Core i3-5020U
VS
Xeon E5462

Core i3-5020U vs Xeon E5462

Intel

Core i3-5020U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2015
VS
Intel

Xeon E5462

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2007

Performance Spectrum - CPU

About PassMark

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-5020U is positioned at rank 598 and the Xeon E5462 is on rank 955, so the Core i3-5020U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-5020U

#184
Core Ultra 7 266V
MSRP: $520|Avg: $520
100%
#185
Ryzen 7 5825C
MSRP: $400|Avg: $400
98%
#586
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
789%
#587
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
777%
#588
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
713%
#589
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
710%
#590
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
704%
#592
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
680%
#593
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
652%
#594
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
651%
#595
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
633%
#598
Core i3-5020U
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#608
Ryzen AI 5 330
MSRP: $350|Avg: $350
98%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5462

#1
Xeon Platinum 8454H
MSRP: $6540|Avg: N/A
32121%
#6
Xeon Gold 6240R
MSRP: $2444|Avg: N/A
6065%
#10
Xeon 6337P
MSRP: $60|Avg: $5
5388%
#15
EPYC 9174F
MSRP: $194|Avg: $30
4163%
#529
Xeon Max 9480
MSRP: $12980|Avg: $12980
99%
#530
Xeon E5-2689 v4
MSRP: $2723|Avg: $100
97%
#531
EPYC 7543
MSRP: $10257|Avg: $468
95%
#532
Xeon Platinum 8368Q
MSRP: $7719|Avg: $7719
94%
#533
Xeon Gold 6250
MSRP: $3400|Avg: $2000
93%
#534
Xeon E5-2699 v4
MSRP: $4115|Avg: $400
93%
#955
Xeon E5462
MSRP: $342|Avg: $45
100%
#958
Xeon E5-4650 v2
MSRP: $1723|Avg: $48
98%
#959
Xeon E5-1620 v4
MSRP: $1166|Avg: $160
97%
#963
Xeon E5-2660
MSRP: $1329|Avg: $65
94%
#964
Xeon E5-2667 v3
MSRP: $2057|Avg: $150
94%
#966
Xeon E3110
MSRP: $214|Avg: $158
94%
#969
Xeon L3406
MSRP: $189|Avg: $30
90%
#970
Xeon E5-2687W v2
MSRP: $2112|Avg: $62
90%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Core i3-5020U (2015) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR3, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightCore i3-5020UXeon E5462
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Better multi-core power
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($45)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-U (2015) / 14 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Harpertown (2007−2008) / 45 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Xeon E5462 (2007) relies on 45 nm technology and **DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard**, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightCore i3-5020UXeon E5462
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
More affordable ($0)
⚠️ Higher cost ($45)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-5020U and Xeon E5462

Intel

Core i3-5020U

The Core i3-5020U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,232 points. Launch price was $281.

Intel

Xeon E5462

The Xeon E5462 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 November 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,213 points. Launch price was $797.

Processing Power

The Core i3-5020U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5462 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5462 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-5020U versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon E5462 — a 24% clock advantage for the Xeon E5462 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-5020U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5462 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5020U scores 2,232 against the Xeon E5462's 2,213 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-5020U. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 600 vs 363, a 49.2% lead for the Core i3-5020U that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,200 vs 1,239 (3.2% advantage for the Xeon E5462). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-5020U vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5462.

FeatureCore i3-5020UXeon E5462
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.2 GHz
2.8 GHz+27%
Base Clock
2.2 GHz
2.8 GHz+27%
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
12 MB L2 Cache+300%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
6 MB (total)+2300%
Process
14 nm-69%
45 nm
Architecture
Broadwell-U (2015)
Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark
2,232
2,213
Geekbench 6 Single
600+65%
363
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,200
1,239+3%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-5020U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5462 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-5020U versus DDR2 on the Xeon E5462 — the Core i3-5020U supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5462 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-5020U) vs 16 (Xeon E5462) — the Xeon E5462 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Broadwell-U (Core i3-5020U) and 5000P,3210,G31,P35 (Xeon E5462).

FeatureCore i3-5020UXeon E5462
Socket
FCBGA1168
LGA771
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-1600+50%
DDR2
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
64 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
12
16+33%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-5020U) vs VT-x (Xeon E5462). The Core i3-5020U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 5500), while the Xeon E5462 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5020U targets Mainstream Laptop, Xeon E5462 targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon E5462 rivals Athlon 64 X2 4000+.

FeatureCore i3-5020UXeon E5462
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 5500
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x
Target Use
Mainstream Laptop
Server