Core i5-2380P vs Xeon W3580

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 i5-2380P vs Xeon W3580 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 i5-2380P vs Xeon W3580: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2380P

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $117 less on MSRP ($177 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 66.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.5 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 130W, a 35W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon W3580.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W3580 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,636 vs 3,638).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W3580, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon W3580

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2380P.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W3580 better than Core i5-2380P?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3580 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-2380P 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 W3580 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.2% 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 W3580 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon W3580 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon W3580 comes in 66.1% more expensive on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2380P only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 66.0% better value on paper (20.5 vs 12.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i5-2380P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2380P vs Xeon W3580 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2380P

The Core i5-2380P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,636 points. Launch price was $180.

Xeon W3580

The Xeon W3580 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 August 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,638 points. Launch price was $215.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2380P packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon W3580's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-2380P versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon W3580 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Xeon W3580 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i5-2380P uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon W3580 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2380P scores 3,636 against the Xeon W3580's 3,638 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon W3580. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2380P vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W3580.

Feature	Core i5-2380P	Xeon W3580
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.6 GHz+6%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	3.33 GHz+7%
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	3,636	3,638
Geekbench 6 Single	624	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2380P uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon W3580 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2380P	Xeon W3580
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-2380P) / not specified (Xeon W3580). Primary use case: Core i5-2380P targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2380P rivals FX-4100.

Feature	Core i5-2380P	Xeon W3580
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	—
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2380P was priced at $177, while the Xeon W3580 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($177 vs $294), Core i5-2380P was $117 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2380P delivers 20.5 pts/$ vs 12.4 pts/$ for the Xeon W3580 — making the Core i5-2380P the 49.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2380P	Xeon W3580
MSRP	$177-40%	$294
Performance per Dollar	20.5+65%	12.4
Release Date	2012	2009

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