Core i5-3320M vs Xeon E5-2403 v2

CPU

GPU

Core i5-3320M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2012

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Xeon E5-2403 v2

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2013

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Core i5-3320M vs Xeon E5-2403 v2 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-3320M

2 / 4

2,660

0.0%

Core Duo T2400

Pentium Dual Core T2390

2,672

+0.5%

About PassMark

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 i5-3320M vs Xeon E5-2403 v2 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 i5-3320M vs Xeon E5-2403 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3320M

2012

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon E5-2403 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5-2403 v2 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,660 vs 2,672).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 10 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2403 v2, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads and 24 PCIe lanes.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.8 vs 13.9 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).

Xeon E5-2403 v2

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+233.3% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads, plus 24 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅Costs $33 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 17.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.9 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3320M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2403 v2 better than Core i5-3320M?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2403 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-3320M 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 E5-2403 v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.1% 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 E5-2403 v2 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 233.3% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon E5-2403 v2 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2403 v2 comes in $33 cheaper on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 17.7% better value on MSRP (13.9 vs 11.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E5-2403 v2 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012), 233.3% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3320M vs Xeon E5-2403 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3320M

The Core i5-3320M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,660 points. Launch price was $225.

Xeon E5-2403 v2

The Xeon E5-2403 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,672 points. Launch price was $223.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3320M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5-2403 v2 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3320M versus 1.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2403 v2 — a 58.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-3320M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-3320M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3320M scores 2,660 against the Xeon E5-2403 v2's 2,672 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon E5-2403 v2. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3320M vs 10 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2403 v2.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Xeon E5-2403 v2
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+83%	1.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+44%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	10 MB (total)+233%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014)
PassMark	2,660	2,672

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3320M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i5-3320M versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon E5-2403 v2 — the Core i5-3320M supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2403 v2 supports up to 384 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 1100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-3320M) vs 3 (Xeon E5-2403 v2). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3320M) vs 24 (Xeon E5-2403 v2) — the Xeon E5-2403 v2 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Xeon E5-2403 v2
Socket	PGA988	LGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	384 GB+1100%
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	24+50%

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-3320M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E5-2403 v2). The Core i5-3320M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E5-2403 v2 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core i5-3320M rivals AMD A10-4600M.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Xeon E5-2403 v2
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Server

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3320M was priced at $225, while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 came in at $192. On launch pricing ($225 vs $192), Xeon E5-2403 v2 was $33 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3320M delivers 11.8 pts/$ vs 13.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2403 v2 — making the Xeon E5-2403 v2 the 16.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Xeon E5-2403 v2
MSRP	$225	$192-15%
Performance per Dollar	11.8	13.9+18%
Release Date	2012	2013

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