Core i3-370M vs Xeon W3505

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 i3-370M vs Xeon W3505 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 i3-370M vs Xeon W3505: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-370M

2010

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Xeon W3505 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌293.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 130W.

Xeon W3505

2009

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 130W instead of 512W, a 382W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,163 vs 1,170).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-370M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-370M better than Xeon W3505?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3505 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-370M 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 i3-370M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i3-370M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-370M still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-370M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-370M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-370M vs Xeon W3505 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-370M

The Core i3-370M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,170 points. Launch price was $245.

Xeon W3505

The Xeon W3505 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 0.53 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 1,163 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-370M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon W3505's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-370M versus 0.53 GHz on the Xeon W3505 — a 127.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-370M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Core i3-370M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon W3505 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-370M scores 1,170 against the Xeon W3505's 1,163 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-370M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-370M vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon W3505.

Feature	Core i3-370M	Xeon W3505
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+353%	0.53 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.53 GHz+5%
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	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	1,170	1,163
Geekbench 6 Single	315	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	700	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-370M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon W3505 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-370M	Xeon W3505
Socket	PGA988	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-370M) / not specified (Xeon W3505). The Core i3-370M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Xeon W3505 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-370M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-370M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.