Core i5-3320M vs Xeon E5-2407

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 E5-2407 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 E5-2407: 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

✅Costs $25 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 11.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.8 vs 10.6 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon E5-2407 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 10 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2407, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌540% higher power demand at 512W vs 80W.

Xeon E5-2407

2012

Why buy it

✅+233.3% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 80W instead of 512W, a 432W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,659 vs 2,660).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.6 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3320M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3320M better than Xeon E5-2407?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2407 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, Core i5-3320M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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, Core i5-3320M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3320M is the better buy right now. Core i5-3320M comes in $25 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 11.2% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 10.6 PassMark/$), 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 E5-2407 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-3320M vs Xeon E5-2407 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 E5-2407

The Xeon E5-2407 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,659 points. Launch price was $335.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3320M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2407 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5-2407 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3320M versus 2.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-2407 — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i5-3320M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-3320M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2407 uses Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3320M scores 2,660 against the Xeon E5-2407's 2,659 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-3320M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3320M vs 10240 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2407.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Xeon E5-2407
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+50%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+18%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	10240 kB (total)+233%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)
PassMark	2,660	2,659

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3320M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2407 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Xeon E5-2407
Socket	PGA988	LGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-3320M) / not specified (Xeon E5-2407). The Core i5-3320M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E5-2407 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3320M rivals AMD A10-4600M.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Xeon E5-2407
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3320M was priced at $225, while the Xeon E5-2407 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($225 vs $250), Core i5-3320M was $25 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3320M delivers 11.8 pts/$ vs 10.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2407 — making the Core i5-3320M the 10.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Xeon E5-2407
MSRP	$225-10%	$250
Performance per Dollar	11.8+11%	10.6
Release Date	2012	2012

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