Core i5-4400E vs Xeon X5560

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 i5-4400E vs Xeon X5560 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 i5-4400E vs Xeon X5560: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4400E

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Xeon X5560 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5560 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon X5560, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $266 MSRP, while Xeon X5560 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Xeon X5560

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,231 vs 3,251).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4400E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4400E better than Xeon X5560?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5560 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4400E 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 i5-4400E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4400E is the better buy right now. Core i5-4400E comes in at an unclear MSRP at $266 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon X5560 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 11.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4400E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4400E vs Xeon X5560 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4400E

The Core i5-4400E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) 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. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB + 3 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,251 points. Launch price was $266.

Xeon X5560

The Xeon X5560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Gainestown (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,231 points. Launch price was $44.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4400E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon X5560 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon X5560 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-4400E versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon X5560 — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-4400E (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-4400E uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon X5560 uses Gainestown (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4400E scores 3,251 against the Xeon X5560's 3,231 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-4400E. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4400E vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon X5560.

Feature	Core i5-4400E	Xeon X5560
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+3%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Gainestown (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,251	3,231

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4400E uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon X5560 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4400E versus DDR3-1333 on the Xeon X5560 — the Core i5-4400E supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-4400E) vs 3 (Xeon X5560).

Feature	Core i5-4400E	Xeon X5560
Socket	BGA1364	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	3+50%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4400E) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon X5560). The Core i5-4400E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Xeon X5560 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4400E targets Embedded, Xeon X5560 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Xeon X5560 rivals Core i3-2100.