Core i5-4278U vs Xeon X5470

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 i5-4278U vs Xeon X5470 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 i5-4278U vs Xeon X5470: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4278U

2014

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Iris Graphics 5100, while Xeon X5470 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5470 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,826 vs 2,869).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5470, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌326.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 120W.

Xeon X5470

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 120W instead of 512W, a 392W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4278U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon X5470 better than Core i5-4278U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5470 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4278U 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 X5470 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.6% 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 X5470 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon X5470 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon X5470 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-4278U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4278U vs Xeon X5470 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4278U

The Core i5-4278U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,826 points. Launch price was $315.

Xeon X5470

The Xeon X5470 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Harpertown (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.33 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,869 points. Launch price was $1,386.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4278U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5470 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon X5470 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-4278U versus 0.33 GHz on the Xeon X5470 — a 161.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-4278U (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i5-4278U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5470 uses Harpertown (2007−2008) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4278U scores 2,826 against the Xeon X5470's 2,869 — a 1.5% lead for the Xeon X5470. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4278U vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X5470.

Feature	Core i5-4278U	Xeon X5470
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+839%	0.33 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	3.33 GHz+28%
L3 Cache	3 MB	12 MB L2 Cache+300%
L2 Cache	512 kB	6 MB (total)+1100%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Harpertown (2007−2008)
PassMark	2,826	2,869+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,688	—
Geekbench 6 Single	889	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,860	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4278U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5470 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4278U	Xeon X5470
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA771
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-4278U) / not specified (Xeon X5470). The Core i5-4278U includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Graphics 5100), while the Xeon X5470 requires a dedicated GPU.