Core i3-7020U vs Xeon E5450

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 i3-7020U vs Xeon E5450 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 i3-7020U vs Xeon E5450: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7020U

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 80W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5450 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,567 vs 2,581).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5450, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.

Xeon E5450

2007

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.

Trade-offs

❌433.3% higher power demand at 80W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5450 better than Core i3-7020U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5450 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-7020U 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 E5450 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.3% 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 E5450 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 E5450 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5450 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-7020U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7020U vs Xeon E5450 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7020U

The Core i3-7020U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,567 points. Launch price was $281.

Xeon E5450

The Xeon E5450 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): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,581 points. Launch price was $915.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7020U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5450 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5450 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Core i3-7020U versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5450 — a 26.4% clock advantage for the Xeon E5450 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-7020U uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5450 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7020U scores 2,567 against the Xeon E5450's 2,581 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5450. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7020U vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5450.

Feature	Core i3-7020U	Xeon E5450
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	3 GHz+30%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	3 GHz+30%
L3 Cache	3 MB	12 MB L2 Cache+300%
L2 Cache	512 kB	6 MB (total)+1100%
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark	2,567	2,581

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7020U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5450 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.