Core i3-7350K vs Xeon D-1520

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 i3-7350K vs Xeon D-1520 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 i3-7350K vs Xeon D-1520: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7350K

2017

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 1.5 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 630, while Xeon D-1520 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon D-1520 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,886 vs 4,917).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1520, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $179 MSRP, while Xeon D-1520 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌33.3% higher power demand at 60W vs 45W.

Xeon D-1520

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Draws 45W instead of 60W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7350K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon D-1520 better than Core i3-7350K?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1520 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-7350K 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 D-1520 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.2% 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 D-1520 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Xeon D-1520 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon D-1520 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $179 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-7350K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (27.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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

Core i3-7350K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015) and 166.7% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 1.5 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7350K vs Xeon D-1520 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7350K

The Core i3-7350K 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 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,886 points. Launch price was $179.

Xeon D-1520

The Xeon D-1520 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (per core). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1667. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,917 points. Launch price was $199.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7350K packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon D-1520 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon D-1520 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-7350K versus 2.6 GHz on the Xeon D-1520 — a 47.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-7350K (base: 4.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i3-7350K uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon D-1520 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7350K scores 4,886 against the Xeon D-1520's 4,917 — a 0.6% lead for the Xeon D-1520. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7350K vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1520.

Feature	Core i3-7350K	Xeon D-1520
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+62%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	4.2 GHz+91%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+167%	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	4,886	4,917
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,100	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,298	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,740	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7350K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1520 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-7350K	Xeon D-1520
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA1667
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-7350K) / not specified (Xeon D-1520). The Core i3-7350K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Xeon D-1520 requires a dedicated GPU.