Core i5-1035G7 vs Xeon E5-2660

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 i5-1035G7 vs Xeon E5-2660 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 i5-1035G7 vs Xeon E5-2660: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-1035G7

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 95W, a 80W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Plus Graphics G7, while Xeon E5-2660 needs a discrete GPU.
✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2660 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,008 vs 8,067).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2660, which brings 8 cores / 16 threads and 40 PCIe lanes.

Xeon E5-2660

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 16 threads, plus 40 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $1,329 MSRP, while Core i5-1035G7 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌533.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-1035G7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2660 better than Core i5-1035G7?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2660 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-1035G7 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 E5-2660 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.9% 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 E5-2660 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 233.3% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2660 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2660 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,329 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-1035G7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012) and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-1035G7 vs Xeon E5-2660 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-1035G7

The Core i5-1035G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Ice Lake (Client) (2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1526. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,008 points. Launch price was $309.

Xeon E5-2660

The Xeon E5-2660 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 20480 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,067 points. Launch price was $85.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-1035G7 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2660 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Xeon E5-2660 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-1035G7 versus 3 GHz on the Xeon E5-2660 — a 20.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-1035G7 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-1035G7 uses the Ice Lake (Client) (2019) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E5-2660 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-1035G7 scores 8,008 against the Xeon E5-2660's 8,067 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon E5-2660. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-1035G7 vs 20480 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2660.

Feature	Core i5-1035G7	Xeon E5-2660
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 16+100%
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+23%	3 GHz
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	2.2 GHz+83%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	20480 kB (total)+233%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm-69%	32 nm
Architecture	Ice Lake (Client) (2019)	Sandy Bridge-EP (2012)
PassMark	8,008	8,067
Geekbench 6 Single	1,515	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-1035G7 uses the FCBGA1526 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2660 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR4-3733 on the Core i5-1035G7 versus DDR3-1600 on the Xeon E5-2660 — the Core i5-1035G7 supports 133.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2660 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-1035G7) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2660). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-1035G7) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2660) — the Xeon E5-2660 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-1035G7	Xeon E5-2660
Socket	FCBGA1526	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR4-3733+133%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	384 GB+500%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-1035G7) / not specified (Xeon E5-2660). The Core i5-1035G7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Plus Graphics G7), while the Xeon E5-2660 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-1035G7 targets Premium Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-1035G7 rivals Ryzen 7 3700U.