Core i5-3320M vs Xeon E5-2403 v2
Core i5-3320M
Xeon E5-2403 v2
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-3320M is positioned at rank 65 and the Xeon E5-2403 v2 is on rank 747, so the Core i5-3320M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3320M
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2403 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3320M | Xeon E5-2403 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($61) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3320M | Xeon E5-2403 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+271%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($61) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-3320M and Xeon E5-2403 v2
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.
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 199.3% 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 — 169.2% 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+53233% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 384 GB+1258291100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 3+50% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| 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
The Core i5-3320M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-2403 v2 debuted at $192.
| Feature | Core i5-3320M | Xeon E5-2403 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $192-15% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $61 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2013 |
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