/$ for the Xeon X5272 — making the Core 2 Solo SU3500 the 127.6% better value option.

Feature	Core 2 Solo SU3500	Xeon X5272
MSRP	$262-78%	$1172
Performance per Dollar	5.6+367%	1.2
Release Date	2009	2007

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