Core i5-3450S vs Xeon X5647

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 i5-3450S vs Xeon X5647 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 i5-3450S vs Xeon X5647: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3450S

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5647 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,399 vs 4,441).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5647, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $174 MSRP, while Xeon X5647 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X5647

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5647 better than Core i5-3450S?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5647 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-3450S 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 X5647 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.9% 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 X5647 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon X5647 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon X5647 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $174 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3450S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (25.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i5-3450S 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 i5-3450S vs Xeon X5647 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3450S

The Core i5-3450S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (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: 4,399 points. Launch price was $150.

Xeon X5647

The Xeon X5647 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,441 points. Launch price was $175.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3450S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon X5647's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-3450S versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5647 — a 9% clock advantage for the Core i5-3450S (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i5-3450S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5647 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3450S scores 4,399 against the Xeon X5647's 4,441 — a 1% lead for the Xeon X5647. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-3450S vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon X5647.

Feature	Core i5-3450S	Xeon X5647
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+9%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	2.93 GHz+5%
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	4,399	4,441

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3450S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5647 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3450S	Xeon X5647
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1066
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3450S) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon X5647). Primary use case: Xeon X5647 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5647 rivals Core i7-980X.