Core i5-5250U 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 i5-5250U 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 i5-5250U 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 i5-5250U

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 6000, while Xeon E5606 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌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

✅+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 i5-5250U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,443 vs 2,450).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-5250U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-5250U better than Xeon E5606?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5606 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-5250U 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 i5-5250U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.6% 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, Core i5-5250U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-5250U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-5250U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-5250U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-5250U vs Xeon E5606 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-5250U

The Core i5-5250U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,450 points. Launch price was $315.

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 i5-5250U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5606 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5606 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-5250U versus 0.13 GHz on the Xeon E5606 — a 181.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-5250U (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i5-5250U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E5606 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-5250U scores 2,450 against the Xeon E5606's 2,443 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-5250U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-5250U vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E5606.

Feature	Core i5-5250U	Xeon E5606
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz+1977%	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.13 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,450	2,443

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-5250U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5606 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-5250U	Xeon E5606
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-5250U) / not specified (Xeon E5606). The Core i5-5250U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 6000), while the Xeon E5606 requires a dedicated GPU.