Core i5-3550 vs Xeon X7460

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 i5-3550 vs Xeon X7460 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 i5-3550 vs Xeon X7460: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3550

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 77W instead of 130W, a 53W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,778 vs 4,803).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 16 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X7460, which brings 6 cores / 6 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $194 MSRP, while Xeon X7460 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X7460

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 6 threads.

Trade-offs

❌68.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 77W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3550 better than Xeon X7460?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X7460 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-3550 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 X7460 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i5-3550 is the better buy right now. Core i5-3550 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $194 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 33 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon X7460 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (24.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3550 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3550 vs Xeon X7460 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3550

The Core i5-3550 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,778 points. Launch price was $205.

Xeon X7460

The Xeon X7460 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 September 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Dunnington (2008) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 0.67 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 3 MB (per module). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA604. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,803 points. Launch price was $2,729.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3550 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X7460 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Xeon X7460 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-3550 versus 0.67 GHz on the Xeon X7460 — a 138.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-3550 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i5-3550 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X7460 uses Dunnington (2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3550 scores 4,778 against the Xeon X7460's 4,803 — a 0.5% lead for the Xeon X7460. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3550 vs 16 MB (total) on the Xeon X7460.

Feature	Core i5-3550	Xeon X7460
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+452%	0.67 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+24%	2.66 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	16 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+8433%	3 MB (per module)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Dunnington (2008)
PassMark	4,778	4,803

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3550 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X7460 uses PGA604 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3550	Xeon X7460
Socket	LGA1155	PGA604
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR2-667
RAM Channels	—	4
ECC Support	—	Yes

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3550) / VT-x (Xeon X7460). Primary use case: Xeon X7460 targets Server. Direct competitor: Xeon X7460 rivals Core i7-980X.