Core i3-560 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 i3-560 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 i3-560 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 i3-560

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 73W instead of 80W, a 7W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,642 vs 1,652).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5504, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while Xeon E5504 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5504

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5504 better than Core i3-560?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5504 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-560 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 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Xeon E5504 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E5504 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-560 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

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

Core i3-560 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-560 vs Xeon E5504 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-560

The Core i3-560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.33 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,642 points. Launch price was $190.

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 i3-560 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5504 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5504 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 0.33 GHz on the Core i3-560 versus 2 GHz on the Xeon E5504 — a 143.3% clock advantage for the Xeon E5504 (base: 3.33 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-560 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5504 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-560 scores 1,642 against the Xeon E5504's 1,652 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon E5504. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-560	Xeon E5504
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	0.33 GHz	2 GHz+506%
Base Clock	3.33 GHz+67%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,642	1,652

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-560 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5504 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.