Core i5-480M vs Xeon E5205

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 i5-480M vs Xeon E5205 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 i5-480M vs Xeon E5205: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-480M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Xeon E5205 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $81 MSRP, while Xeon E5205 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5205

2007

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,325 vs 1,327).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-480M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-480M better than Xeon E5205?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5205 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-480M is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-480M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-480M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-480M is the better buy right now. Core i5-480M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $81 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (16.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-480M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2007). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-480M vs Xeon E5205 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-480M

The Core i5-480M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,327 points. Launch price was $81.

Xeon E5205

The Xeon E5205 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 1.86 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,325 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-480M is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-480M scores 1,327 against the Xeon E5205's 1,325 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-480M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-480M vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon E5205.

Feature	Core i5-480M	Xeon E5205
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	2.93 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+43%	1.86 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB L2 Cache+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	1,327	1,325

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-480M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5205 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-480M	Xeon E5205
Socket	PGA988	LGA771
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-480M) / not specified (Xeon E5205). The Core i5-480M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Xeon E5205 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-480M rivals AMD Turion II M620.