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 i5-3570K vs Xeon E5645 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 i5-3570K vs Xeon E5645: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3570K

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $69 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 31.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.1 vs 16.8 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 77W instead of 80W, a 3W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon E5645 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5645, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon E5645

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.2% 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: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,942 vs 4,971).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.8 vs 22.1 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3570K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3570K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3570K better than Xeon E5645?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5645 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-3570K 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, Core i5-3570K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3570K is the better buy right now. Core i5-3570K comes in $69 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon E5645 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 7.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 31.4% better value on MSRP (22.1 vs 16.8 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3570K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3570K vs Xeon E5645 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3570K

The Core i5-3570K 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 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: 4,971 points. Launch price was $235.

Xeon E5645

The Xeon E5645 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 12 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: 4,942 points. Launch price was $294.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3570K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5645 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5645 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-3570K versus 2.67 GHz on the Xeon E5645 — a 34.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-3570K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-3570K uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5645 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3570K scores 4,971 against the Xeon E5645's 4,942 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-3570K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3570K vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon E5645.

Feature	Core i5-3570K	Xeon E5645
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+42%	2.67 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+42%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
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	4,971	4,942
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3570K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5645 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3570K versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon E5645 — the Core i5-3570K supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5645 supports up to 288 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 800% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-3570K) vs 3 (Xeon E5645). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3570K) vs 0 (Xeon E5645) — the Core i5-3570K offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-3570K	Xeon E5645
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	288 GB+800%
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-3570K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-3570K) vs VT-x (Xeon E5645). The Core i5-3570K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E5645 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570K targets Legacy Gaming Desktop, Xeon E5645 targets Server. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570K rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i5-3570K	Xeon E5645
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	VT-x
Target Use	Legacy Gaming Desktop	Server

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3570K was priced at $225, while the Xeon E5645 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($225 vs $294), Core i5-3570K was $69 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3570K delivers 22.1 pts/$ vs 16.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E5645 — making the Core i5-3570K the 27.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3570K	Xeon E5645
MSRP	$225-23%	$294
Performance per Dollar	22.1+32%	16.8
Release Date	2012	2010

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