Core i5-3335S vs Xeon L5506

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 i5-3335S vs Xeon L5506 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 i5-3335S vs Xeon L5506: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3335S

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,672 vs 3,706).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Xeon L5506 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon L5506

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 60W instead of 65W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3335S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3335S better than Xeon L5506?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5506 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-3335S 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 L5506 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3335S is the better buy right now. Core i5-3335S comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon L5506 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.9% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (16.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3335S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2009) and 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3335S vs Xeon L5506 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3335S

The Core i5-3335S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,672 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon L5506

The Xeon L5506 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,706 points. Launch price was $125.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3335S and Xeon L5506 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3335S versus 0.13 GHz on the Xeon L5506 — a 184.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-3335S (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i5-3335S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon L5506 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3335S scores 3,672 against the Xeon L5506's 3,706 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon L5506. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3335S vs 4 MB (total) on the Xeon L5506.

Feature	Core i5-3335S	Xeon L5506
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+2362%	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+27%	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)+50%	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,672	3,706

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3335S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L5506 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.