Core i3-5020U vs Xeon X5472

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 i3-5020U vs Xeon X5472 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 i3-5020U vs Xeon X5472: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-5020U

2015

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 5500, while Xeon X5472 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,232 vs 2,243).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5472, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌326.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 120W.

Xeon X5472

2007

Why buy it

✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 120W instead of 512W, a 392W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-5020U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5472 better than Core i3-5020U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5472 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-5020U 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 X5472 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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 X5472 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon X5472 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon X5472 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-5020U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-5020U vs Xeon X5472 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon X5472

The Xeon X5472 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,243 points. Launch price was $958.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-5020U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5472 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon X5472 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-5020U versus 3 GHz on the Xeon X5472 — a 30.8% clock advantage for the Xeon X5472 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-5020U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon X5472 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5020U scores 2,232 against the Xeon X5472's 2,243 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon X5472. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-5020U vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X5472.

Feature	Core i3-5020U	Xeon X5472
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	3 GHz+36%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3 GHz+36%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	12 MB L2 Cache+300%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+4167%	6 MB (total)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark	2,232	2,243
Geekbench 6 Single	600	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,200	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-5020U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5472 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-5020U	Xeon X5472
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA771
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-5020U) / not specified (Xeon X5472). The Core i3-5020U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 5500), while the Xeon X5472 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5020U targets Mainstream Laptop.