Core i5-4350U vs Xeon E5606

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 i5-4350U vs Xeon E5606 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 i5-4350U vs Xeon E5606: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4350U

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,425 vs 2,443).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5606, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌540% higher power demand at 512W vs 80W.

Xeon E5606

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 80W instead of 512W, a 432W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4350U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E5606 better than Core i5-4350U?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5606 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4350U 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 E5606 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon E5606 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon E5606 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark.

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

Core i5-4350U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4350U vs Xeon E5606 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4350U

The Core i5-4350U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,425 points. Launch price was $342.

Xeon E5606

The Xeon E5606 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 2,443 points. Launch price was $46.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4350U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5606 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5606 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-4350U versus 0.13 GHz on the Xeon E5606 — a 182.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-4350U (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i5-4350U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5606 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4350U scores 2,425 against the Xeon E5606's 2,443 — a 0.7% lead for the Xeon E5606. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4350U vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E5606.

Feature	Core i5-4350U	Xeon E5606
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz+2131%	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	1.4 GHz	2.13 GHz+52%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,425	2,443

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4350U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5606 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.