Core i5-3320M vs Xeon E5607

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 E5607 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 E5607: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon E5607 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,660 vs 2,686).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5607, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.8 vs 19.9 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $135 MSRP).
❌540% higher power demand at 512W vs 80W.

Xeon E5607

2011

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
✅Costs $90 less on MSRP ($135 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 68.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.9 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($135 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 E5607 better than Core i5-3320M?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5607 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 streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E5607 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon E5607 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5607 comes in $90 cheaper on MSRP at $135 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-3320M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 68.3% better value on MSRP (19.9 vs 11.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-3320M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3320M vs Xeon E5607 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 E5607

The Xeon E5607 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 0.27 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,686 points. Launch price was $135.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3320M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5607 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5607 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3320M versus 0.27 GHz on the Xeon E5607 — a 169.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-3320M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core i5-3320M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5607 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3320M scores 2,660 against the Xeon E5607's 2,686 — a 1% lead for the Xeon E5607. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3320M vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E5607.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Xeon E5607
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+1122%	0.27 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+15%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,660	2,686

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3320M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5607 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Xeon E5607
Socket	PGA988	LGA1366
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 E5607). The Core i5-3320M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E5607 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3320M rivals AMD A10-4600M.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Xeon E5607
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 E5607 came in at $135. On launch pricing ($225 vs $135), Xeon E5607 was $90 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3320M delivers 11.8 pts/$ vs 19.9 pts/$ for the Xeon E5607 — making the Xeon E5607 the 50.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3320M	Xeon E5607
MSRP	$225	$135-40%
Performance per Dollar	11.8	19.9+69%
Release Date	2012	2011

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