Core i5-3610ME vs Xeon E5-2407

Intel

Core i5-3610ME

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E5-2407

4 Cores4 Thrd80 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i5-3610ME vs Xeon E5-2407 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i5-3610ME vs Xeon E5-2407 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 i5-3610ME vs Xeon E5-2407: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3610ME

2012

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 80W, a 45W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon E5-2407 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,652 vs 2,659).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 10 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2407, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.6 vs 10.6 PassMark/$ ($276 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Xeon E5-2407

2012

Why buy it

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • +233.3% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
  • Costs $26 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $276 MSRP).
  • Delivers 10.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.6 vs 9.6 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $276 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 128.6% higher power demand at 80W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3610ME can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5-2407 better than Core i5-3610ME?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2407 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-3610ME 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 E5-2407 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 233.3% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Xeon E5-2407 is the better buy right now. Xeon E5-2407 comes in $26 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $276 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-3610ME is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 10.7% better value on MSRP (10.6 vs 9.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon E5-2407 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 233.3% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 3 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3610ME vs Xeon E5-2407 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-3610ME

The Core i5-3610ME 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,652 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Xeon E5-2407

The Xeon E5-2407 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,659 points. Launch price was $335.

Processing Power

The Core i5-3610ME packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2407 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5-2407 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3610ME versus 2.2 GHz on the Xeon E5-2407 — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i5-3610ME (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-3610ME uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2407 uses Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3610ME scores 2,652 against the Xeon E5-2407's 2,659 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon E5-2407. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3610ME vs 10240 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2407.

FeatureCore i5-3610MEXeon E5-2407
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.3 GHz+50%
2.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz+23%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
10240 kB (total)+233%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)
PassMark
2,652
2,659
Geekbench 6 Single
585
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3610ME uses the G2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2407 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-3610MEXeon E5-2407
Socket
G2
LGA1356
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3610ME) / not specified (Xeon E5-2407). The Core i5-3610ME includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E5-2407 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3610ME targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-3610ME rivals Embedded R-Series.

FeatureCore i5-3610MEXeon E5-2407
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Embedded
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3610ME was priced at $276, while the Xeon E5-2407 came in at $250. On launch pricing ($276 vs $250), Xeon E5-2407 was $26 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3610ME delivers 9.6 pts/$ vs 10.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2407 — making the Xeon E5-2407 the 10.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-3610MEXeon E5-2407
MSRP
$276
$250-9%
Performance per Dollar
9.6
10.6+10%
Release Date
2012
2012

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