Core i3-2357M vs Xeon E5504

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 i3-2357M vs Xeon E5504 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 i3-2357M vs Xeon E5504: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2357M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 80W, a 63W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Xeon E5504 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,645 vs 1,652).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5504, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon E5504

2009

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌370.6% higher power demand at 80W vs 17W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2357M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5504 better than Core i3-2357M?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5504 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-2357M 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 E5504 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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 E5504 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon E5504 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5504 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-2357M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-2357M vs Xeon E5504 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2357M

The Core i3-2357M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,645 points. Launch price was $250.

Xeon E5504

The Xeon E5504 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 1,652 points. Launch price was $60.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2357M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5504 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5504 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2357M versus 2 GHz on the Xeon E5504 — a 42.4% clock advantage for the Xeon E5504 (base: 1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-2357M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5504 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2357M scores 1,645 against the Xeon E5504's 1,652 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E5504. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2357M vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon E5504.

Feature	Core i3-2357M	Xeon E5504
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	1.3 GHz	2 GHz+54%
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	2 GHz+54%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,645	1,652
Cinebench R23 Multi	440	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	440	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2357M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5504 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-2357M	Xeon E5504
Socket	BGA1023	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-2357M) / not specified (Xeon E5504). The Core i3-2357M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Xeon E5504 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2357M rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.