Core i3-5157U vs Xeon X3380

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 i3-5157U vs Xeon X3380 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 i3-5157U vs Xeon X3380: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-5157U

2015

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Graphics 6100, while Xeon X3380 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3380 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Xeon X3380

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,568 vs 2,593).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-5157U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-5157U better than Xeon X3380?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3380 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-5157U is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-5157U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-5157U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-5157U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark.

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

Core i3-5157U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-5157U vs Xeon X3380 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-5157U

The Core i3-5157U 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,593 points. Launch price was $315.

Xeon X3380

The Xeon X3380 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 3.16 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,568 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-5157U is built on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-5157U scores 2,593 against the Xeon X3380's 2,568 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-5157U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-5157U vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X3380.

Feature	Core i3-5157U	Xeon X3380
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.16 GHz+26%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	12 MB L2 Cache+300%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	—
PassMark	2,593	2,568
Geekbench 6 Single	793	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-5157U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X3380 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-5157U	Xeon X3380
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-1866	—
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, EPT (Core i3-5157U) / not specified (Xeon X3380). The Core i3-5157U includes integrated graphics (Iris Graphics 6100), while the Xeon X3380 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5157U targets Premium Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-5157U rivals A12-8800B.