Core i3-7320 vs Xeon E5640

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 i3-7320 vs Xeon E5640 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 i3-7320 vs Xeon E5640: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7320

2017

Why buy it

✅+1.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 51W instead of 80W, a 29W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Xeon E5640 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon E5640.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5640 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Launch MSRP is still $99 MSRP, while Xeon E5640 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5640

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,755 vs 4,831).
❌56.9% higher power demand at 80W vs 51W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7320 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-7320.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7320 better than Xeon E5640?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5640 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-7320 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 i3-7320 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-7320 is the better buy right now. Core i3-7320 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $99 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5640 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (48.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-7320 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2010). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7320 vs Xeon E5640 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7320

The Core i3-7320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,831 points. Launch price was $157.

Xeon E5640

The Xeon E5640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Passmark benchmark score: 4,755 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7320 is built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-7320 scores 4,831 against the Xeon E5640's 4,755 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i3-7320.

Feature	Core i3-7320	Xeon E5640
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz	—
Base Clock	4.1 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm	—
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	—
PassMark	4,831+2%	4,755
Geekbench 6 Single	1,388	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7320) / not specified (Xeon E5640). The Core i3-7320 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Xeon E5640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7320 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7320 rivals Ryzen 3 1300X.